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TThere?EUR??,,????'?????< Watching family after family take a liking to the facility,www.usaonwatch.biz it looks like this ?EUR??,,????'?????< Wanted: Better Splash for Less Cash
Watching family after family take a liking to the facility,www.usaonwatch.biz it looks like this ?EUR??,,????'?????<
Buffalo Grove, in southern Lake County, is known for its education system and affluent demographics. The area offers country charm, serenity and easy access to the cultural and business centers of nearby Chicago. Described as a young, aggressive community with strong academic programs, controlled development, and active citizen involvement, Buffalo Grove is listed as one of ?EUR??,,????'?????<
With such prosperity, one would think that Buffalo Grove Park District would have state-of-the-art facilities in all areas of town?EUR??,,????'?????< Over the last decade, there have been five failed attempts to pass a referendum to build a community center. The 2000 referendum went down by less than 100 votes. The message from Buffalo Grove residents was clear: The community supported the need for additional space, but they it was not willing to fund these capital projects through a property tax hike. A Refreshing Concept: Kids Just Wanna Get Wet
Over the last decade, there have been five failed attempts to pass a referendum to build a community center. The 2000 referendum went down by less than 100 votes. The message from Buffalo Grove residents was clear: The community supported the need for additional space, but they it was not willing to fund these capital projects through a property tax hike.
It has been said that Buffalo Grove Park District suffers from ?EUR??,,????'?????<
In short, Buffalo Grove?EUR??,,????'?????<
The epiphany came when the staff and administrators at the district realized that plans for these $5-million-dollar facilities are normally generated by adults with adult interests at heart. But what was the real need of the community? It was this: In the summer, people, especially kids, just want to get wet.
With this in mind, park administrators Mike Rylko and Dan Schimmel attended a seminar on aquatic playgrounds at the 2002 NRPA Congress in Tampa, Florida. It was there that they first learned about Splashpads. Fusing sleek architectural designs with fun-filled entertainment, these aquatic playgrounds are fully automated recreational systems that are revolutionizing aquatic play.
The manufacturer?EUR??,,????'?????<
Meeting the safety standards for public facilities set out by the American Society for Testing and Materials, the water playground is a safe, yet thrilling aquatic environment for the town?EUR??,,????'?????< Success in Waves
The realization of this vision happened in waves. The first step in the creation of ?EUR??,,????'?????<
After the designer and manufacturer?EUR??,,????'?????< No Drain on Resources
While the playground cost close to $750,000 to build, the facility is expected to pay its own way. With a use fee of $3 per session, the playground is expected to generate $54,000 in its first year?EUR??,,????'?????<
The Vortex-supplied hardware cost $140,000 with installation adding $100,000 to the bill. Restroom construction and other facility costs made up the rest of the total.
By comparison, the nearby Willow Stream pool costs the community $123,000 per year and operates at a loss of about $53,000 annually.
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If they think about it, taxpayers and patrons of the Buffalo Grove Park District must be pleased that the district found an economically-viable way to overcome the village?EUR??,,????'?????<
For information on hours of operation, community uses, or other inquiries, visit www.bgparkdistrict.org. To find out more about water playgrounds and the companies who produce and install them, visit www.vortex-intl.com.
The Buffalo Grove Park District received a grant in 2002 for $387,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to build the skate park, the water fountain park and two ball fields at Busch Grove Community Park. A total of $50,000 was earmarked for the project by Illinois State Rep. Sidney Mathias???????(R)????, of the 53rd District in 2003. However, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich later implemented a freeze on state initiative money in late 2003. To date, they have not received the funds.
In 1999, Illinois State Senator William Peterson of the 26th District awarded the Buffalo Grove Park District a $250,000 ?EUR??,,????'?????<
The area at Busch Grove Community Park was identified as being the ideal location for the Splashpad right from the start. The Didier Family used to own and operate a pumpkin farm on the property. The city bought the 76-acre plot of land for $11 million. Over the last few years, the city has developed the site and added many facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness and medical rehabilitation center, a golf learning center, a True Ride skate park and the Vortex Splashpad, complete with a heated water recirculation system.
The park project (skate park, Splashpad, dry playground, parking lot, playground, two ball fields, interpretive nature trails, lighting and amenities) was funded through the city?EUR??,,????'?????<
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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