Originally published March 19, 1992.
Wheeling Park District’s new aquatic center will open this summer next to the Village Hall on Dundee Road.
The center will feature a body slide, tube slide, and two drop slides. In addition, there will be a simulated lake with a waterfall and areas for sand volleyball and sunbathing.
“It’s not only a pool, but a park. It will appeal to all ages,” Eric Christensen, recreation coordinator for the park district, said.
The water park is being built on the land that was previously Koeppen’s farm. The Koeppen family ran the farm for over 75 years.
“I was sad to see the farm go, but now that the water park is almost ready to open, I’m glad that other people in the community will get to enjoy the land as much as I did,” Greg Koeppen, senior, said.
The opening date is scheduled for May 29; however, the date is only tentative. On weekdays, the center will be open from 11:30 am. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 9 p.m. “Wheeling hasn’t had a community outdoor pool (in a long time). People will be excited about it,” Mr. Christensen said.
The park district is currently accepting applications for jobs at the aquatic center. Anyone interested in being a lifeguard, pool or concession attendant, concession manager, or part of the cleaning crew this summer can obtain an application at Heritage Park Recreation Center, 222 S. Wolf Road, Wheeling. Heritage Park will accept completed applications. There will be a total of 70 to 80 employees at the aquatic center, according to Mr. Christensen.
“I’m really looking forward to working at the water park this summer. I’m going to spend the whole summer going down the waterslides,” Stephanic Punk, senior, said.
Lifeguard training will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 31, April 1, and April 3 at Nep tune’s Pool. The Ellis and Associates class includes CPR and costs $60. The park district will also offer a lifeguard license renewal class. It costs $45 and is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 30 and April 2 at Neptune’s Pool.
In order to receive resident rates at the aquatic center Wheeling residents must have a 1993 resident identification card, available at Heritage Park The cost for the card is $4. Anyone without a card will be charged non-resident rates. Residents of Wheeling also have the option of buying a season’s pass.
A complete listing of rates is available in Wheeling Park District’s Spring 1993 brochure. Any questions should be directed to Heritage Park at 537-2222.