Sholem Aquatic Center, Renovation
Champaign, IL
Year in Showcase: 2007
Project Description
A guiding objective in the renovation
of Sholem Aquatic Center
was to introduce attractions that would
serve the widest range of patrons. As a
result, lively new amenities introduced
to the park include a zero-depth-entry
activity pool, a 25-yard eight-lane lap
pool, and a new slide and slide tower.
The project also included the addition
of an oversized plunge pool, an innertube/raft slide, a lazy river and a new
children’s wading pool.
During the makeover process, decisions
about what to retain and what to add —
and when — were particularly important.
This first phase saw the complete
demolition and replacement of all pools
and site features, a major renovation and
expansion of the bathhouse/concessions
building and the construction of a new
pool filtration building. Utilizing existing
foundations, the bathhouse was completely
reconstructed from the ground up for
the same cost as a renovation. Future
plans call for a new deep-water pool
with two drop slides.
Leisure aquatic components were separated
from the competition pool, which
boasts a spectator deck and is accessible
through a gate at the complex’s south end.
Project Details
Architect of Record: Williams Architects Ltd.; Carol Stream, Ill.
Aquatic Design Engineer: Innovative Aquatic Design - Hoffman Estates, Ill.
Area: Approximately 5 acres
Construction Cost: $6.5 million
Occupancy: June 2006
