Urbana’s Crystal Lake Aquatic Center Opens July 4

After a month of weather delays, Urbana’s new Crystal Lake Family Aquatic Center is opening Thursday.

The old Crystal Lake Pool closed in 2008.  The new facility, funded by 2010 tax referendum - will have three different pools and three water slides.

Urbana Park District spokeswoman Dana Mancuso said there are other features that are unique to Central Illinois.

"We have a vortex, which is a place with swirling water," she said.  "You could do water resistance, or you can swirl around that area of the pool.  We have a wet deck, where you can sit in a few inches of water, and just enjoy watching your older or younger children play." 

There’s also a climbing wall - one of only five with this style in the world. 

Cost of the new facility is around $9-million.

The pool opens Thursday morning at 9:30 for the July 4th holiday - but will regularly open at 11 a.m. weekends and 12:30 weekdays.  The pool closes at 8 p.m.

Patrons are allowed to bring their own food in a soft cooler, but no glass or open bottles are allowed.