Fairview Aquatic Center will change its name to honor a Normal mayor who was passionate about aquatics.
Renovating Fairview Pool in 1998 was a point of pride for Kent Karraker, who served as Normal's mayor from 1993-2003. Karraker and his family spent a lot of time at the facility that will now bear his name.
Karraker additionally revived the central business district now known at Uptown Normal, balancing capital improvements with fiscal conservatism. He died in March.
Mayor Chris Koos announced the plan to unveil the Kent M. Karraker Aquatic Center on May 25 at Karraker's memorial service.
Fairview Aquatic Center was refreshed last year with resurfacing and fresh paint. Future improvements to the adjacent Fairview Park include overhauling a 20-year-old skate park, scheduled to be completed this summer.
A ceremony date officially naming Kent M. Karraker Aquatic Center has not yet been announced. The surrounding Fairview Park will maintain its name.
