New pool brings a bit of Paradise to Lombard

The palm trees aren't real, though they look so lifelike you might have touch one to be sure.

The Wipeout bowl slide promises Wisconsin Dells-like thrills. (A tip to all grown-ups who try it: Keep your chin tucked).

And when Lombard's new Paradise Bay Water Park opens Saturday, it will be with a huge splash. Literally.

The ribbon cutting is at 10:30 a.m., followed by a countdown at 11 a.m. Everybody is invited to line up along the pool edge, then jump into the water at the same time.

"It's going to be the start of something wonderful for the community," said park district Executive Director Paul Friedrichs, "and hopefully a lot more people will be jumping in (this summer)."

The roughly $9,3 million new aquatic facility at 433 E. St. Charles Road includes the 140,000-gallon Hurricane Cove leisure pool; a 12-foot dive well with two diving boards and a drop slide; an eight-lane lap pool and a zero-depth tot pool.

Lombard residents voted in 2008 to raise taxes to build a new pool to replace the aging Moran Water Park. The old pool needed at least $7 million in repairs, officials said.

The new pool was finished on time and under budget, Friedrichs said. "We're still putting change orders through; it won't be six figures (under budget) but it will be in the thousands."

The teenage lifeguards tried out the Wipeout, the Sidewinder body slide and the Pipeline speed slide last weekend. "They loved all three of them," Friedrichs said.

All the pools have either a zero edge or stairs for accessibility.

The new water park features a full range of programming for all ages, from preschool storytime ("One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish" and "Rainbow Fish") to "Night in Paradise," a romantic poolside evening for adults complete with soft music, checkered tablecloths, Italian cuisine and gelato.

Lessons include how to swim, snorkeling, SCUBA, kayaking and water aerobics. Sports include water volleyball and basketball, and special programs range from a family carnival and "dive-in" movie ("Surf's Up") to teen nights.

The Calypso Cafe will offer hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and a wide variety of packaged ice cream treats.

Admission is by season pass, or $8 for adult residents and $6 for child and senior residents. Evening rates are lower.

For details about hours, fees, lessons and special programming, visit lombardparks.com or call (630) 627-6127.