Libertyville High pool work could begin in spring

Long-planned facility improvements at the Libertyville High School aquatic center could begin in spring 2010 if the school board approves the proposal next week, officials said Wednesday.

The roughly $1 million project is designed to improve air quality in the pool area. The area can get very humid now, said Yasmine Dada, Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128's assistant superintendent for business.

"It can get uncomfortable," Dada said.

The effort calls for the construction of a nearly 2,000-square-foot building next to the existing pool area. It will hold a new air-distribution unit and have room for storage, Dada said.

The equipment could extend the life of the pool by up to 20 years, officials have said.

The school board's facility and finance committee approved the plan Monday night. The full board is expected to vote on the proposal when it meets at 7 p.m. Monday at Vernon Hills High School.

Once a contractor is hired, work could begin in April or May, "with minimal disruptions for students," Dada said. Officials hope it will be completed in August.

Most of the work will be done outside the existing pool area. Some swimming events could be rescheduled or relocated this summer when workers are inside the facility.

Ideally, that will happen during a time when the pool already is scheduled to be closed for other repairs, Dada said.

Money for the project is included in the District 128 budget.

Some community members have campaigned for a massive overhaul of the aquatic center that could cost $13 million to $16 million by Dada's most recent estimates.

That proposal likely won't be considered for several years, Dada said. A tax-rate increase would be needed to pay for the work, she said.