Opened in February 1998, the Rend Lake College Aquatic Center has provided thousands with everything from fun to physical fitness. Luckily, thanks to the generosity of the Rend Lake College Foundation (RLCF), it will continue to serve Rend Lake College and community members for many more years to come.
A PoolPak is an HVAC unit that is vital to the longevity of a pool facility. It regulates air temperature, keeps humidity and acceptable levels and even maintains the Aquatic Center’s pool water temperature. But, with the original seeing its 20th year come and pass, it was time for a desperately needed replacement.
The Foundation once again answered the call, donating the $198,700 to replace the existing unit with a brand new PoolPak.
“Our class participants, members and patrons are so thankful and appreciative of the Rend Lake College Foundation Board for this huge investment in our Aquatic Center. The PoolPak is our lifeline to keeping the facility up and running,” said Laura Johnson, Aquatic Center Coordinator.
“We have people who come here from six months old to 92. They come from all over our district to utilize this pool in some way, shape or fashion. Everything from mom and tot swimming lessons to arthritis aquatics to birthday parties. We have Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops who come get their badges here. We service the Southern Illinois Swim League. That’s what this PoolPak means so much.”
“The Foundation has been involved with the Aquatic Center since it was built in 98 and our Board sees the benefit of having such an excellent facility to promote health and wellness” expressed RLCF CEO Kay Zibby-Damron.
“Part of our discussion in the last several months with President [Terry] Wilkerson was about the importance of the various services our Aquatic Center offers, not only to RLC students, but the district as well. The Foundation Board of Directors felt that it was a natural fit to help the college maintain the Aquatic Center.”
The Aquatics Center is available for public use and is equipped to fill rehabilitative and recreational needs of area residents. It includes a six-lane, 75-foot by 45-foot pool which features a ramp for the physically challenged and ranges from 3 feet 6 inches in depth to 7 feet 6 inches. A 10-foot by 20-foot therapy pool and a whirlpool 10 feet in diameter add to the usefulness of the facility.
The lap pool has a ramp for the physically challenged and both pools are equipped with stairs and a hydraulic chair lift to assist patrons into the water. Included are shower and locker room facilities, a changing room for elderly or physically challenged individuals who need assistance by a member of the opposite sex. In addition to classes, the pool is open during certain time periods daily for recreational use, and memberships are available to the public.
New PoolPak to replace the original unit installed when the RLC Aquatic Center was built in 1998.
The PoolPak was hoisted into the air and installed on the Aquatic Center roof.
The new PoolPak unit installed and ready for use.
