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Aqua Center Adding Drop Slide and Climbing Wall


Aqua Center

The Aqua Center opens Saturday, June 7th. (Photo: VOPF)

Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— Proposed changes to the Park Forest Aqua Center are in the works that, when finalized, will find more sliding down while others climb up. The plans call for a drop slide and climbing wall to be installed in the west pool, where two diving boards previously stood. Village Board Members unanimously voted to approve the plan last Tuesday.

The drop slide shoots users out 4 to 5 feet above the water, after an almost completely vertical fall.

Climbing walls, a more popular trend for pools in recent years, can extend up to 14 feet above the water, inviting youth to challenge the wall before a “splash landing.” The bottom of the wall is submerged below water for safe mounting while the top juts out from its base for just as safe of a dismount.

Concerns surrounding the width and depth of the diving well of the west pool prompted the changes.

In accordance with today’s standards, the current width and depth of the diving well are inadequate to accommodate the two diving boards.  Village Recreation and Parks staff say the changes to replace the boards with new equipment will not only increase safety but will also add to the overall enjoyment and experience of youth at the pool.

Changes to replace the two diving boards with a drop slide and climbing wall will cost an estimated $25,000 and are scheduled for a 2008-2009 fiscal year implementation.

The Park Forest Aqua Center, winner of the 2007 Aquatic Safety Award, boasts two conventional pools, a 160-foot water slide with splash down pool, a beach pool for toddlers, sand play area and volleyball court and an always popular concession stand.

The Park Forest Aqua Center, located at 30 North Orchard, will open this year on Saturday, June 7th.  Membership information is available with the Recreation & Park Department at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, or by calling 708.748.2005.

Source: VOPF


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