Niles North to Build $12 Million Aquatics Center

plans to break ground on April 1 on 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.  The school will be able to host swimming and diving events simultaneously. And the 500-person spectator capacity means the school could hold the Central Suburban League North Conference meet and put it in the running to host future IHSA sectional championships. Orlove said he looks forward to the opportunity to give back by hosting a conference meet and elevate interest in its swimming and diving programs.

The $12 million dollar project, which also includes renovation of the school’s existing pool and locker rooms, will be funded primarily by a bond sale, and the price tag will account for more than 45 percent of the 5-year Capital Projects budget for Niles North. Completion time is estimated at 15-18 months, according to Orlove.

Other major capital expenditures for Niles North include replacement of windows and doors and air handling units, renovation of the student and faculty cafes and enclosure of the tennis courts.