The VGBA is a federal law signed into place after a 7-year-old girl
drowned in 2002 after being trapped underwater by the powerful
suction from a hot-tub drain. This legislation requires public pools
and spas to be fitted with certain equipment that is intended to
prevent death or injury caused by entrapment, evisceration or
entanglement. The Lincoln Park District complied soon after
notification was received in 2008. In early 2010, information was
received that new regulations had been adopted in Illinois, and more
modifications would be needed to become compliant by the Oct. 1,
2011, deadline. Lincoln was one of approximately 500 municipal, park
district, school and hotel pools that did not meet that date.
Following the addition of the new regulations in 2010, the park
district began exploring options that would make the mandated
changes economically feasible while at the same time looking at
options for replacing the existing facility. After many months of
discussion, it became apparent that the only fiscally responsible
decision was to move forward with plans for a new pool.
The park district understands that the closing of the pool
affects recreational opportunities for many youth and adults in our
community. Every effort will be made to provide alternative low-cost
programming for the upcoming summer. By working with other agencies,
businesses and individuals in Lincoln, the park district feels
confident this can be achieved.
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If you have questions, feel free to contact the park district at
217-732-8770 or
info@lincolnparkdistrict.com. For updates on programming, visit
www.lincolnparkdistrict.com or on Facebook.
[Text from file received from
Lincoln Park District]
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