Hinsdale outlines $1.1 million plan to replace children's pool; construction aimed for late 2026

Frank Parisi, managing principal and president of Williams Architects, presented a design to replace Hinsdale’s children’s (kiddie) pool, saying the facility reached the end of its useful life after pipe failures and must be replaced.

Parisi said the design is an in-kind replacement that will "utilize the existing filtration and sanitation system that is inside of the building, which was replaced in 2020," and aims to keep operations cost-neutral by retaining staffing levels. The village has established a $1,100,000 budget for the project and the firm worked to maximize "play value" within that constraint.

Why it matters: Village staff said the kiddie pool’s infrastructure failures forced the decision and that the replacement addresses life-safety, ADA access and operational maintenance. The design adds a 0-depth entry sloping to roughly 2 feet to improve accessibility and sightlines from the pool manager’s office, incorporates a wet play structure located outside standing water (reducing additional lifeguard requirements), and budgets for resilient surfacing under play features.

Key details and trade-offs

- Depth and layout: The plan provides a 0-depth entry on the west side rising to about 2 feet on the east side to support toddler access and parent–child swim lessons. - Play features: A splash/"spray tunnel," a small slide and a play structure are included; the play structure will be outside standing water to limit lifeguard impacts. - Surface and safety: Designers proposed a LifeFloor tile system under the wet-play area rather than concrete; that option is budgeted though concrete remains the less expensive alternative. - Shade and alternates: A triangulated shade structure was discussed as a bid alternate because it could push costs above the $1.1 million budget. - Capacity: Staff noted the current Illinois Department of Public Health permit allows a 140-bather load and the design anticipates maintaining that limit.

Schedule, permitting and temporary service plan

Parisi outlined the near-term schedule: the project will be on the planning commission agenda in March, the team is targeting permit issuance by June and hopes to solicit and approve bids over the summer so a contractor can mobilize after the pool closes in September. That timeline targets a new facility for the 2027 pool season.

A village staff member said the baby/kiddie pool "is not gonna be open this summer," and that the village has arranged for residents to use Clarendon Hills’ pool at resident daily rates as a temporary accommodation.

Public engagement and next steps

Commissioners and community members discussed age ranges for play features (designs are currently labeled 5–12 but include elements suitable for younger toddlers), the possibility of later expanding the footprint, and seating and family locker-room needs. Designers emphasized the plan is adaptable and can be expanded over time. The planning commission will receive the submission in March; the project will return to the village board for final consideration.

The village solicited public feedback and posted project materials on its parks website and will accept comments through the planning commission process.