Hopkins Pool Renovation Project

Hopkins Pool is the DeKalb Park District's family-friendly aquatic facility featuring a concession area, a lap pool with two water slides, a zero-depth kiddie pool, and a diving area with one-meter and three-meter driving boards.

Although the pool has evolved over the years (see history below), the aquatic facility footprint is nearly 90 years old! With an aging infrastructure, a pool renovation is needed or the facility risks closing due to the continuation of expensive repairs. 

The District is ready to invest in our family-friendly aquatic facility for current and future generations to continue enjoying our aquatic amenities.   

In the process of gathering community feedback regarding the future of Hopkins Pool, an Aquatics Community Engagement Survey was posted and shared March 1 - April 1, 2022, with 830 respondents. View the results below! 

Survey Results 

The Larson and Darby Group presented additional options to the Park Board that were gathered during the summer Pool Advisory Committee meetings on 9/22/22 , 10/19/22, and 01/19/23.

After considering several pool design concepts and costs, estimated pricing for these plans ranged from $10 million to beyond $16 million. After considering a 20-year financial outlook for the District, it was concluded the District could only fund a pool project between $8 million and $8.5 million, based on future capital needs and the estimated annual bond payment.

Staff recommended an updated “2023 Renovation Plan” vs. a complete pool replacement, as a fiscally responsible option consisting of several of the recommended options from public feedback. Moving in this direction was discussed and approved by the Park Board at the February 23, 2023, Park Board Meeting. 

Staff will continue working with the Larson and Darby Group on the next phases of Design Development and Construction Documents.

Renovation Plan

The tentative “2023 Renovation Plan” consists of the following elements: 

• Renovation of existing locker rooms, including new bathrooms & a bridal suite for rentals
• New lifeguard offices & storage rooms
• New/separate entrance to the pool
• New mechanical equipment/piping/main pool floor
• New Myrtha walls and flooring for the 50-meter pool
• New children’s play structure & spray features
• New waterslide(s)
• New shade structures & pavilion
• Newly renovated mechanical room
• New concession area
• New furniture & fixtures

The “2023 Renovation Plan” does not include a diving well with diving boards or a zero-depth pool. There are concerns regarding the removal of the current diving well as this is an element the current users enjoy, and the concept did not include a zero-depth entry as recommended by the DeKalb Community Pool Advisory Committee. When the pool renovation goes out to bid, two potential alternates will be 1.) the renovation of the diving well, and 2.) the addition of a zero-depth entrance in the approximate location of the current diving well. 

Staff will continue working with the Larson and Darby Group on the next phases of Design Development and Construction Documents.

Hopkins Pool Renovation Project Updates

Hopkins Pool Concept A as of 12/7/23
Hopkins Pool Concept B as of 12/7/23

Hopkins Pool Update 1/18/24

Hopkins Pool Update 2/22/24

Hookins Pool Update 3/28/24

During the DeKalb Park Board of Commissioners meeting held on March 28, 2024, Jim Leppert of IHC and Executive Director John Shea shared notable developments. The latter delivered a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation detailing the modifications to the Hopkins Renovation plans since the February Board Meeting. The primary objective of these alterations is to ensure that the project remains within the financial constraints of the Park District's budget while retaining the essence and quality of the original design.

Several adjustments have been introduced to the overall site plan to achieve this goal while maintaining the intended user experience and essential services. These revisions encompass various facets, including the utilization of the existing Aquatics office within the Hopkins Community Center, integration of enhanced landscaping elements throughout the site, reshaping the wading (baby) pool to accommodate the current capacity, redesigning the fast pass entrance located in the north parking lot, and reconfiguring the main entrance accessible through the south parking lot.

It was communicated that both IHC and Park District staff are diligently reviewing the project's scope of work. They plan to present an updated project cost during the April 25, 2024, Board of Commissioners Meeting. Moreover, it was highlighted that the submission for an IDPH permit would be delayed until the beginning or middle of May due to ongoing modifications to the existing site plan.

Following the comprehensive presentation, Executive Director Shea engaged with the Board of Commissioners about the next steps. It was collectively acknowledged that an additional budget allocation of $30,000 or more would be necessary if the decision were made to open the pool for the upcoming summer season. However, it was unanimously agreed upon by all present Board members to continue with the renovation design development and construction documents, leading to the commencement of demolition and construction during the summer of 2024, pending finances. 

The Board directed staff to proceed with the renovation plan as proposed, with the target of reopening Hopkins Pool in the summer of 2025. This led to the official closing of Hopkins Pool for the summer of 2024.

Once the plans are finalized, staff and consultants will organize a series of public open houses to provide information regarding the updated plans and the revised timeline leading to the grand opening of 2025.

During the February 22, 2024, Board of Commissioners Meeting, the Executive Director provided an extensive update on the advancement of the Pool Renovation Project. A thorough PowerPoint presentation detailing key aspects, such as the revised site map, was presented. Notably, completing design development drawings represents a significant achievement in the project's timeline.

Moreover, MEP, civil, and structural engineers conduct comprehensive on-site assessments to complete the construction documents. This collaborative effort ensures that every aspect of the renovation is carefully considered and meticulously planned.

In addition, it was announced during the meeting that soil boring activities across the site are slated to commence within the next two weeks. This crucial step is essential for evaluating ground conditions and informing subsequent construction planning decisions.

Jim Lappert, representing IHC, shared valuable insights into ongoing efforts to engage with construction and manufacturing firms. His report highlighted the proactive measures being taken to obtain updated pricing information. Mr. Lappert expressed confidence in finalizing a comprehensive cost estimate for the entire project within the next few weeks.

Furthermore, Mr. Lappert emphasized the critical importance of the regulatory approval process, mainly the submission of the necessary permit application to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The Park District plans to submit a permit to IDPH by early April. 

During the Board of Commissioners Meeting on January 18, 2024, Stephen Nelson, with Larson and Darby, discussed the progress of the Pool Project since the last meeting. This included concepts of spray features for the baby pool.

During the Board of Commissioners Meeting on December 7, 2023, Stephen Nelson, representing Larson and Darby, unveiled two innovative layout concepts featuring the proposed new entranceway and locker rooms initially introduced on November 16, 2023. Both concepts strategically incorporated a repositioned slide tower in proximity to the existing diving well.

The slide tower is intricately designed, featuring one slide directing into the 50-meter main pool and an additional run-out slide. Notably, the location of the run-out slide differs between concept "A" and concept "B." While the project's base bid includes a single slide exiting into the main pool, an alternate concept with two slides will be bid, subject to budget considerations.

Moreover, each concept introduces concessions areas and party/camp locations positioned at varying spots. The wading pool (baby pool) rotates clockwise within both concepts. Importantly, a fast pass season pass entry is now situated on the pool's north side, closer to the tennis courts. Additionally, landscaping plans involve incorporating trees and shrubs on the east side of the pool footprint, adjacent to Route 23.

As the existing diving well does not meet the IDPH code, neither concept "A" nor "B" includes a diving well. In the February 23, 2023, Board of Commissioners Meeting, the diving well was identified as a potential alternate bid, contingent on budget allowances. Presently, Park District consultants do not foresee the inclusion of a diving well, given the additional $1 million would contribute to the overall project cost. Despite the absence of a diving well in the current concepts, the layout allows for future installation, contingent on funding, just south of the new slide tower location.

Following a comprehensive review of both concepts, the Board provided clear direction to the staff to proceed with the next planning steps, prioritizing concept "A." Over the next month, the staff will collaborate with Larson and Darby, IHC, and Counsilman-Hunsaker to refine the plans and will present an update during the Board of Commissioners Meeting scheduled for January 18, 2024.

Hopkins Pool Renovation Infrastructure Concepts

Hopkins Pool Draft Infrastructure Concepts as of 11/16/2023

During the Park Board Meeting held on November 16, 2023, the DeKalb Park District staff unveiled comprehensive concepts for renovating and enhancing the infrastructure at Hopkins Pool. The proposed plans encompassed various crucial elements, such as constructing a distinct entry building solely dedicated to the pool strategically separated from the entrance to the Community Center. The proposed upgrades also featured modernized ADA-accessible locker rooms, dedicated bathrooms for the Terrace Room, a new lifeguard office, storage rooms, family locker rooms, and a repositioned concession building.  It's important to note that the presented plans focused on the structural aspects of the facility, and the layout of the new pool itself is still in the process of being finalized.

Hopkins Pool History 

In the early 1930s, the League of Women Voters fashioned the idea of a park district system for the community of DeKalb, just as our neighboring community of Sycamore established in 1923.

Thus, in 1935, the DeKalb Park District was born! The addition of a new community pool to Hopkins Park was the first major project the Park District implemented during the summer of 1935.  Many additional community improvements followed the construction of the community pool.

In 1974, a new pool shell was built, as well as the diving well and locker rooms.

In 1989, the District implements facility upgrades with a 10,000 square-foot community center addition, including the pool's new big water slide. The small water slide was later added in 1990. It was around 1996/1997 that the 'kiddie pool' area was added with an interactive play structure and funbrellas. 

In 2003, a spray area and speed slide was added, however, in 2005, the speed slide was removed due to unforeseen safety concerns.  

In August 2020, the DeKalb Park District commissioned Larson & Darby Group with Counsilman-Hunsaker to conduct a pool feasibility study, evaluating the existing conditions of the aging aquatic facility and developed a renovation/replacement plan. Included in their planning process was obtaining and gathering community feedback while gauging the community's aquatic needs and wants. 

 The results of this study were presented to the Park Board in December 2020.

Fast forward to 2022, the DeKalb Park District Board and Staff were ready to continue with the next steps of the pool replacement project by exploring options, costs in a post-pandemic economy, and to continue gathering community feedback with another public survey and through a Community Pool Advisory Committee.  

Throughout the last ten months, staff along with Larson and Darby, have created, reviewed, and shared with the Board of Commissioners various concept designs. Estimated pricing for these plans ranges from $10 Million to beyond $16 Million. Staff were tasked to show a 20-year financial outlook for the District, to assist with the planning of the replacement of the current Hopkins Community Pool. The 20-year financial outlook was presented to the Board during the FY24 budget presentation in January 2023. Throughout the presentation, it was concluded the District could fund a 20-year bond for a pool project between $8 Million and $8.5 Million. As this price range was below the amount for any of the previous design options, staff presented the concept of revisiting the “Renovation Option” last presented during the December 17, 2020, Board of Commissioners Meeting.

Staff believes an updated “2023 Renovation Plan” is a fiscally responsible option consisting of several of the recommended options from the DeKalb Community Pool Advisory Committee. Moving in this direction was discussed and approved by the Park Board at the February 23, 2023, Park Board Meeting. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How would the pool renovation construction be funded? Construction would be funded through DeKalb Park District capital resources and long-term bonds.

Will there be a tax rate increase to fund a pool facility renovation? No, the DeKalb Park District is not seeking a referendum to fund the pool renovation. A new aquatic facility renovation would be funded by DeKalb Park District capital resources and long-term bonds.

What is a long-term bond? A long-term bond is the longest maturity bond offered, traditionally over a 20-30 year period.

What is the project timeline? During FY 2023-2024, March 1 through February 28, DeKalb Park District staff will begin the A & E (architecture & engineering) phase of the proposed pool renovation. Staff's tentative construction on Hopkins Pool would not begin until spring 2024, with the strong possibility of the pool being closed for the 2024 pool season and the renovated pool opening for the 2025 summer season (subject to change based on unforeseen product availability and construction timeline).

Will there be an indoor pool component to the project? No, currently, the proposed pool is for an outdoor aquatic facility only. 

Where will the pool be located? Throughout the planning process conducted with the Larson and Darby Group and Counsilman-Hunsaker, the Park District Staff and Board members prepared documents utilizing the current location of the Hopkins Pool Aquatic Facility, 1403 Sycamore Road.

What were the results of the most recent 2022 pool survey? The results are posted here with 830 responses. 

Where do I learn more about Hopkins Pool? Visit our Hopkins Pool page! 

Have more questions? Contact Executive Director, John Shea, Jr. at jshea@dekalbparkdistrict.com or call (815) 758-6663.