The 160,000 sq. ft. Kroc Center is a state-of-the-art ministry, community and social service facility in one of Chicago’s most underserved areas. It is the culmination of five years of planning and massive fundraising efforts. The primary component of the Kroc Center is its sports training and recreation facilities. The Center features an indoor aquatic center with competitive and recreational amenities; four-court gymnasium where participants can play basketball, soccer, gymnastics, volleyball, tennis and baseball; a 4,000 sq. ft. fitness center; indoor and outdoor golf driving ranges and batting cages; and 20 acres of outdoor recreation space.
The aquatic-themed natatorium consists of two large pools that sit side-by-side, separated by a glass wall that provides both visual transparency and acoustical separation. This allows for different user groups to occupy the facility simultaneously, with water and air temperatures adjusted accordingly. Amenities include:
3,400 sq. ft. Competition Pool
- Six 25-yard lanes
- One and three-meter diving
- Accessibility lift
- Retractable bleacher seating for 250 spectators
4,300 sq. ft. Recreation Pool
- Depths ranging from 0” to 3’- 6”
- Interactive shallow water play structure
- Enclosed tube waterslide with deck level run-out
- Open tube waterslide ending in a catch pool
- Vortex
- Zero entry with water spray features
- Underwater bench seating
- Stair entry
- Three lap lanes
190 sq. ft. Spa
The Kroc Center achieved the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for energy efficient design. Highlights of the Kroc Center’s green initiatives include: extreme water savings through low-flow fixtures, native landscaping and an innovative pool filtration system; high indoor environmental quality due to low VOC paints, adhesive and sealants; and efficient systematic controls like occupancy and light sensors.
Counsilman-Hunsaker provided a site-specific systems and operations training following the nationally recognized guidelines of the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) Certified Pool/Spa Operators course. This course emphasized and concentrated on systems and procedures to be used at the Kroc Center.
