Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center

The 27,000-square-foot Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center, connected to the existing Prairie Lakes Community Center, celebrated its grand opening in February 2021. Higher than expected bid costs led to a delayed start to construction, however the Des Plaines Park District Board of Commissioners did approve the final bid cost of $11.3 million. 

The aquatic facility includes a 4,800-square-foot, eight-lane, 25-yard pool for lap swimming, swim lessons, open swim and aqua-fitness classes, as well as retractable bleachers accommodating up to 150 spectators for the competitive youth swim program. This is the new home of the park district’s Warriors championship swim team for year-round training and competitions. 

The 2,000-square-foot warm-water wellness pool has three 60-foot lap lanes, 3.5- to 4-foot water depths, and in-pool seating complete with hydrotherapy jets. It is a perfect fit for aqua fitness, wellness and parent-infant swim programming. 

The facility also includes a 2,000-square-foot indoor water play splash pad for children ages 2 through 12, complete with a Life Floor rubberized cushion base. 

Additional facility features include a multipurpose room for parties, meetings and park district programming, with an adjacent outdoor patio; men’s and women’s locker rooms; six family-friendly changing rooms; and offices for lifeguards and pool staff.

LEAD ARCHITECT

Cordogan Clark and Associates 

AQUATIC DESIGN CONSULTANT

Counsilman-Hunsaker

COMPONENTS

• Eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool

• Warm-water wellness pool with three 60-foot lap lanes

• Retractable bleacher seating for 150

• Indoor water play splash pad

• Outdoor patio

SUPPLIERS