Villa Park recreation commission outlines funding approach for Jefferson Pool, flags potential year-long closure during rebuild

The Villa Park Recreation Commission on Tuesday opened a multi-step effort to finance improvements to Jefferson Pool, discussing grant timelines, potential use of local cannabis-tax revenue and partnerships with neighboring municipalities while cautioning residents the pool may be unavailable for about a year during any rebuild.

The chair told the commission the group will pursue “creative ways” of funding the project, including setting aside the village’s full 1% cannabis-tax allocation and seeking state and federal grants and other aid. The commission also discussed reaching out to state and federal elected officials to explore available funding streams.

Why it matters: Jefferson Pool is a local site for swim lessons, water fitness and community programming. Commissioners said keeping a pool in the village — ideally at its current north-side location — is a priority, but they emphasized the scale and cost of a modern pool project and the trade-offs involved.

Commissioners identified grant constraints and budgeting questions that will shape the timeline. Members noted some park grants have application windows and use-by rules; one speaker observed that certain state park grants require funds be expended within about two years of award, which could affect when the village applies and the sequencing of design and permitting work. Commissioners also discussed grant-match requirements and the limits of typical grant awards: a commissioner referenced that some matching programs can be up to $600,000 while larger pool projects often run well into the millions.

The group also considered site options. Commissioners said the village already owns an adjacent grassy lot formerly used for tennis courts and a skate park that could allow an expanded footprint without acquiring new land, an argument in favor of rebuilding on the existing site. Several commissioners stressed that a rebuilt pool likely would require the village to seek temporary access to neighboring facilities so residents would retain swimming options during construction.

Next steps and responsibilities: The chair said she will coordinate with village staff, including the recreation director and an internal grants contact, to clarify grant timing and application windows. She asked Commissioner Lucy Tarzatano to reach out to state legislators and other local representatives about possible funding, and asked Commissioner Daryl Thompson to research potential donor or alumni connections in the community. Staff will report back with grant timelines, an initial budget range, and membership/admission data at the next meeting.

The commission did not make any formal financial commitments at the meeting; members framed the discussion as the start of a planning process that will include grant research, budget estimates and conversations with the village board and external funders.