Leaky roof still plaguing Glen Ellyn sports facility

Nearly six months after opening the $11.5 million Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, Glen Ellyn Park District officials still are trying to fix a roof that leaks any time there's a heavy rain.

Facility Manager Dan Kroger says the staff has worked to stay ahead of the weather but leaks persist in all four corners above the gymnasium and basketball court on the west side of the building at 800 St. Charles Road.

Kroger said towels and buckets have been set aside to combat the leaks and some staff members come in early in the morning following rain-soaked nights.

"It's a nuisance but we're on top of it," he said.

As his staff works to keep the facility safe, district officials continue working behind the scenes to figure out exactly what went wrong and what needs to be fixed - along with who will pay for it.

Executive Director Cory Atwell said officials are waiting for advice from Joliet-based Division Seven Roof Consultant and their general contractor on the project, Crete-based Professional Building Services. Bloomingdale-based T.A. Bowman Constructors hired subcontractors to install the facility's roof.

Atwell said he expects word to come before Tuesday's park board meeting.

Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo said Joliet-based Imperial Roofing did the original work. Officials have been discussing the leaks in closed session since February.

"Any time you finish a building and inside it's gorgeous and everything, and then to have three of four leaks, that's frustrating," Atwell said.

Atwell said several options are on the table but litigation would not be his preferred approach.

"I don't look at that as the answer," he said. "Everybody wants to make this right."

The leaks were discovered Jan. 16, just days before the facility was set for its grand opening. Kroger said they've continued since then.

He said residents have mentioned the leaks but have been, for the most part, patient.

"So far, our members have been fabulous and very understanding," he said. "And the staff has been on top of it whenever it happens."

"We're just doing what we can to stay on top of it and I'm sure the people who are working on it (behind the scenes) will get this fixed," Kroger said.

Park Commissioner Melissa Creech said Wednesday that roofing experts have been called in to assess the situation and any damage the leaks have caused.

Ackerman has been a source of controversy since it opened Jan. 23 with a price tag that far exceeded the $7.4 million taxpayers approved in a referendum question.

Commissioners who supported the added expenditures said they did so because they wanted to make sure the facility was built correctly.

Opponents said the board exceeded its authority and overspent.