Normal to rename aquatic center for former mayor

Posted on May 28, 2024

*^{Normal Mayor Chris Koos shared the news with Karraker’s family on May 25, at a memorial service for the former mayor. (Photo Courtesy of WMBD-TV)}*

By WMBD-TV

NORMAL – The Town of Normal announced its plans on Tuesday to rename the Fairview Aquatic Center.

According to a press release from the town, they will rename the center to the Kent M. Karraker Aquatic Center in honor of the town’s former mayor.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos shared the news with Karraker’s family on May 25, at a memorial service for the former mayor.

“Kent Karraker made a long and lasting impact on the Town of Normal,” Koos said. “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.”

Karraker served his first term on the town council in 1983, and was elected mayor in 1993. He served until he stepped down for health reasons in 2003.

He is credited for laying the groundwork for the revival of Uptown Normal, which led to the building of the Children’s Discovery Museum and Uptown station.

Normal will officially rename the facility at a future event.

WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].

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