Mystic Waters

Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center replaces a fieldhouse and swimming pool developed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1940 in Rand Park, the first major park site purchased by the Des Plaines Park District. The original facilities cost the district $125,000 plus $250,000 in federal funds. In 1983, the district renovated the pool by adding two waterslides and heating the pool. The decision to tear down and rebuild a modern-day waterpark (at a cost of $6.2 million) was spurred by the need for structural repairs to the original fieldhouse and pool.

The sole remaining features from the old pool facility are the two waterslides that enter the plunge pool. Highlights of the new FAC include a zero-depth activity pool (0- to 5-feet deep), a plunge pool with two 37-foot waterslides, a 550-foot lazy river innertube ride, plus a 12.5-foot deep well pool with a drop slide, speed slide and two cliff dives.

Other features include a sand play area, large water play area, sand volleyball court, turf sundeck areas and a concession stand with a patio area.

With an annual budget of $350,000, Mystic Waters is established as an enterprise fund and, thus, meets all its operational costs from the revenue it generates. With a 1,500 bather load, the waterpark averages 90,000 to 100,000 patrons each season.

Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center replaces a 58-year-old pool built by the WPA.

Two 12-foot drop slides tower above the water in the deep well pool.

The lazy river innertube ride rambles for 550 feet with a capacity of 550 innertubes.

Architect of Record:
Pollock, Holzrichter and Nicholas
Wheaton, Ill

Aquatic Design Engineer:
Water Technology, Inc.
Beaver Dam, Wis

Landscape Architect:
Leisure Concepts and Design, Inc.
Mount Prospect, Ill

Cost: $6.2 million
Acres: 15
Occupancy: June 1996