The new aquatics facility has been open to swimmers and divers on Tuesday, Sep, 17. North Star News received an exclusive look at this very exciting addition to our school.

All those who use the pool will appreciate its changes, including the natural light and the significantly better circulation of air.

This breathtaking new addition includes two pools (the renovated old pool and the brand new, state of the art pool), a diving well, flat screen TVs, raised balcony space, new bathrooms and handicap accessibility.

“This school is constantly progressing, and the pool is just the beginning,” Keith Robinson, assistant principal of operations said. “The new pool makes it possible for Niles North to benefit its entire community.”

Although the schedule is still in progress, the pools will be used by Niles North gym classes, the Skokie Park District, the boys and girls swim team and Swift Aquatics, one of Skokie’s year round competitive club teams.

The Niles North girls and boys swim team are excited to end their commuting and be able to practice and compete at home again.

“The new pool is amazing, and I can’t believe that they were able to complete it so quickly,” senior swimmer Sidrah Ahmed said. “I never thought we would actually get a new pool, and when I saw it last week, it seemed so surreal.”

The Niles North diving coaches invite all girls to try out for the diving team. The new diving well includes a sparging system, which provides an air cushion to all dives by aerating the water with bubbles.

“The sparging system will help new and experienced divers perfect their dives during practice without having to worry about getting hurt. We plan to have beginning diving lessons for younger kids as well since this new system will help their confidence,” Robinson said.

As for the rumors floating around about the need for lifeguards to work the new pools or the introduction of water polo to Niles North, the possibilities are endless. More information will be released at the grand opening and in the months to come.

The grand opening is planned for sometime in late September to early October. Do not miss out on this monumental event in Niles North history!