Hanover Park District considers waiving $60K in water fees for Safari Springs pool

The Village Board of Hanover Park has approved a significant waiver of up to $60,000 in water-related fees to support the reopening of the Safari Springs Aquatic Center pool for the summer of 2025. This decision aims to enhance community access to the facility, which has faced challenges in the past.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the pool's maintenance issues. Board member Gutierrez highlighted ongoing problems, including inadequate repairs and frequent closures that frustrated residents last summer. "The patching up over the bottom of the pool was supposed to be redone last year, and it's still not done," Gutierrez stated, emphasizing the dissatisfaction among families who found the pool closed on scheduled days due to maintenance and staffing shortages.

The board clarified that if the facility were to close early, no additional water-related fees would be waived beyond the closing date. This stipulation aims to ensure accountability and proper management of the facility moving forward.

The approval of the fee waiver is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing the community's aquatic offerings, but it also underscores the need for improved maintenance and staffing to meet residents' expectations. As the summer approaches, the board will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure a successful season at the aquatic center.