The DeKalb Park District is pleased to announce an update on the Hopkins Pool Renovation Project following recent progress in project planning and approvals. This much-anticipated renovation will enhance the community pool, including new recreational features and upgraded facilities that meet modern standards for accessibility, safety, and enjoyment.

At the September 26, 2024, Board of Commissioners Meeting, the Park Board approved proceeding with a leisure pool option following the presentation of two potential designs. The leisure pool option will include more family-friendly and accessible features, including a new zero-depth entry leisure pool with six 25-yard lap lanes, a new spray ground, water slides, an upgraded outdoor entrance, and an expanded concessions area with seating. The design includes new locker rooms, lifeguard and first aid spaces, and improved infrastructure.

Project Timeline and Upcoming Milestones

The existing Hopkins Pool demolition is projected to start in mid-November 2024. Contractors will first install a silt fence and construction fence around the current pool area and part of the north parking lot, which will serve as a staging area throughout the project. This means the seasonal ice rink in the north lot will not be available this winter. Site demolition is anticipated to continue through February 2025.

The District will continue partnering with the Larson & Darby Group to finalize construction drawings, with completion tentatively expected by mid-January 2025. These drawings will then be submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for approval and released for contractor bidding. Once approved, new construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2025, with a goal to reopen the revitalized Hopkins Pool for the community’s enjoyment in the 2026 season.

Stay Informed

To dive into the details and find answers to common questions about the Hopkins Pool Renovation Project, community members are encouraged to visit the DeKalb Park District’s FAQ section at dekalbparkdistrict.com/capital-improvement-projects.

The District looks forward to this exciting transformation and to creating an enhanced aquatic facility that serves the DeKalb community for years to come.