CHAPTER NINE • SPACE USE RECOMMENDATIONS NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT INDOOR RECREATION SPACE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
ɀ NPD could enhance the shared space in the community center for multiple age groups through modular furniture that can be easily moved or reconfigured to meet the needs of a variety of activities. Staff also could create temporary pop-up spaces that can easily be set up and taken down for activities such as art classes, science labs, or other enrichment sessions based on the season. Lastly, vertical storage could free up floor space for more activities, where possible, to maximize available space. ɀ Another alternative to consider for the upper level is a transition to a Community Learning Center that provides for more multi-generational appeal. The focus could be on health and wellness programs with services providing mental and physical activities for people of all ages. Programs could be built on learning technology, music, art, dance, movement, exercise, cooking, Esports/gaming, tumbling, cheerleading and social events for seniors, families, and teens. ɀ Implement more flexible use policies to allow for a wider variety of activities in the less utilized rooms. This could include converting them into multi-purpose spaces to better serve diverse needs. ȿ NPD will need to determine necessary updates to the lease agreement with the City of Naperville to accommodate other future uses of the building.
SUPPORTING FACILITIES AQUATICS
NPD has been actively engaged in exploring options to address aquatic programming demand from the community and to complement its existing outdoor options, including Centennial Beach, which is highly valued but seasonally limited. The ongoing space use analysis aims to capture community preferences, aligning recommendations with both current trends and long-term demographic shifts, ensuring that any future aquatic facility will be both well- utilized and financially sustainable. Despite previous attempts to develop an indoor aquatics facility over the last 25 years, including proposed projects in 1999 and 2005-2006, the desire for such a facility remains strong within certain community segments. Historical challenges such as concerns over operational costs and competition with local private clubs and the local YMCA, have stalled progress. However, community needs are evolving, particularly with an increasing demand for beginner swim lessons, therapeutic recreation, and fitness swimming. Recent feedback from a statistically-valid community survey and past studies highlights several key considerations for the Park District as it reassesses the feasibility of additional indoor recreational space including the potential for an indoor aquatic facility. First, there is a clear demand for shallow water amenities, which are essential for both swim lessons and therapeutic uses. Given the aging population in Naperville, the inclusion of warm water therapy features
is particularly crucial. Moreover, strategic integration of the aquatic facility with other recreational offerings such as fitness centers could optimize usage across different demographic groups, ensuring the facility serves a broader community need while also improving cost recovery potential. To mitigate concerns around competition with existing private facilities, the Park District should focus on offering unique or underserved programming, such as therapeutic aquatic programs and community-centered swim lessons that differ from those provided by private clubs. The successful incorporation of such features, alongside a realistic financial model that outlines potential partnerships and earned income potential to cover direct and indirect expenses associated with the space, will be critical to securing community support. Furthermore, leveraging existing outdoor spaces, such as the splash pad located at the 95th Street Community Plaza at Frontier Sports Complex, by possibly connecting them to an indoor aquatics space, could offer a seamless year- round aquatic experience. This approach increases the overall appeal of the facility. Considering these aspects, it is recommended that the Park District pursue indoor aquatics with features such as warm water therapy and accessible shallow water that should be attached to any future indoor recreation facility to maximize community reach.
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