Crystal Lake Pool
1311 N. Broadway
(across from Anita Purves Nature Center)
Urbana, IL 61801
Hours:
Crystal Lake Pool is closed. Please take advantage of Urbana's indoor pool, located at 102 E. Michigan, Urbana. Click on details to learn more about next steps.
Crystal Lake Nadiators will continue. See the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center page for details for 2009.
An Update on Crystal Lake Pool
On February 17, the Urbana Park District and Urbana Park District Advisory Committee held a joint meeting at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Attendees were part of a broad discussion about pool planning and citizens’ roles led by Tony Clements, retired Director of Campus Recreation for the University of Illinois. This initial meeting was an opportunity to ask questions and to become more informed about how the district will move ahead. The district was very pleased to see so many in attendance.
When will Crystal Lake Pool be replaced?
The Board of Commissioners has committed to replacing Crystal Lake Pool as finances become available and with broad community support. The hope is for the process to begin immediately after the April 7 election. Planning can move ahead only if the April 7 referendum question passes and the park district is ensured of enough revenue to pay for the planning process. If it does not pass, planning will be deferred until the time when a referendum question does pass and money is available. April 7, 2009 referendum information can be found at http://www.urbanaparks.org/referendum
What are the next steps?
With passage of the April 7 referendum, the first step in the process will be to create a concept plan. A concept plan is a very broad plan. It will estimate construction and operating costs, the pool and bathhouse footprint and desired amenities. It will offer a broad vision for the community so that they can make an informed decision about supporting the pool with their tax dollars at a future date.
Can I join the planning effort?
Any interested citizen is welcome to join the planning effort. Staff and citizens together will look at other pools in operation to see how their amenities might work in Urbana, will investigate costs, will look at market share studies and much more. Professional consultants will assist with drawing up plans once the research phase is complete and recommendations are submitted.
When will a pool be built?
Replacement of Crystal Lake Pool must happen in phases in order for the community to be part of the planning and for there to be enough money to construct and operate the facility.
• Phase one: concept planning
This phase can move ahead only if the April 7 referendum question passes. If it passes, the Urbana Park District will have the financial resources to commit to pool planning.
• Phase two: putting the pool question to the public for financing
The district will determine the costs (construction and operating) of a new pool—as presented in the concept plan—and put a question to the voters as to whether they wish to finance the facility and its operation.
• Phase three: construction
The district can begin construction once financing (the promise of tax dollars from the voters) is secured. Construction timelines vary, and depending on what time of year the voters approve a pool, construction may be delayed for winter.
• The earliest a new pool could open is 2011. This is a VERY aggressive timeline and assumes passage of two referendum questions in a very short time span.
I have more questions that are not addressed here. What should I do?
You may call or send an e-mail to any of the members of the Board of Commissioners. Find their contact information here http://www.urbanaparks.org/people/board.html. Or, you can speak with Vicki Mayes at 367-1536 or e-mail vjmayes@urbanaparks.org.
Amenities:
Swimming
