Antioch approves $2.24 million construction bid for new aquatic center

The village of Antioch isn’t wasting any time with its $2 million project to build a new aquatic center.

The day after the current facility at Williams Park closes on Aug. 19, construction on the new center will begin, village officials said.

Trustees approved a construction bid of more than $2.24 million from Stuckey Construction Co. at Monday’s village board meeting.

While they wait for the Illinois Department of Public Health to approve the pool’s final design, there is some work that can be done without receiving a permit, Trustee Scott Pierce said.

Pierce said public works employees will help with demolition on the outside of the pool in order to reduce costs.

The new aquatic center is set to open by Memorial Day 2013 and will feature an L-shaped competition pool with six lap lanes and zero-depth entry, a whirlpool, 20-foot water slide and diving board. It will also include a new building to house mechanics, such as water pumps, and serve as a concession stand.

The project is a scaled-back version of what it was last fall. After a state grant application was rejected, the village downsized what had originally been a nearly $5 million project.

“I think we’ve limited ourselves by staying at this location, but I understand the reality of the finances,” Pierce said.

The aquatic center will be funded with $2 million from Lake County recovery zone economic development bonds.