Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— The reconstruction of the Park Forest Aqua Center took another step toward reality. Recently, the Village announced the selection of Stuckey Construction as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the Aqua Center renovation project. This puts the renovations of the town’s aquatic attraction and one-of-a-kind oasis on track for a 2027 opening.
According to Kevin Adams, Director of Recreation, Parks & Community Health, the firm will “oversee all aspects of the construction of the project and, most importantly, will guarantee that the project will be completed at a certain maximum price.” The projected cost of the new facility is $10M.
The new facility, approved in late 2025, includes renovating the current east pool and constructing a new combined pool structure featuring a zero-depth pool, a slide tower with a plunge pool, and a four-lane lap pool. The old facility, which closed after the 2024 season, was in dire need of repairs.
Key Steps Required before Finalized Plans
Because the construction of aquatic centers is highly complex, the project architects suggested using a CMAR to protect the village’s interests. Adams stated that if construction exceeds the agreed-upon price, the CMAR is liable for the overruns. It will be the CMAR’s responsibility to prepare and disseminate project bids to construction firms.
The village also announced that Soil and Material Consultants, Inc., has completed soil borings to evaluate soil conditions, stability, and load-bearing capacity. Finally, Baxter-Woodman is conducting a detailed land title survey to verify all boundaries, easements, and utilities.
All of these steps are necessary before the village submits its final plan to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The IDPH approval process can be lengthy, but it is necessary before actual construction begins. Plans found to be deficient or requiring additional information can result in significant delays. Adams hopes the final plan will be ready for submission to the IDPH within the next 4-6 weeks.
Actual Construction Should Begin by the Fall
While these are important and necessary steps in the project, Adams cautions residents not to expect to see major construction in the immediate future.
“You will not see groundbreaking this summer. Everything will be handled behind the scenes to ensure that the plans submitted to the state are on a solid foundation. We have to work through the IDPH to ensure that the plans are approved. Once you get the sense that state approval is imminent, we need to be prepared to begin construction quickly. The Fall is when you might see some actual construction.”
Prospects for a 2027 Swim Season?
Adams affirmed that construction should take about 10 months. However, the opening date of the new facility will depend on the severity of the winter and any unforeseen issues. He is hopeful that the new facility will be open “in some capacity” by August of 2027. The renovated east pool, however, could open before that date.
