The Urbana Park District and the Urbana School District have agreed to a new, four-year contract to operate Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center (UIAC). The school district owns the pool and the park district operates the pool. The pact runs from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2027.
Both the park district and school district are pleased to continue this unique, over 20-year partnership that brings indoor aquatics to Urbana and the surrounding community. Both the school district and the park district are committed to providing the community with high-quality programs for years to come.
“We are pleased to have found a way to extend this intergovernmental partnership that provides all Urbana residents four season pool access despite the financial challenges facing all public agencies,” said Michael Walker, Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners President.
The USD and the UPD negotiating team worked collaboratively to identify cost-effective ways to provide the highest level of programming at the UIAC, while helping to reduce staffing, operating and capital costs over the term of the new agreement.
The pool will close during the summer to all programs and activities while Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center (the outdoor pool) is open.
The park district is pleased to offer popular aquatics programs for the entire community to enjoy. During the fall and winter, UIAC will offer open swim during the school district’s Fall, Winter and Spring Breaks. The park district will rent the pool out for private parties on Saturdays and Sundays. The park district will continue to offer swimming lessons, water aerobics classes and lap swim on a regular basis.
“The Urbana Park District is a vital partner to the school district in multiple ways, and we are very pleased that we are able to extend our partnership in running the UIAC. Both public partners are aligned in their goals of promoting public health and wellness, as well as serving the entire community,” said Paul Poulosky, Urbana School District Board President.
Urbana School District 116 Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Ivory-Tatum added, “The collaboration between Urbana SD116 and Urbana Park District allows the UIAC to deliver services to the entire community. Our partnership saves taxpayer dollars and keeps the needs of the Urbana community at the forefront. We appreciate our continued partnership with UPD and believe they are the ideal partner to operate this facility.”
Urbana Park District Executive Director Tim Bartlett commented, “I want to thank the Board of Commissioners, UPD staff, Urbana Park District Advisory Committee and the community for working with the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center Matrix Team in planning a new approach to operating this amazing facility. We believe the new agreement will serve the needs of the facility, provide great program options and bring about more equity in supporting all of the UPD programs and facilities.”
The park district Board of Commissioners voted to approve the agreement Tuesday night. The Urbana School District 116 Board of Education approved the agreement earlier in April.