Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center, is designed to support interests of toddlers to seniors. It will be located at Cary-Grove Park as a second phase that compliments the already existing playground, football fields, and soccer fields. Cary-Grove Park is located next to Cary-Grove High School on Three Oaks Road and First Street.

Information on the 2023 season will be included in the Summer Program Guide available April 3. Pool passes go on sale and rentals are able to be scheduled starting April 10.

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Updates

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June 2022

This spring, we ran into many obstacles with weather and supply issues that challenged the timeframe for completion. Despite these obstacles, we continue to persevere and have had contractors and Park District staff working overtime and longer days to help reach our target opening date. There are a few hurdles left in front of us, as final inspections are set to take place both this week and next. The target opening date for Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center remains Saturday, June 18.

Sunburst Bay is extremely close to completion. The following have been completed or are in the process of completion. View an album of photos These photos have been taken over the last two weeks.

• The Reef (leisure pool) is filled and treated. Water features are installed and operational.
• The Cove (lap pool) is filled and start up is underway. Installation of diving boards, the drop slide, the aqua climb, and competitive swim starting blocks are completed.
• Splish and Splash body flume slides are complete.
• All buildings are complete. Finishing touches on the inside are in process and Park District Staff are moving supplies and stocking work areas. The four buildings are:
• Women’s Locker Room, Manager’s Office, and two Family Restrooms
• Men’s Locker Room and Admissions Office
• Snack Shack, Oasis Party Room, and Family Restroom
• Filter Building
• Landscaping and parking lot paving is almost complete.
• Staff training has been ongoing and in water training is underway. We are excited to have a big staff this season. All lifeguards, concession stand, admission and guest service staff have completed any certifications and initial training that is required. Onsite training at Sunburst Bay has begun.

Sunburst Bay is going to be an exceptional facility and will be enjoyed by all ages for many years. We are almost there! Watch for another update next week as we approach our target opening date.

February 2022

Construction has continued throughout the winter with much work done on the interior of the buildings. Drywall, painting, and duct work throughout all the buildings, installation of fixtures in the locker rooms and restrooms, and installation of equipment in the filter building are just some of the items that either have been completed or are currently in process.

December 2021

November 2021

The buildings are rising and the earth is moving as great progress has been made since pouring the foundations this fall.

September 2021

Cary-Grove Park beyond the playground looks much different since last month. August provided wonderful weather that has allowed construction to proceed nicely. Throughout the month:

Installation of the water line has begun. The parking lot was laid out and stoned. Foundations were poured for the admissions office, bath houses, concession stand, and party room. Access trail and detention basins excavated and graded. Both pools have been excavated.

July 2021

Construction is underway on Sunburst Bay Aquatic Center at Cary-Grove Park. Shortly after the May 13 Ground Breaking site preparations including installation of construction fencing and tree work began. In June, contractors performed mass earth work and shaping of the site.

May 2021

On May 13 the Park District held a Ground Breaking event at Cary-Grove Park. The Park Board and Staff were joined by several former Commissioners, representatives from Representative McLaughlin’s office, and local leaders. The event was streamed live and the video posted on the Park District Facebook page. Over 800 people either joined us live or watched the replay of the Ground Breaking.

Cary Park District To Build Outdoor Aquatic Park

In September 2019, the Cary Park Board of Commissioners took action to move forward with the planning, development, and construction of an outdoor aquatic park at Cary-Grove Park.

View more information on the Outdoor Aquatic Park.

The Park District’s current outdoor pool located at the Community Center is over 40 years old. The founding residents who pushed for the creation of a Park District in 1971 did so with the primary purpose of bringing an outdoor pool to the community. At the time the outdoor pool was constructed, the population of Cary was between 4,500 – 6,000 people. Today the population of the Cary Park District is 3.5 times the size and stands at 21,500.  “The Board of Commissioners is committed to continuing the vision of the Park District’s founding residents by replacing an aging amenity that has served the community well with a new updated outdoor aquatic park that will serve the community and residents for many years to come” said Keith Frangiamore, President Board of Commissioners.

During the process of developing the 2016 Comprehensive Master Plan Update the Board of Commissioners worked with the community through a series of public meetings and needs assessment survey tools to identify and prioritize future initiatives of the Park District. Both indoor and outdoor recreation facilities ranked very high as needs expressed by the community. To evaluate facility development, the Park Board and staff conducted a feasibility study to explore the development of an indoor recreation center and an outdoor aquatics facility. Areas of study included a market analysis, operational costs, capital costs, program development, and site analysis. This study began in May 2018 and the Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Feasibility Report was accepted by the Board in March 2019.

The construction cost of the new outdoor Aquatic Park is anticipated to be $9-10 million.  In July 2019 the Park Board and staff finalized a review of the agencies finances and funding options.  From this work, it was determined that the Park District will complete construction of the project and operate it effectively using the existing financial capabilities and capacity of the agency.   Additionally a plan was set forth to seek outside funding assistance, and the Park Board has prepared to submit a grant application to the Illinois Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grant program released in December 2019.

Programming elements discussed during the study of a the new outdoor Aquatic Park include zero depth entry pool, slides and spray features, interactive features, shade structures, seating as well as an eight lane pool to support community and District swimming programs for all ages. The facility will be compliant with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and usable by people with and without a disability.  Beginning in 2020, the Board of Commissioners will begin discussions that will build upon an initial concept plan for the facility developed as part of the Feasibility Study.  Residents of the Park District will be invited to provide input through public meetings and/or open houses during the 2020 planning process.

The ground breaking and construction start for the new outdoor Aquatic Park is anticipated to begin in 2021.  “The ground breaking will coincide with the 50^th anniversary of the Park District”, said Frangiamore. “Our expectation is to open the new facility for the summer 2022.”

Copies of the 2016 Comprehensive Master Plan Update, Action Plan 2018 Update, and the Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Feasibility Study are available for viewing. To receive updates on this project and invitations to upcoming open houses pertaining to the outdoor Aquatic Facility, subscribe to the Park District’s email list.