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"Children can bike or walk to the pool more easily in their own neighborhood. That probably means more weekly visits than if the pool was across town." — Roger Key, director of recreation and facilities at the Arlington Heights Park District

Recreation is increasingly important in our busy and complicated world of computers and cell phones. In play, many are choosing activities that stem from a simpler way of life, when summers were spent with family and familiar faces from the neighborhood at the local "swimming hole." This is evident in a recent trend toward neighborhood pools. "There is a shift from theme waterparks," says Brian Wright, project coordinator at PHN Architects of Wheaton, Ill. "Agencies are designing their swimming pools to cater to local residents." For the purpose of this article, a "neighborhood pool" is defined as a pool designed to serve residents of a specific community or subdivision. Neighborhood pools are generally smaller than a waterpark (which tends to attract users from a large region). The local pools are quieter, with fewer bells and whistles.

The traditional neighborhood pool built in the '60s and '70s usually was made up of a rectangular lap and diving pool, wading pool, concrete deck, small concession stand and a bathhouse. As these facilities age, many agencies are wondering what they can do to salvage their pools. The answer varies for each agency, depending on budget, condition of crucial framework (shell, piping, and circulation), and most importantly, what the residents want.

When considering what to do with its 40-year-old Meadows Park pool, the Mount Prospect Park District formed a pool committee, made up of residents, and conducted a survey. "The survey revealed that the community did not want an aquatic park," says Walt Cook, director at the Mount Prospect Park District. "People wanted a more traditional type of pool, like an 'old-time swimming hole.'" The park district tore down the old Meadows Park pool because the structure was irreparable. Construction will begin on the new facility in 2001. When the Arlington Heights Park District's Pioneer Park pool reached its 50th birthday, the park district decided to start fresh. "Residents were visiting pools in other towns because Pioneer Park lacked newer amenities, such as zero depth and water play features," says Brian Huckstadt, director of parks and planning at the park district. PHN worked with the park district to design an enhanced neighborhood park pool that would not seem

Photograph by Maria Cumpota for the city of Elgin Parks and Recreation Department.

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Arlington Heights Park District's Pioneer Park pool is the first of five "neighborhood pools" to be reconstructed with some new Features (zero depth, splash features), yet retain its local feel.

like a waterpark. Three new pools were constructed: a zero depth with water play features, wading pool, and diving pool with drop slide. A modern bathhouse and concession stand were also built. One of five neighborhood pools in Arlington Heights, the new and improved Pioneer Park pool attracted 28 percent to 50 percent of pool users in the community in 2000, proving itself to be a huge success. Whenever possible, Doug Hoizrichter, partner of PHN Architects, recommends constructing a new facility, rather than refurbishing. The average life expectancy of a pool is 20 to 30 years, depending on maintenance. Says Hoizrichter: "Beyond that, making repairs is like using band-aids." Refurbishing an existing pool would increase life expectancy 10 to 15 years, but the cost to construct a new facility would only be about 70 percent more. This is less than twice the cost (of refurbishment), yet the life span is increased by twice as much. Hoizrichter says the decision to refurbish an existing pool is usually driven by budget constraints. "In these cases, it is crucial that the shell, piping, and circulation are in good shape," says Hoizrichter. If the pool interior is cracking, but the structure is in good shape, a pool liner can be permanently installed. Pool liners are made of poly vinyl chloride (reinforced vinyl) and last more than ten years.

If you are going to renovate, consider the following amenities so that residents will be able to enjoy some of the same amenities of a waterpark, without losing the neighborhood feel:

• Landscaping and sun turf to make the facility more "comfortable;"

• A zero-depth edge to give users better accessibility and a variety of water depths;

• A drop slide next to a diving board, potentially in a separate diving well; and

• Water spray features.

Your facility may be out of code. Check with Illinois Swimming Pool and Beach Bathing Code, which was updated in May of 1999. It is also important to note the Americans with Disabilities Act, which took effect in 1991.

"Facilities should be brought up to current code standards to ensure they will safely serve residents now and in the future," says Hoizrichter, adding that a zero-depth pool is the best solution to making a pool more handicapped accessible.

"This allows people to enter in shallow water, similar to a beach."

In addition to the pool itself, adjustments will most likely be needed at the admission and concession counters and in the bathhouse.

Neighborhood pools have an "ease of visits" advantage over waterparks, says Roger Key, director of recreation and facilities at the Arlington Heights Park District.

"Children can bike or walk (to the pool) more easily in their own neighborhood," he says. "That probably means more weekly visits than if the pool was across town."

And parents feel more comfortable sending their children to a smaller facility with more familiar faces.

"Parents like knowing their children are not among strangers," adds Key.

Camelot, Heritage, and Frontier pools in Arlington Heights are reaching the tail end of their life expectancies. Because of the success of Pioneer Park, the park district has decided to bring these pools up-to-date while

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maintaining a local resident pool feel. A referendum was recently passed that will allow for new pools, which will each likely feature a six-lane lap pool with connected zero depth and separate diving well.

"The focus is to swim," says Wright.

On a side note, Wright recommends a construction management approach to a project such as Arlington Heights: "Because each project is similar, by managing all three at once under one umbrella there is a level of service provided to the client that can not be reached by assigning separate general contractors."

Palos Heights is another community that is opting for a neighborhood pool. The park district's pool is 30 years old and in need of repair. Surveys went out and residents said they wanted more shallow water (30 inches to 5 feet). The park district is currently evaluating their options.

When it is time for new equipment and a new look at your pool, consider carefully what residents want before forging ahead. Form committees and conduct surveys. Maybe patrons in your community want a large waterpark with more amenities to choose from. Though the trend may be towards neighborhood pools, it is most important to give your residents what they want. •

JENNIFER STIMAC
is free-lance writer for PHN Architects, architects and planners specializing in recreation facilities.

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