Western Springs Pool Plans Big Project

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – The nonprofit group that runs the Western Springs Pool is planning to replace and expand the two pools in its complex.

In March, members of the Western Springs Service Club received a presentation that pointed out the problems with the current pools at 1300 Hillgrove Ave.

The club passed over two options ranging from $1.4 million to $2.6 million that would upgrade the current pools, increasing their lifespan by up to 15 years.

Rather, the group wanted to replace and expand the pools, with an expected lifespan of 50 to 60 years. The project is estimated to cost $8 million to $9 million.

The club's first pool was built in 1955. A decade later, a second one was constructed on the same property. A filtration system was added at the turn of the century.

According to the club, the filtration system is outdated, with parts increasingly difficult to find. It also said the pools lack recreational attractions and are unable to support a competitive program.

Under the club's proposal, the complex would include competitive and leisure pools. Details of the planned pools are on the club's website.

According to the group, pool membership remains "very strong," with more than 1,000 annual memberships and a waitlist for nonresidents.

The current annual family membership rate is $795 for those in Western Springs and $1,030 for out-of-towners. The individual rate is $455 for residents and $650 for nonresidents, with lower rates for seniors.

To make the project a reality, the club said it would need family membership buy-ins, along with "reasonable" annual rates. A family's buy-in would be $5,000 under the plan. About half of the project would be paid for through debt.

The club said it would need 600 family memberships to proceed, "but hopefully we are worried about capping membership at around 900."

The group hopes to start construction by Labor Day next year at the earliest and be ready for opening by Memorial Day 2025.

Pool officials couldn't be reached for comment.