Itasca Waterpark reopening Saturday with new bathhouse

The Itasca Waterpark is kicking off the summer with a grand reopening on Saturday to show off a new $4 million bathhouse and other renovations.

Capped to 250 people for the reopening for COVID-19 safety, the water park will have towel and sunglasses giveaways Saturday, as well as pool passes available for purchase. Pass prices on weekends are $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents, and $6 for residents and $10 for nonresidents for weekdays. Admission is $5 per person on weekday mornings.

People must register for swimming times and dates at itascaparkdistrict.com.

The biggest change is a new 6,000-square-foot bathhouse that replaces the 50-year-old original facility. It includes a 1,200-square-foot multipurpose classroom known as the "Hide-A-Way," two family restrooms, locker rooms, concessions and offices. The Hide-A-Way can be rented out for private parties and exercise classes.

Only the main pool and deep water pool will be open through July 2, with the large waterslide, drop-slide and diving boards rotating being open, according to the park district.

The Family Interactive Swimming Pool is expected to reopen July 3 with four new waterslides,

"It's very exciting to see this finally happen," park district Executive Director Maryfran Leno said.

The renovation was partially funded with a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The rest of the project was paid for with park district funds.

The bathhouse was slated to be torn down in 2019, but Leno said various construction contracts fell through and the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the process further. The pool was one of the three public pools in DuPage County to remain open during the pandemic.

The Itasca Waterpark has a swim team, private swim lessons and two Flick N' Float movie events on Thursday, July 15, and Thursday, Aug. 12.

"We're happy to get this great accessible building to the public. This pool has been open to the public for 50 years and it's been a great central hub for the community," Leno said.