Pool feasibility committee seeks consultants to assess 65-year-old Berwyn pool

The pool feasibility and design exploration ad hoc committee told the City Council on July 14 that Berwyn's public pool is aging and likely beyond responsible repair, and the committee is asking the city to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for professional assessment and concept design.

The committee presenter said the pool, installed about 65 years ago, "doesn't seem like a viable and responsible option" to repair because its aluminum lining and mechanical systems have exceeded their expected lifespans. "Repairing the pool doesn't seem like a viable and responsible option at this point," the presenter said, adding that repairs would likely trigger compliance with newer state accessibility and safety requirements.

The RFP the committee is proposing would require five deliverables: an assessment of existing pool conditions and site; two to three conceptual design options (including a minimal-footprint renovation); high-confidence cost estimates and a total project budget; assistance with community engagement and resident feedback; and a final recommendation and implementation guidance. The presenter said the RFP is intended to produce pre-design and feasibility work rather than final construction drawings.

City staff member Joe explained why the RFP asks for multiple concepts and ranges of cost: the committee wants to "bookend" options so voters and decision-makers can compare a bare-bones replacement against expanded alternatives with amenities and phased approaches. He said consultants should provide realistic project budget ranges that account for construction, architecture and engineering, permitting, contingencies and escalation.

Council members asked whether locker rooms and other ancillary spaces would be assessed. The presenter said the primary concept requested would focus on the pool footprint, while other options could include locker rooms or expanded facilities depending on community priorities and consultant scope. The presenter and staff emphasized that the RFP would not authorize construction; it would inform future decisions and potential referendum planning.

Council accepted the pool committee minutes as informational during the meeting, formalizing the committee's work to date. The committee's next step is to finalize the RFP and begin consultant selection, after which the city would have a clearer cost range and recommended implementation timeline.

Provenance: Discussion began in the meeting when the pool committee presenter spoke about the RFP and pool condition (topicintro: SEG 022; topfinish: SEG 334).