Wauconda voters get chance to back new pool

For decades, Wauconda has been hoping and saving for a community pool.

Now park district officials will take their shot with the recent announcement they will put on the February ballot a referendum request to pay for the expected $11.5 million to $12 million pool.

A 2000 referendum request to build a pool in Wauconda failed by only 70 votes, so Wauconda Park District Director Nancy Burton said it's important to determine how to meet residents' needs.

"We want to make it a facility they want," she said. "That's why we're having these public forums."

The park district will hold the second of three public forums at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at the community center, 600 N. Main St., to ask residents what they would like to see in a new pool or aquatic center.

Suggestions so far have included lap lanes, a tot area, a "lazy river" spot with a slow-moving current.

"A lot of those things we were taking into consideration anyway," Burton said, adding she's been pleased to hear residents being realistic about what can be done on a smaller budget.

"I think our group is very understanding that balance has to take place," she said. "We're looking at it (thinking) what's the best value for our dollar."

Burton said the exact amount to be requested in the election will be determined after the pool's amenities have been chosen.

The district and local volunteers have been working for years to bring a pool to Wauconda.

In 2006, the park district chose firm Sente, Rubel, Bosman and Lee to conduct a feasibility study on building a pool. And earlier this year, the Wauconda Swimming Pool Foundation donated $65,000 to the park district to help make the pool a reality.

Burton said members in the foundation, which was formed more than 30 years ago, would probably be overjoyed to see their work completed.

"(Even) back then, they had the goal of some type of aquatic facility in the community," Burton said. "It would be probably a tremendous accomplishment."