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TURTLE ISLAND WATER PARK A Wading Pool That Made The Big Leagues Would you construct a $625,000 wading pool without the support of a full size swimming pool? That's exactly what the Memorial Park District did in 1989 to increase attendance and intergrate a pool that was attracting only the black population of the district. Turtle Island replaced Stevenson Pool, an old Bintz second story facility that was built in the 1930's. It was one of only several still left in Illinois. The pool was in poor mechanical shape, and had low attendance. It was one of three pools operated by the district in an area that encompasses six different Chicago suburbs with a diverse racial and ethnic mixture. The staff and commissioners knew that if the park district remodeled or built a new pool it would not stimulate intergration and attendance at the facility. The staff also realized that there was no shallow water under 2 1/2 feet in the area that would serve as an attraction to parents with small children. With this in mind and a limited budget, the idea of Turtle Island was born. A TODDLER'S WATER PARADISE In consultation with Leisure Concepts and Design of Mt. Prospect, Turtle Island was designed for and limited to children 10 years of age and under and their parents. Its architect was Charles E. Petrungaro and the general contractor in charge of construction was Schaefges Bros. of Wheeling. It has a graduated zero to 21/2 foot depth that produces a safe beach-like atmosphere. Unlike swimming pools where play and toys are highly restricted, Turtle Island encourages youngsters to bring their favorite water toys. The pool provides baskets of water toys and colorful foam floats for active play. Turtle Island's special water features include:
Supervision of children by parents is enhanced by a ring of built-in wooden benches that surround the pool and sand chairs that can be brought into the shallow water by parents so that they can be close to their children as they sunbathe. The whole philosophy of the operation is to provide a pampered, relaxed atmosphere for parents and a fun water playland for kids. A wet sand area was developed with a friendly, water spraying porpoise, sand diggers and baskets of sand toys that create a place where each child's
Turtle Island is a source of fun for children and adults.
imagination can run wild. A grass sunbathing and picnic area lies adjacent to the sand. Access to these areas is restricted to a supervised passage between two shower columns. The park district was able to keep costs down by omitting showers and changing rooms from the plans. A shower house was not needed due to the fact that the facility is considered to be only a wading pool by state standards. Patrons are encouraged to arrive dressed in their swim suits. This year two cabana changing tents have been added for the convenience of patrons. Other areas of construction in which the Park District orchestrated frugality are as follows: Because Turtle Island was built next to the old Stevenson Community Center, its washrooms and concession stand were remodeled and incorporated into the pool design. Security lockers were placed outdoors due to a lack of indoor space. Instead of a manager's office, an awning covered manager's station was erected close to the water, and a pre-assembled guard booth was purchased to serve as a ticket office. LIFESAVING IN 2 1/2 FEET OF WATER The staff was surprised to find that the guards were making more saves in the wading pool than first anticipated. Because the water is so shallow, many parents have been too relaxed in the supervision of their toddlers. The pool is also drawing more persons who are unfamiliar with being around water. One older child had to be assisted when she forgot that she could just stand up. The youth water slides also make it necessary for additional supervision. THE NEW CONCEPT PAID OFF Turtle Island opened its doors on July 22, 1989. The design of the pool, with its colorful banners, many fountains, and slides, had a major visual impact on residents. Intergration of the pool seemed to come natural from the start. This was due to the deluxe feeling of the pool and that being limited to parents and small children, there was no intimidation or anxiety factor that comes when teenage youths share the same swim area. By mid- August, Turtle Island was drawing larger crowds than either of the park district's other 2 swimming pools. A peak daily attendance of 285 seem to stretch the limits of the facility. The pool is now attracting swimmers from as far as 10 miles outside Memorial Park District's service area. Turtle Island has found a nitch between the large water parks and local community pools. It may be that splash pools have finally come of age.
Ted Steiskal DIRECTOR'S NOTE: The author of this article, Ted Steiskal, has depicted the birth of Turtle Island Water Park with excitement and enthusiasm. However, he did not indicate in the narrative, his part in the water park's development; probably because he was apprehensive of self praise. It should be known that Superintendent Ted Steiskal conceived the original idea of the tot water playground. He was the one who provided the greatest amount of input concerning its design. He worked closely with the consultants and programmed the extras and/or alternatives to complete the total concept. The Commissioners of Memorial Park District have recognized him for his effort. Ted should feel justifiably proud of this accomplishment.
William J. Francione
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