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Capital Improvement Projects are used by the DeKalb Park District to plan and fund long-range development and re-development projects. Here are some recently completed projects and potentional projects on the horizon!
Hopkins Pool Renovation Project
Hopkins Pool is the DeKalb Park District's family-friendly aquatic facility. It features 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 diving 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 permanent closure to the continuation of expensive repairs.
The District is ready to invest in our family-friendly aquatic facility so that current and future generations can continue enjoying its amenities!
Hopkins Pool Renovation Plan
The tentative Renovation Plan consists of the following elements:
- New zero-depth entry leisure pool with six 25-yard lap lanes
- New spray ground
- New water slides
- New outdoor entrance to the pool
- New concessions building and seating areas
- New lifeguard office & first aid building
- New infrastructure, including equipment, piping, electrical, sanitation, water mains, and mechanical buildings
- New furniture and fixtures
- Renovation of existing locker rooms
At the September 26, 2024, Board of Commissioners Meeting, two pool options were presented: a Leisure Pool and a Competition Pool. The Park Board voted to proceed with the leisure pool option and approved moving into the construction drawings phase of the project.
The District is excited to share an update as of November 4, 2024; demolition of Hopkins Pool is scheduled to begin in mid-November. Contractors will start by installing a silt fence and construction fence around the perimeter of the existing fence and a portion of the north parking lot, which will be used as a staging area throughout the project. Site demolition is expected to last through February.
The District continues to work with Larson & Darby Group to complete the new construction drawings, which are anticipated to be completed in mid-January 2025. At that point, the drawings will be submitted to IDPH for approval and released for contractor bidding. New construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2025, with the new facility reopening for the 2026 season.
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 the tentative Renovation Plan is a fiscally responsible option. See the Hopkins Pool Renovation Project Update Archive (below) for all the pool concept updates between December 17, 2020, and now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the pool not open in 2024?
The Hopkins Pool opened in 1974 with new features and attractions added over the years. In a 2020 study, Counsilman-Hunsaker (Aquatics consultant) identified that a pool of this caliber has a lifespan of 30 – 40 years. At almost 50 years old, Hopkins pool began seeing structural and safety issues. Each year since 2020, the Park District has been able to make repairs to remain open. The 2024 season faced significant structural and safety issues that were not fiscally responsible to try to fix for the short term. Staff estimated a minimum of $30,000 in repairs just to open the facility, with no guarantees that the equipment would last the full season. When the decision was made in March 2024 to remain closed in 2024, demolition of Hopkins Pool was expected to begin in June 2024. Unanticipated infrastructure issues pushed the start date to the fall of 2024.
Why hasn’t the construction of the pool started?
Significant infrastructure concerns were recognized in late 2023 which significantly shifted both the timeline of the pool construction project as well as the size and scope of the project.
When will construction start?
Demolition of the existing pool structures, site infrastructure, and interior of the locker rooms is expected to begin in November 2024. New construction is anticipated to start in the spring of 2025.
When is Hopkins Pool going to re-open?
The District anticipates opening Hopkins Pool in June of 2026.
Can I still use Hopkins Park (playground, park, courts, etc.)?
Yes! All other amenities at Hopkins Park will still be available. However, the north parking lot will be closed for construction staging through the duration of the project, which means we will not open the seasonal Ice Rink during winter 2024/2025.
Are there water slides in the current project?
There are two water slides included in the base bid of the project. Those two water slides will empty into a separate plunge pool. A separated plunge pool helps create a safer, controlled environment where patrons of the leisure pool do not interfere with slide riders. An additional two runout slides are part of an alternate bid.
Will there be a separate kiddie pool in this project?
The new facility will have a separate splash pad area instead of a traditional kiddie pool. This area will have shade and seating for parents and families and will be separated from the main pool deck by fencing.
Will the new pool be ADA-accessible?
Yes. The new pool will feature both zero-depth entry as well as permanent stair entrances and handrails in the locker room showers and restroom areas.
Will the locker rooms be renovated in this project?
Yes. The Locker Rooms will undergo a complete and comprehensive remodel in this project. The locker rooms will include a male locker room, female locker room, and a small family locker room. The locker rooms will be located in the same footprint as the current locker rooms.
Will there be a diving well?
No. Due to budget constraints, a new diving well is not included in the scope of this project. Projected cost estimates, provided by construction consultants, for a new diving well started at $2 million.
Is there a reduced capacity for the current plan?
Yes, the new facility will have a reduced capacity in comparison to the old Hopkins Pool. The new facility will have a total capacity of 826. The old Hopkins Pool had a total capacity of 1,000. While we anticipate that the first few weeks of opening may yield record numbers of visitors leading to maximum capacity, attendance trends over the last several years show the average daily attendance was approximately 35% of total capacity. The District chose to prioritize an increase of pool amenities (such as waterslides, upgraded locker rooms, and a splash pad area) over making the size of the leisure pool larger. A larger leisure pool would also result in additional lifeguards, staffing, and operational costs.
Where will the pool be located?
The pool facility will remain in the same location as the old facility.
Was community input considered regarding the options of Hopkins Pool?
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 via both surveys and public meetings while gauging the community's aquatic needs and wants. The results of this study were presented to the Park Board in December 2020. The Board of Commissioners also created a pool advisory committee consisting of Board members, District staff, and members of the public which made recommendations for the final designs. Each month, the Park Board hosts a Park Board meeting that is open to public comment.
Will the Fourth of July still be at Hopkins Park in 2025?
Yes, the Fourth of July festivities will still occur at Hopkins Park. However, the North Parking lot will be closed for construction at that time.
How much will the project cost?
The total project cost is anticipated to be between $12 - $14 million.
How will the pool renovation construction be funded?
Construction will be funded with funds from the existing capital fund balance, the 2025 and 2026 budget years, and the issuance of $9.5 million in alternate bonds.
Will there be a tax rate increase to fund a pool facility renovation?
No! The alternate bond repayment will be secured by future annual bond issues, which are a part of the District’s annual tax levy.
How long is the bond issue repayment schedule?
20 years.
Will there be a price increase?
Pricing decisions have not been made at this time.
Why are we building a pool when inflation and the cost of goods are high?
The old facility reached the end of its life cycle and a choice of whether to replace or decommission the facility had to be made. The District has decided to take the steps necessary to continue to provide a seasonal swimming facility for future generations regardless of current market conditions.
I still have questions. Where should I direct them?
Please email our Superintendent of Recreation, Chrissy Tluczek, at ctluczek@dekalbparkdistrict.com
Hopkins Pool Renovation Project Update Archive
Hopkins Pool Concept A as of 12/7/23
Hopkins Pool Concept B as of 12/7/23
Hopkins Pool Update with Concepts 5/23/24
Hopkins Pool Update with Concepts 6/27/24
Hopkins Pool Update with Concept 7/25/24
During the Board of Commissioners Meeting held on July 25, 2024, Executive Director Paul Zepezauer reviewed the new construction drawings. The drawings included the overall site plan, the detailed pool depth plan, which shows the depths of the pool and calculates the square footage of each depth range, and the structures included in the current design.
Larson & Darby continue working on the construction drawings for the pool and locker rooms. They are also working on conceptual drawings of what the future expansion areas could look like. Stephen Nelson of Larson & Darby and Jim Leppert of IHC informed the Park Board of some of the challenges that the site presents when they are sequencing the project and detailed the next steps in the demolition phase of the project. They are working towards submitting the demolition permit and the demolition bid documents to the City of DeKalb so that the site can be cleared. The Park Board voted to approve the submittal of the demolition permit to the City of DeKalb upon completion of the permit application.
During the DeKalb Park Board of Commissioners meeting held on June 27, 2024, Stephen Nelson of Larson and Darby Group and Jim Leppert of IHC Construction presented a final conceptual drawing of Hopkins Pool. The most notable updates from the site plan presented during the May meeting included: updates to the pool mechanical room, a softening of the pool shape near the pool entrance that allows for additional zero-depth entry; the addition of more toilet and shower fixtures in each of the gendered locker rooms to meet Illinois Code; the removal of one family restroom to accommodate the locker room changes; the addition of a pool office attached to the lifeguard office; and the separation of the slide “plunge” pool from the main body of water. The slides and plunge pool remain an alternative for the project.
The next steps of the project include submitting for both a demolition permit, with demolition occurring in late summer 2024, as well as IDPH permits. Construction is still estimated to occur through late summer 2025.
During the DeKalb Park Board of Commissioners meeting held on May 23, 2024, Stephen Nelson of Larson and Darby Group and Jim Leppert of IHC Construction introduced new concept drawings for Hopkins Pool. Significant modifications to the site plan have been made since the last board meeting. During site exploration, numerous infrastructure deficiencies were discovered that require attention during the construction process, including site electrical, sanitary, and water main lines.
While infrastructure updates are necessary and important to the project, they come with substantial, unexpected costs. These costs, coupled with the forecasted increase in product and service prices, left the previous site plan millions of dollars over budget. To continue moving forward with the construction of a new pool, significant modifications to the site plan were made to try to preserve as many amenities as possible while still being financially responsible.
The Board was presented with a brand-new site plan that still included new locker rooms and family bathrooms; a new, separate entrance to the pool with lifeguard offices and storage rooms; and new shade structures and seating. The most notable change was a complete overhaul of the pool design that now combines bodies of water and includes a pool with a zero-depth entry with spray features, an open-swim area, and up to five 25-meter swim lanes. Additional amenities will be added to the site plan as alternates that the district will pursue as budget allows. The site drawings presented to the board were concept drawings only. As unforeseen challenges necessitated major site changes, the Board was asked whether or not they would be in favor of moving forward with the new plan. Staff confirmed that the current infrastructure of Hopkins Pool would likely not support reopening, and if it did, it would come with a significant cost. Although both staff and the Board acknowledged that they wish they could include all preferred amenities in a new site plan, the Board consensus was that it was best to move forward with finessing the newly proposed site plan.
Staff will continue fine-tuning the site layout and presenting the updated project during the June 27, 2024 Board of Commissioners Meeting. It was also acknowledged that the major changes to the site plan will be accompanied by a construction delay that will make reopening during the first half of Summer 2025 unrealistic. A new reopening target was set for late summer 2025.
Once the plans are finalized, staff and consultants will organize open houses to provide information regarding the updated plans and revised timeline.
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.
League of Women Voter's Park
While playgrounds are regularly inspected and maintained, replacing aging playground equipment is vital to ensure the safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of our parks. Typically, park districts replace playgrounds every 15-17 years, and the playground at League of Women Voters Park, located at 262 Cotton Avenue, was last updated in 2009.
In a collaborative effort with the community, Upland Design, District Board Members, and staff held a public meeting on June 25, 2024, in League of Women Voters Park. An online survey was also conducted from June 25 to July 3, allowing the community to select one of four playground options and provide crucial feedback for additional park amenities. The active participation of 19 in-person and 74 online respondents was instrumental in choosing a new playground theme and additional amenities such as a half basketball court, a new game area, fitness equipment stations, and a new rain garden and interpretive signage. The existing asphalt trail will also be renovated.
The District has been chosen to receive a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois. These funds will be utilized to revitalize the League of Women Voters Park. The overall project cost is estimated to be $742,000. Demolition and construction are tentatively scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025.
