• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Swim Fans in Bensenville Will Get to See More Dec. 9

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 December 2004, 21:00 CST

After Dec. 9, parents of Fenton High swimmers should never again have to strain their necks to watch their children's competitive swim meets at Bensenville's year-old Water's Edge Aquatic Center.

Public Works Director Paul Quinn and several village trustees Tuesday toured the facility's new $300,000 viewing mezzanine, which capped a list of amenities added to make the indoor pool at 454 John Street, more attractive to hosting high school and local swim competitions.

Carpet was laid Tuesday afternoon prior to the tour. There's still painting to be done and an elevator and staircase to be installed, but Quinn said residents should be getting full use of the viewing deck by Dec. 9.

The elevator should be installed by Christmas, he said. And before long he expects the village board to approve the installation of a concession stand on the mezzanine's south end.

Bensenville Trustee John Adamowski, a Fenton teacher and former swim and dive coach, said Fenton parents soon will be envied for having the conference's best bird's eye view of their eight-lane pool and diving well.

"Anyone that's ever watched a swim meet will appreciate this unobstructed view of every lane in the pool and the awesome sight lines," he said. "I think this addition really puts the exclamation point on this project."

Hockey parents are also expected to frequent the deck as it is open on both sides, allowing spectators to either watch hockey on the east rink or swimmers in the adjacent pool.

Village President John Geils, also thrilled with the project, said with the addition of the concession stand and the 20 tables and 80 chairs that have been ordered, he envisions the viewing deck will also become a popular party venue.

"This is awesome. This is going to be a great birthday party spot before long," Geils said. "You could have swimming and skating included in your child's party package and have this party room for food and presents. I think it's going to work out great."

Officials planned to build the mezzanine as part of the original pool addition completed in October 2003 but the project was stalled because of financial concerns and difficulty acquiring the needed steel to support the deck. The mezzanine project will be funded by dollars gained after a recent refinancing of The Edge Ice Arena.

Source: Daily Herald; Arlington Heights, Ill.

More News in this Category