Wheeling Park District releases new images of planned aquatic center

Wheeling Park District officials have released new artwork of the features planned for a $30 million water park.

More than a dozen images created by an architectural firm called Confluence can be found at wheelingparkdistrict.com.

“This is an exciting moment for our community, as these images represent the future of the Wheeling Park District and our commitment to creating an accessible space where friends and families can connect for years to come,” park district Deputy Director Matt Wehby said in an email.

The facility will be built on Community Boulevard near village hall and the park district’s Community Recreation Center. Until its recent demolition, the district’s Family Aquatic Center stood there.

A 16,500-square-foot swimming pool, a smaller pool just for adults, a play structure, two body slides and a drop slide are among the amenities planned for the new water park. A bath house, a concession area, party shelters and a space for cabanas are in the works, too.

Funding will come from district reserves, a loan and other sources, officials have said.

Construction should be completed by spring or summer 2027.

The Family Aquatic Center was demolished in April. It had opened in 1993 and was one of the first publicly owned water parks in the suburbs.

Some materials from the old park, such as concrete decking, will be recycled and used in the new one, officials said.