Opinions wanted on Centennial bathhouse

Before the Naperville Park District dives into Centennial Beach bathhouse improvements, it is asking the public for their opinion.

The park district will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave. Visitors will have a chance to tour the facility and give their thoughts about possible enhancements.

"We're extremely excited about this and interested in what the public has to say about it and we can't wait to start working through this," said Eric Shutes, director of planning.

Centennial Beach's limestone bathhouse was built in 1934 to serve the beach, which is an old quarry site. Shutes said the park district would like to make some updates while preserving its historical value.

Last year, the American Institute of Architects named Centennial Beach one of the 150 greatest places in Illinois.

"We're not looking to replace (the bathhouse) but looking to enhance it - what do we need to add, modify, bring up to code in order to function at a much greater or more efficient (level) than it does now," Shutes said.

For example, the changing room, showers and mechanical systems are potential candidates for updates but Shutes said everything is up for discussion and there are not currently any price estimates on the project.

Vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle circulation to and from the bathhouse will also be studied.

This fall there will be public input sessions as the process moves forward. Any construction would be done between the 2009 and 2010 beach seasons.