Palatine Park District Vote on Willow Pool Expected Tuesday

The Palatine Park District board is expected to vote on whether to close Willow Pool after this summer.

The closing and demolition of the pool is listed on the park district's agenda however residents are hoping the board puts off the vote and reconsiders the recommendation by park district staff. The park district will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 at 505 S. Quentin Rd.

Mike Henning, a resident of Willowwood subdivision, said that the park board should hold off on a final vote. Henning said if a final vote is taken to close the pool Tuesday "you're going to see a lot of people who are extremely upset with the board."

Residents were given a chance to address the board at the . More than 200 attended the meeting and numerous residents came forth to support the pool remaining open. Also, Henning and resident Jim Dietrich had a PowerPoint presentation.

However, Henning said the meeting did not allow for an open discussion between the board members and representatives from the subdivision. He said it's a dialogue the public would like to have.

"You had more than 200 people at the meeting saying, 'slow down, hold off on the vote,' and 'we want to work with you,' " Henning said.

"It's like they are on a mission to close the pool," Henning said.

Willow Pool, 530 N. Stark Drive, is more than 44 years old. The pool was originally built by a housing developer and the park district was asked to take over its operation decades ago. The pool is small with a capacity of 125; park officials have said they would not consider building a pool today with a capacity below 500.

Park District Executive Director Ron Gbur said at the April 26 meeting that rebuilding and operating a pool for primarily a neighborhood was not in the best interest of the entire park district.

"When I make recommendations to the park board I have to make recommendations for 83,000 people," he said.

Gbur said the park district's other three pools–, , and –are sufficient to serve the park district. Residents, however, have pointed out that Willow is the only pool east of Hicks Road and that children would have to cross busy streets to reach the other locations.

In an e-mail response to questions from Henning and other residents about why a decision had to be made regarding the pool now, park district officials wrote, "Decisions need to be made since this issue has been discussed for 28 years. The pool needs to be replaced or closed due to its age and deteriorating condition."