OREGON — The Oregon Park District Nash Recreation Center pool renovation project began with an Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) engineering pre-approval to install a climbing wall on the south end of the pool deck to replace the aging diving board.
Late this summer, the district received notification from IDPH that the existing pool water depth, due to the slope of the deep end, did not meet IDPH requirements.
While the IDPH code does not outline any criteria for aquatic climbing walls, an independent study conducted by FEAmax shows the Nash Pool water depth does meet and exceed the water depth required. As a result, the engineers at Williams Architect, along with the Oregon Park District staff, requested a variance to allow the installation and this was denied.
As a result, staff began reviewing additional aquatic amenities and were approved by IDPH to install an AquaZip’N. The AquaZip’N is a poolside attraction combining a zipline with a rope swing. Participants of all ages can enjoy the new recreation amenity. A final installation date has not been announced.
“While the district was very disappointed in the final decision by IDPH on the climbing wall, we are excited to announce the installation of the AquaZip’N. This new recreation amenity will be a fantastic addition to the pool and be enjoyed by all ages,” Erin Folk, executive director, said.
The addition of the recreation amenity will replace the diving board. The diving board was removed during pool renovation due to age and no longer meeting IPDH standards. Due to the depth of the pool manufacturers can’t replace or repair Nash’s diving board.
A date for installation has yet to be determined but the district is hopeful to have it in place in 2024.
“The district is excited to announce we have an opening date for the pool,” Folk said. “The pool will be reopened on Thursday, Oct. 3. We appreciate our patron’s patience for construction and the delays we experienced. A full open swim party will be set once we have the installation date for the AquaZip’N. We do invite everyone to join us on Thursday to welcome back our loyal patrons.”
Admission for lap swimming and water aerobics will be waived on Thursday, Oct. 3. The day will begin with lap swim from 5:45-7:30 a.m. Three water aerobics classes will be offered that morning free of charge: 8-9 a.m. Water Aerobics; 9:10-10:10 a.m. Deep Water Aerobics; and Twinges from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Lap swim will also be offered from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.
In addition to the swim opportunities, donuts will be served in the lobby from 7 a.m. until gone and hot dogs and chips will be served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. by park district staff to welcome patrons back.
More information about pool renovations and the AquaZip’N can be found at www.oregonpark.org.
