Village of Westmont issued the following announcement on July 23.
“We are so excited to keep the natatorium in Westmont,” said Economic Development Director Larry Forssberg. “The project ran into a few hurdles with the original plan, so when the opportunity to partner with the Westmont Park District surfaced, we immediately pursued it. The natatorium is a win-win for everyone involved and will be an asset for our community for many years to come.”
On July 19, 2018, the Village of Westmont Board of Trustees voted to approve plans from FMC Aquatic Opportunities and the Westmont Park District for a world-class natatorium project at 660 Blackhawk Drive, adjacent to Ty Warner Park. The natatorium project was previously approved to be built on the Oak Brook Hills Hotel & Resort property, but was relocated after a variety of development challenges.
Mary Ann Kaufman with FMC Aquatic Opportunities said, "Making swimming accessible to as many children and adults as possible has long been a dream of mine. I have seen first-hand the positive effect swimming can have on children and their development. Locating the FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park will enhance this already beautiful recreation area and feels like a natural, synergistic fit. I want to thank the Village of Westmont for working closely with me and the FMC Aquatic Opportunities team to make this dream a reality."
Nearly identical to the previous approvals in building design, the new location gives the building a new presence and importance on the currently vacant site. The 60,000 square foot aquatic center will include a 9-lane, 50 meter competition pool with spectator seating for 1,200. The facility will also include a 25 yard training pool with a primary use for swim lessons and learn to swim programming. The new design does not include the multi-unit, high-end residential development, which was part of the original proposal slated for the Oak Brook Hills property.
“The Westmont Park District was excited to seize this opportunity,” said Westmont Park District Executive Director Bob Fleck. “This parcel has always been identified as a location for an aquatic center for the community, so this was a natural fit for our long range plan.”
“We want to thank everyone involved with this project,” said Mayor Ron Gunter. “Especially Mary Ann Kaufman, who has been the driving force behind this initiative since day one. We could not ask for a better partner to invite to our community and create such an amazing, world-class facility. We are looking forward to breaking ground in the near future.”
Original source can be found here.
Source: Village of Westmont
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