Frequently Asked Questions

The current pool at the Evanston Recreation Center has passed the end of its useful lifespan. After careful evaluation, the Evanston Parks and Recreation District determined that building a new, standalone indoor aquatic center would better serve the community than renovating the existing pool. The new facility will include both a dedicated competition pool and a separate recreation pool, allowing for additional programming and availability. Additionally, repurposing the current pool space into expanded gym facilities will enhance the overall recreation center experience.

The existing pool area will be converted into additional gym space, providing more opportunities for fitness and recreation.

The new aquatic center will feature an 8-lane, 25-meter competition pool with an observation deck for spectators. The recreation pool will be separate from the competition pool, featuring a zero-depth entry with a toddler slide and spray features, a water slide, water walk, lazy river and spa/hot tub. There will also be 3 party rooms to host celebrations, trainings and events, as well as concessions. 

 The aquatic center will serve the Evanston community and beyond, providing a space for year-round swimming, lessons, and recreation. It will also attract regional visitors for swim meets, competitions, and play, strengthening the local economy.

The pool committee evaluated nine different conceptual site plans before selecting the final design, which best meets the needs of the community.

The current estimate is $22 million, which would include the cost of repurposing the existing pool space.  This cost is an estimate only, as material and construction costs will change.

 Temporarily. The project will be funded in part by a Temporary Specific Purpose Tax, which must be approved by voters in a special election on November 4, 2025. This tax—also known as a penny tax, 6th penny tax, or 6% sales tax—is a sales tax applied to goods and services. It does not apply to groceries, prescription medications, gasoline, or property.

A significant portion of the county’s sales tax revenue comes from visitors passing through or coming from out of state, helping to lessen the burden on local residents. The tax is expected to fund the project in approximately five years or less, and once the project is fully paid for, the tax will automatically end.  

 The project will be funded through a capital campaign that includes fundraising efforts, private donations, grants, and a temporary specific purpose tax. This multi-source approach ensures the community has a shared investment in bringing a state-of-the-art Aquatic Center to Evanston.

 The dedicated competition pool will allow swim teams to practice and host meets without interfering with public recreation.  Meanwhile, the separate recreation pool will remain available for community use at all times. This new facility will serve as a premier venue for regional swim competitions.  

 The facility will be constructed next to the existing Recreation Center, in the empty lot to the east, on the corner of South Ridge and Saddle Ridge. This location keeps the Aquatic Center close, ensuring easy access for the community.

You can support the project by becoming a local advocate, sharing information with your community, and helping raise awareness. Donations are also greatly appreciated and contribute to making the aquatic center a reality.

If you are interested in attending an Evanston Recreation Foundation meeting, the Foundation Board of Directors, Pool Committee, and Volunteers meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm at the Evanston Recreation Center. 

The Evanston Recreation Foundation (ERF) is a non-profit to help provide supplemental funding through fundraising, donations, and grants to support planning and enhancement of community recreational projects.  ERF's first order of business is to support a new state-of-the-art Aquatic Center while inspiring and educating the community.