Barefoot Bay

The Mundelein Park & Recreation District?s newest aquatic facility, Barefoot Bay, features four bodies of water: a 7,500-square-foot combined leisure and lap swimming pool, a 1,100-square-foot diving well, a 2,290-square-foot wading pool and a 12,900-square-foot slide plunge pool and lazy river.

The compact site dictated close proximity of activity areas, resulting in enhanced sightlines and communication among a consolidated operational staff. Native trees and shrubs, as well as chemical-resistant perennials, provide maximum visual impact with minimum maintenance. Proven proactive strategies to provide high-quality water include high-rate pressure sand filters, stainless steel gutters and automatic chemical controllers. A two-story pool filtration building allows staff ready access to all equipment in one building.

Careful planning and design maximized the benefits of the 22-foot grade differential across the site. The 30-foottall slide tower was placed on the lower part of the site, minimizing the visual impact to residential neighbors. The concessions deck is perched in the middle of the complex, overlooking the lazy river and slides. Extensive use of simulated natural-stone retaining wall blocks provides warm and friendly grade transitions. Adding further aesthetic appeal, a New England theme is evident in the facility?s bathhouse, signage, play features and shade structures, as well as a footbridge to the lazy-river island.