Hot summer afternoons are going to be a hit for kids and kids at heart with the renovation of the diving well at Rehm Pool.
The Park District of Oak Park is converting its 16-foot diving well that accommodated just four people to a space that’s 3.5-feet deep and has space for over 30 people.
The project should be complete by the end of May, in time for the summer pool season, said Jan Arnold, park district executive director.
While diving is over at Rehm Pool, 515 Garfield St., Arnold said divers can still head over to the Ridgeland Common Pool, at 415 Lake St.
As far as the renovation goes, it was time, she said.
“We did an original master plan review in 2014, and then we did another in 2021, and as you can imagine, pools crack as they get older,” she said. “Lots of water was being lost by cracked pipes and the shell. That was the impetus behind renovations to that particular portion of the pool.”
The cost for the $3 million project was covered by both tax dollars and user fees, she said. Ann Marie Buczek, director of marketing and community engagement for the park district, said 10,500 passes were sold for Rehm Pool last year, which doesn’t include walk-ups.
Perkins+Will of Chicago is the project architect, with construction work being completed by Crossroad Construction in Addison.
Current work at the pool includes finishing the roof on the pump house and pouring the concrete footings for a new slide and stairs. Additionally, an electric transformer is being installed because village code requires an electric heater.
Amenities for the renovated diving well include an open slide, an enclosed side and a “daisy-chain walk,” Arnold said, where kids and adults can cross that area of the pool on faux-lily pads, and try not to fall in. Arnold said she is excited about trying to cross that herself.
Another key accoutrement is a current channel, utilizing jets that circulate the water for resistance, which will be ideal for adults and seniors keen on getting exercise.
Arnold said that once information about the renovation was put out, including signage, there was “lots of chatter.”
“I think that part of our philosophy is about bringing families together to create memorable experiences,” she said, “whether it’s going down the slide with your kid or walking across the lily pads. It maximizes space.”
Rehm Pool opened in 1966. It was part of what was then known as South Park. The park at East Avenue and Garfield was eventually renamed Rehm Park after Col. Arthur D. Rehm, a member of the first park district board.
Buczek said the renovation will be the source of a lot of fun memories for many as the 2025 season begins.
“We’re excited about this,” she said. “With the number of people that can use it, it will be a great opportunity, rather than the four folks who can be there at one time.”