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First-time visitors are often times surprised and amazed by Centennial Beach and its uniqueness, and many still are unaware of its rich history as an important part of the community.
Naperville was a century old in 1931 when the former quarry property was purchased as a part of the city's centennial celebration for $16,500.
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Thirty-three local citizens personally and willingly underwrote the cost of the land although, at the time, the Great Depression was having an impact not only in Naperville, but across the world. Each member of the group contributed $500 to purchase the 45-acre site in downtown Naperville near the West Branch of the DuPage River. The property was to commemorate a century of progress and was dedicated as a permanent memorial on June 6, 1931. Actual development of Centennial Beach as a swimming facility began in 1932.
In 1934, the limestone bathhouse was completed and the first Beach water show - also known as an "Aquathon" - was hosted to honor the completion of the structure. Re-creations of this original Aquathon, which included water skiing, diving, comedy ballet and synchronized swimming, were held in the 1940s and 50s. The most recent Aquathon was hosted by the Naperville Park District in 2006 as a part of the Beach's 75th birthday celebration.
In later years, the large, double-quarry was divided. One part of the quarry remained Centennial Beach while the other part became the paddleboat quarry. During the warmer weather months, visitors can rent a paddleboat for a refreshing and fun trip around this portion of the historic quarry. It also is a popular place for catch-and-release fishing for small fish.
Renovations and improvements over the years have maintained the beloved community swimming facility. However, each improvement has been carefully planned and executed in order to maintain the historic nature and significance of Centennial Beach - an aspect that is of great importance to the community. In 2004, Centennial Beach hosted a grand reopening of the facility after a nine-month renovation project including the installation of new concrete decks, a new water circulation system, facility lighting, and new staircases leading to the bathhouse.
Over the course of a summer, weather-permitting, Centennial Beach charms more than 135,000 visitors from Memorial Day through Labor Day, who come to enjoy a day of swimming, sunning, picnicking, and playing with family and friends.
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