Lombard wants money to replace aging pool

Lombard Park District officials believe completely replacing Moran Water Park for $9 million is more logical than spending $7 million just to bring an aging facility up to current codes.

"It just makes good fiscal, responsible sense," Executive Director Paul Friedrichs said.

The park district is asking voters on the Feb. 5 ballot to borrow $5.9 million, mostly for the pool. The new facility is estimated to cost about $9 million, but the district already has $3.5 million set aside.

It is seeking the $5.9 million to replace the 50-year-old main pool, bathhouse and dive well, as well as the 20-year-old wading pool, water slides and concession stands.

Potential plans, posted on the district's Web site, www.lombardparks.com, include a new bathhouse, a separate zero-depth wading pool, and different configurations of a dive pool, lap and plunge pools, water slides and a leisure pool with either a current channel or vortex.

The new facility, which would be accessible for people with disabilities, would have more efficient systems and a better layout. Toddlers would not have to walk by deep water to get to shallow areas, for example.

"It was a fixer-upper for the last 20 years. Its time had come," Friedrichs said. "The pool was built with a referendum. It has to be replaced with a referendum."

Of the $5.9 million requested, roughly $500,000 would be earmarked for improvements to athletic fields, paved paths, parking lots and fitness equipment at other park sites.

The measure would add roughly $35 to the property tax bill of the owner of a $300,000 home, park officials said.

Once the debt is repaid, the tax increase would be removed from bills. That could happen as early as 16 years if interest rates drop as anticipated, park officials say.

If voters say yes, a new pool facility could open in time for the 2009 swim season.

Lombard Park District

What: The park district is asking voters for permission to borrow $5.9 million, mostly for a new community pool.

Cost: $35 more per year for the owner of a $300,000 house

If it passes: The district will demolish Moran Water Park and replace it with a new community pool facility and do some upgrades and maintenance at other park sites.

If it fails: The district will have no community pool.

Details: (630) 627-1281, www.lombardparks.com or www.people4theparks.com