Ribbon Cutting at FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park

The Westmont Park District is excited to announce the completion of and ribbon cutting at FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park. This world class Olympic caliber facility, which includes a 50-meter competition pool and a 3’ deep 25 meter pool with soft bottom, is a culmination of the vision and determination of Maryann Kaufman and FMC Aquatic Opportunities. FMC is a non-profit foundation, whose mission statement is “to create a home for swimmers of all ages and abilities to allow them to learn, to train and to compete.”

The WPD is also committed to healthy lifestyles and the development of our local community.  Our mission statement is: “Enriching community life through quality parks and recreation for all ages.” The alignment of these similar mission statements, FMC’s status as a non-profit, along with the fact that the 5 acre parcel adjacent to Ty Warner Park was slated to be the site of a future Park District aquatic facility, was the impetus to create a long-term relationship between the WPD and FMC to bring this amazing facility to Westmont.

Some residents may not be aware of the history.  In 2004 a community interest survey confirmed our residents had an overwhelming desire to have their own aquatic facility.  The question of whether or not to increase taxes that would enable the Park District to construct a seasonal outdoor aquatic facility was put on the spring and fall ballot in 2005 as a referendum.  The referendum failed on both ballots.  Thanks to our partnership with FMC, Westmont residents now have a world class year round facility at zero expense to our taxpayers.  By allowing FMC the use of the 5 acres on the SW corner of Plaza and Blackhawk Drives, Westmont Park District tax paying residents will be given a 30% discount resident rate for all programs, which will include swim lessons, water exercise classes, open lap swim, and other aquatic programming.

At this time FMC is “dipping their toe in the shallow end” due to COVID restrictions, now that construction is completed. FMC and WPD staff will be working together this fall to establish the aquatic programs that will be available to our residents. For now, only limited swim team practices are being held in the facility under strict COVID guidelines. Please be on the look out on our website and Facebook for future programming at FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park.