McLean County Times

The Town of Normal has announced plans to rename the Fairview Aquatic Center in honor of former Mayor Kent Karraker. The facility will become the Kent M. Karraker Aquatic Center at Fairview Park, with the official name change to take place at a future event.

Mayor Chris Koos informed the Karraker family of the decision during a memorial service for the former mayor on May 25. “Kent Karraker made a long and lasting impact on the Town of Normal,” said Koos. “He accomplished a lot during his terms of service. He personally took pride in renovating Fairview Pool in 1998 and was passionate about the aquatics program. Kent and his family spent a lot of time at Fairview. Naming the aquatic center in his honor is a lasting tribute recognizing the incredible legacy he created for our community.”

A formal event will be held to officially mark the renaming, with further details to be announced.

Kent Karraker began his public service with a four-year term on the Town Council in 1983 and became mayor in 1993, serving until 2003 when he stepped down for health reasons. He was known for a “pay-as-you-go” approach but also supported progress and investment in the community. His leadership saw the start of the revival of the central business district, now called Uptown Normal, and set the foundation for projects like the Children’s Discovery Museum and Uptown Station.

The Fairview Aquatic Center, originally built in 1958 and renovated in 1998, features several pools, slides, and a spray play area. The facility’s three slides were updated in 2010 and resurfaced in 2023, while the bathhouse dates back to the original construction but was expanded during the 1998 renovation.