Carol Stream Park District considers indoor pool, recreation center

A new indoor pool could be on the way for Carol Stream residents, replacing one that closed a few years ago.

The park district has been conducting surveys for the past year to see what residents want in town, and many have expressed interest in indoor swimming facilities.

The district's former Collins pool in Armstrong Park was closed because officials said the aging facility was beyond repair.

Besides a pool, residents also have shown interest in building a new multipurpose recreation building to replace the Aldrin Community Center in Armstrong Park.

"We do community needs surveys every three to five years," said Julie Vogl, director of marketing services for the district.

The district has been doing a more intense survey lately to see if a new building, with the pool and a multipurpose area, would garner community support.

The focus groups from last year, interviews with residents and community leaders this year, and the 2008 communitywide survey also found residents want more lights and trails in the parks, as well as a fitness area.

A second community forum will be held in August to give residents options for a community center. A final session will be in September.

"We're trying to get some direction; what exactly is going to be in there, where are we going to put it," Vogl said.

Vogl said the district has discussed refinancing some of its bonds because of lower interest rates, which will provide enough money to build a center without raising taxes.

Whether the district pursues such an option depends on the feedback it gets from residents.

Anyone who is unable to attend the forums but still wants to give an opinion can call the district at (630) 784-6100 or e-mail at info@csparks.org.

Information from the surveys and the public input soon will be available at csparks.org.