Excellence In Aquatics

Parks & Recreation, Nov, 1998 by Mark Richwine

After receiving overwhelming favorable responses from surveys, the district's focus turned toward construction of a new facility. In March 1994, a $13.5 million multi-use recreation and aquatic facility was approved. The new outdoor Pelican Harbor Water Park was completed in dune 1996, one year ahead of schedule. This facility was just one portion of the new complex, which opened three months later, and included a gymnasium, indoor playground, dance studio, fitness center, offices, and an indoor aquatic complex directly adjacent to Pelican Harbor. This simultaneously operated indoor/outdoor aquatic complex is the only one of its kind in the state.

The indoor aquatic center features an 80,000-gallon, zero-depth activity pool with spraying attractions and a 50-foot-long waterslide; a 25-yard, six-lane lap pool; a 10-person hot tub spa; an observation and party deck; and locker facilities, which it shares with the fitness center. Pelican Harbor features a 250,000-gallon, zero-depth pool; two 75-foot water slides; body flumes and inner tube; spray playground with soft play surface; sand play area with volleyball and dry sand playground; coed family changing room; turf and sun areas; party decks; and full-service concessions area.

This year-round operation has provided the opportunity to develop new aquatic programs as well as expand on existing programs. In 1993, less than 1,800 people participated in 89 available aquatic programs; four years later, more than 170 aquatic programs attracted some 4,400 participants. Programs offered include infant/parent swim classes; toddler, youth, and adult learn-to-swim; senior and aqua step aerobics; swim team; scuba diving; community water-safety classes; CPR and first-aid instruction; and ice-safety classes. There were also 500 birthday parties, which served more than 11,000 guests, in 1997.

Financially there is no comparison between the operations. In 1993, expenses exceeded revenues, resulting in a deficit of more than $125,000. In 1997, for the first time in eight years, Bolingbrook Park District's aquatic operations enjoyed a net surplus of more than $60,000.

CLASS V

Miamisburg, Ohio

In 1994, the city of Miamisburg's aquatic program embarked on a three-year project to develop a new 41-acre community park and family aquatic center. The funding for this project was unique in that $4.6 million was provided by the Department of Energy. The city's existing 60-year-old aquatic complex was located next to a super-fund clean-up site that required its closing during completion of the project. The grant funded the construction of a new aquatic center and park. The cost for Phase I of the project totaled $5.1 million, with the facilities opening in June 1997.

Part of the design process included the development of a citizen committee that assisted staff and the consultant team in visiting other community facilities, learning about new aquatic trends, and soliciting feedback from the general community. Also, as a result of a community "name the pool" contest, the facility is known as "Sycamore Trails Aquatic Center--The Splash Zone."