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Schools

Niles North to Build $12 Million Aquatics Center

Project to break ground in April; school hopes to host swimming, diving and water polo events

Niles North High School plans to break ground on April 1 for its new aquatics center, the largest capital expenditure in its five-year plan.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Athletic Director Karl Costello. “This is the most eagerly expected facility update at Niles North High School. For 20 years, it’s [the existing pool] been a sub-standard facility. We have a top-notch aquatics program and now we’re finally going to have a facility to match that quality.”

The Niles North Aquatic Center will become home to both the girls and boys swimming and diving teams, the Swift Aquatics competitive swim program, and the Skokie Park District’s Swim America learn-to-swim program. The school is also looking to build a water polo program, according to Head Swim Coach Seth Orlove.

The center will feature an 8-lane, 25-yard pool that will include a separate diving well with two 1-meter and one 3-meter springboards, according to Costello.  This will allow the Vikings to host swimming and diving events simultaneously. The 500-person spectator capacity will enable it to hold the Central Suburban League North Conference meet, and will also put it in the running to host the IHSA Sectional Championships in the future. Orlove said he looks forward to the opportunity to give back by hosting a conference meet and to elevate interest in the swimming and diving program.

The $12 million dollar project, which also includes renovation of the school’s existing pool and locker rooms, will be funded primarily from the sale of bonds, and it accounts for more than 45 percent of the 5-year Capital Projects budget for Niles North. The project is anticipated to be completed in 15-18 months, according to Orlove. The build will demand more than 81 percent of the 2012-13 Niles Township High Schools’ $14.8 million capital improvement budget. Other major capital expenditures for Niles North include: window and door replacements ($4.7 million), enclosure of tennis courts ($1.3 million), renovation of the student and faculty cafes ($1.2 million), and replacement of air handling units ($1.2 million).

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