Vulcan Lakes design on table

CRYSTAL LAKE – The Crystal Lake City Council is set to consider the final design plans for the Vulcan Lakes Recreation Area tonight.

If approved, construction of the multimillion-dollar project could be put out to bid.

Council members have reviewed detailed plans presented by Hitchcock Design Group for turning Vulcan Lakes into a haven for swimmers and beach lovers.

The lakes, now owned by the city, are former gravel pits northwest of Rakow and Pingree roads.

The council is scheduled to meet at 7:30 p.m. today in the Council Chambers at 100 W. Woodstock St.

Bidding on the project, which could cost up to $14 million, would be completed by May, according to city documents. Construction could begin thereafter, and the city-owned park could be open to the public sometime in 2010, Mayor Aaron Shepley said.

The vote tonight also would execute a $1.8 million contract with Hitchcock Design Group for final design work and their role as the construction manager for the project.

“Basically, this is approval of the documentation we have so far so it can be set out to bid,” Shepley said.

Plans call for a 40,000-square-foot beach that stretches into a large swim area with access to standing islands and a lake house, in addition to other features.

Hitchcock Design Group would prepare specifications for two phases of bidding on the Vulcan Lakes project, which would allow for some leeway in the recreation area’s purview.

Alternatives in the bidding will allow the city “flexibility” in amenities, according to the council’s agenda. For example, a basic 1,000-square-foot lake house and an alternate 4,000-square-foot lake house have been proposed. The lake house would store equipment and act as a lifeguard station.

Other features include an outdoor patio, beach and swimming area, marina environment with kayak beach and dock, boardwalk, overlook, and shaded picnic area. Alternatives include a playground, splash pad, connection to other trail systems, and a viewing area, according to a letter from Hitchcock Design Group.

“The scope of the project is up for debate,” Shepley said. “We’re really excited about it. This is a big step for the City Council.”

Construction on the recreation area could began in June after the council approves the bids and various permits.