$600K Grant To Help Fund Northbrook Aquatic Center's Renovation

NORTHBROOK, IL — With a $3.56 million renovation project slated to begin at the Meadowhill Aquatic Center this summer, the Northbrook Park District found out recently it is the recipient of a grant from the state. Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced in January that 111 local park and recreation parks were the beneficiary of $54.9 million in grant money.

According to officials, the Northbrook Park District will receive $600,000 and the money will assist in the renovation, which will run through late spring 2025.

"We extend heartfelt gratitude to our local legislators, our community and our board of commissioners, whose unwavering commitment made this achievement possible," NPD Executive Director Chris Leiner said. "This substantial grant will have a lasting impact on our district, ensuring the continued operation of the Meadowhill Aquatic Center for the next generation of Northbrook residents. Together, we are forging a legacy of recreation and community enrichment."

The grant is part of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, which is administered by the IDNR.

Officials said the MAC project is "designed to upgrade the existing facility with both visible and behind-the-scenes improvements to the bathhouse and mechanicals." NPD received community input about the proposed work during an open house last summer.

Another major goal of the project is to enhance the public's entry and admissions experience into the bathhouse, with updates to the locker rooms and restrooms, such as inclusive individual changing rooms, planned. The plunge pool and leisure/lap pool will get a fresh coat of paint, and the lap pool deck concrete and shade areas will be improved.

There will also be upgrades to infrastructure, including the roof, lap pool tank and gutter system, and mechanical filtration and circulation equipment. Officials believe these improvements will lead to more efficient performance and long-term cost savings.

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