Naperville parks OKs Centennial Beach concession changes

Your order could soon be up at Centennial Beach as Naperville Park District commissioners Thursday moved forward with plans for a full-concession facility.

With the exception of Andrew Schaffner, commissioners approved Thursday a $204,000 change order to adhere to county health department rules and purchase about $40,000 worth of kitchen appliances and tools.

Plans for a new concession building with the capability for outdoor grilling were thrown for a loop earlier this spring when officials learned the DuPage County Health Department will not allow them to cook outdoors except with a 14-day permit.

"We could only apply for two of those per year," Parks Director Ray McGury said. "That wasn't going to suit our needs at this location."

Park district planners went back to the drawing board and revised the concession building designs, enlarging the building to fit the necessary equipment indoors.

Director of Planning Eric Shutes said he expects work to begin on the project the week after Labor Day, installing cooking equipment like a kitchen hood, fire suppression system, gas-fired griddle and char broiler into the building that will replace the current concession trailer.

The new concession facility not only will be serving beach patrons but also will be accessible to anyone else along the Riverwalk.

Commissioners will also decide during an Aug. 26, workshop whether the park district will handle the food service or if it will contract with a vendor.

"It's really going to be a cost-savings benefit discussion," Shutes said. "That's what it will ultimately come down to."

Parks staff have previously said annual concession revenues at the beach are currently about $80,000 but could go up to $140,000.

The new concession building is part of a larger $4.5 million project that also includes renovating the bathhouse at Centennial Beach.

The plans call for improved lockers and restrooms, a new entrance area and improved drop-off area.

Other enhancements include a platform lift to improve handicapped accessibility, new mechanical systems and other infrastructure upgrades.