The Village of Park Forest is asking residents to weigh in on the future of the Park Forest Aqua Center through a new community-wide survey now open through Oct. 5.

The survey, available only to Park Forest residents, is designed to gather feedback on what residents want to see happen at the aging Aqua Center. The center has served the community for 70 years, but now faces mounting repair and renovation costs. Those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to receive a $175 credit on their water bill.

The Park Forest Aqua Center has been closed for the 2025 season while Village staff and consultants assess the facility’s future. After an Illinois Department of Public Health review, projected costs to renovate the center more than doubled the Village’s original $3.5 million budget. Consultants have since outlined options ranging from a scaled-back renovation to a $20 million redevelopment—or even closing the facility entirely.

Among the recommendations, Kevin Adams, Park Forest’s director of Recreation, Parks & Community Health, suggested building a new lap swim pool alongside a large splash pad at an estimated cost of $6.5 million. Adams said the design would preserve key programs such as lap swimming and learn-to-swim lessons, while reducing annual staffing costs compared to the current facility.

The Park Forest Board of Trustees has not decided and is seeking residents' input before proceeding.

“The Aqua Center has been a gathering place for generations of Park Forest families,” Adams said. 

“This survey will help us understand what amenities residents value most and how they want us to invest in the future of this community resource.”

Residents can access the survey by clicking here.