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Wheeling board approves zoning and site‑plan package for new aquatic center, aims for summer 2027 opening
Summary
The Village Board unanimously approved a package of ordinances and site‑plan approvals to redevelop the Wheeling Aquatic Center at 105 Community Boulevard, including a small parking reduction and higher uniformity lighting for safety. The Wheeling Park District is targeting a summer 2027 opening; permits are underway.
The Village of Wheeling on June 1 unanimously approved a coordinated set of zoning changes and site‑plan approvals to rebuild the Wheeling Aquatic Center at 105 Community Boulevard, clearing the way for construction aimed at a summer 2027 opening.
The board approved an amendment to ordinance 3665 granting special‑use and site‑plan approval (PSU26‑00003), a reduction in the minimum required number of parking spaces (PV26‑00006), an increase in the uniformity lighting level (PV26‑00007), and major site‑plan and building appearance approval (PSPMAJ25‑00006). Each measure passed on recorded roll calls with all trustees voting yes.
“we are looking to open for the summer of 2027 season,” Matt Webbby, executive director of the Wheeling Park District, told the board, describing a roughly like‑for‑like replacement of the former facility with modern amenities, a reoriented west entrance and operational plans to manage parking through staggered drop‑offs and program buses.
Staff and the park district said the parking reduction is minimal and intentional: shifting the facility entrance to the west will direct patrons to a western lot that was previously underused. “I think it’s a drop of four spots,” Trustee Papantos observed during the discussion; Webbby and staff said operational changes and a connection to additional Town Center parking will mitigate crowding.
Officials emphasized the decision balanced safety, operational experience and fiscal sustainability. Staff told the board that operating to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s maximum “bather load” would require substantially greater lifeguard staffing and could make the facility financially unsustainable; the park district plans to operate at a lower level to avoid overcrowding.
Webbby described permitting progress: the park district received its Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) permit and is working through the fourth revision with the Illinois Department of Public Health on pool design specifics. “We received our MWRD permit on Friday,” Webbby said, noting the IDPH review remains ongoing and that weather will affect construction timing.
The board also heard planners’ explanations of traffic flow, drop‑off lanes in the west lot and bus staging to keep the sports complex parking available for day users. Trustees praised the design team (Confluence and Legat Architects) and noted a lengthy history of public use that the new facility aims to continue.
Next steps include continued IDPH review, completion of remaining land‑work permits and phased construction; officials said substantial work could appear on the site in the coming weeks but full operations are targeted for the 2027 season.
