Addison Park District ponders new pool

With the new splash pad just opened at the Addison Park District's Family Aquatic Center, the park board now is focusing on how to deal with the center's aging pool and waterslides.

Board President Donald Jessen said officials are considering asking voters to approve a property tax increase so money can be raised to pay for a new pool.

A formal decision on whether to seek a ballot question during the Feb. 5 primary hasn't been made. In the meantime, parks officials are doing their homework.

This week, the park board discussed choosing a company to underwrite the loan, as well as hiring a financial adviser to ensure the park district secures the best loan rates.

Jessen said the cost of a new pool is undetermined. Architects are slated to present estimates on Aug. 15.

The board is considering First Trust Portfolios of Lisle to underwrite the tentative loan and to help educate residents on this issue. The contract for 100 hours of publicity service would cost up to $10,500.

In addition to First Trust's work pushing the referendum, the park also plans to form a citizens committee to advocate for the measure. It likely would be comprised of existing members of the poll committee, Jessen said.

Next week, the park district will conduct an automated phone survey of residents to see what they want in a new pool.

If voters approve the tax increase in February, the board plans to hire a financial adviser.

Janis Jordan, park district superintendent of finance and administration, said hiring an adviser would cost between $10,000 to $15,000, but could save the district money.

"With rates varying between $6 and $12 per bond, that could be a difference of $60,000 to $120,000," Jordan said. "That's a strong message we can send to our community; that we've done our homework on this issue."

No company has been considered yet to serve as an adviser.

However the new pool is financed, officials say the upgrade will be essential within the next few years due to deteriorating facilities.

Since 2004, the aquatic center's three-route waterslide has been closed because it can scratch swimmers. Repairs would cost about $130,000. The park district plans to tear down the slides this fall and, later, close the main pool before reopening in a new location.

"That pool's about had it," Jessen said.

Parks officials are leaning toward Centennial Park for the new location, especially since Addison's plans to build a Town Center will encroach upon the existing pool site.

"We already have the property (at Centennial Park), which saves us a lot of money" Jessen said.

The newly-built splash pad will remain open at its location at 120 Oak St.