Lombard residents get a deal on pool

Lombard residents will pay even less for their new community pool.

The Lombard Park District's financial consultant reported Tuesday night that Harris Bank gave the district a roughly 3.64 percent interest rate earlier in the day.

That means owners of a $300,000 home will pay roughly $30 more annually for 16 years instead of $35, as previously forecasted, said Paul Friedrichs, executive director of the park district.

"The interest rate had a great effect," Friedrichs said.

Given voter approval earlier this month, the district is borrowing $5.9 million mostly to replace Moran Water Park.

On Tuesday, the park board also made it official that the district is moving forward with Option 3.2, which has a separate eight-lane lap pool and detached diving well. That layout will enable the rest of the water park -- zero-depth wading, leisure and plunge pools -- to remain open while swim meets occur.

"This one really suits everybody's needs," board President Char Roberts said. "The layout is age-appropriate."

The amenities for older children, such as the water slide and bowl slide, will be at the south end of the property. The wading pool will be just outside the bathhouse.

The construction still fits the district's initial timeline, Friedrichs said.

FGM Architects' John Dzarnowski said he expects final design plans to be ready in mid-April and construction drawings to be finished in May. Demolition is expected to begin in June and construction to follow in the fall.

"It's terrific," said board Vice President Keith Giagnorio. "I'm looking forward to it. It's one of the focal points of the town."

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The district is still aiming for a June 2009 opening.

Officials are talking with neighboring park districts to see about getting discounted passes for Lombard residents at their pools. Lombard expects to get word in mid-March so the information can be included in summer brochures.