Addison pool plan makes a splash

The Addison Park District board hopes voters will approve a new aquatic center slated to include a lazy river, competition lanes, inner-tube slides and a splash pool.

Preliminary designs for the center that will cost approximately $11 million were unveiled to park board members Monday by Doug Holzrichter, of PHN Architects in Wheaton.

The aquatic center would be erected in Centennial Park near Route 53 and would replace the current, deteriorating pool and waterslides located on Oak Street.

To fund the new center, which Holzrichter said could be complete by May 2010, the board is preparing for a referendum to ask voters to approve a property tax increase.

Janis Jordan, park district superintendent of finance and administration, said Monday the increase would equal less than $6 per month over 20 years for a home valued at $250,000.

If voters say 'yes' next February, the pool is set to feature an eight-lane lap pool with a spectator viewing area. That pool will connect with a zero-depth leisure pool and a vortex pool.

Other amenities planned for the aquatic center are: A deeper diving pool with two diving boards and a drop slide; a lazy river that encircles two traditional waterslides and two innertube slides that exit into a plunge pool; a possible spray ground and water walk; concession and shade areas; landscaping buffers between the pools and Route 53.

"We really want to look at the wow-factor," said Holzrichter. "We want something that people will keep coming back to again and again."

Another goal of the proposed center is to provide all-ages attractions and versatile structures. Holzrichter said the main pool would be suitable for water polo, volleyball and basketball.

Whether or not voters approve a tax increase to fund the new aquatic center, the current pool site is set to become part of Addison's 158-acre Town Center plan. The plan is a 20-year project that will bring a mix of new residences, offices and businesses to Addison.