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Jan 31, 2024

Area pools ready for splash of summer, first season after official end of pandemic

The Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer and this year,

The Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer and this year, different from the past three summer seasons, community pools are opening amid the official end of the COVID-19 pandemic and global health emergency.

For the Park District of Franklin Park, the Pool on Pacific – located on Pacific Avenue in the village – opened May 27 at noon with an opening day celebration event that included music, raffles and prizes for patrons, according to information provided by the Park District.

Officials explained that, with the COVID-19 pandemic global emergency officially declared to be over, all protocols established during the pandemic for Pool on Pacific have lifted, and larger crowds are expected this season as a result.

So far, the Park District has hired 27 lifeguards.

"We are excited for the opening of the Pool on Pacific and the action-packed summer ahead filled with fun activities and events that the whole family will enjoy," said Park District spokeswoman Catherine Saponieri.

Information about pool fees, passes, hours and more are available online at: https://www.fpparks.org/pool-on-pacific/.

Sophie Vazquez, 8, of Elmwood Park, goes down the water slide May 27, 2023 at the Elmwood Park Aquatic Center in Elmwood Park. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Lana Ginsberg, 8, of Elmwood Park, jumps into the water on opening day of the Elmwood Park Aquatic Center May 27, 2023 in Elmwood Park. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Mila Almazan, 1, of Elmwood Park, plays in the water on opening day of the Elmwood Park Aquatic Center May 27, 2023 in Elmwood Park. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

The Elmwood Park Aquatic Center opened for the season May 27, 2023 in Elmwood Park. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

In nearby Elmwood Park, the Elmwood Park Family Aquatic Center also opened Memorial Day weekend, operating May 27 and May 28 from noon to 8 p.m. The center offers swim lessons, lap swim and arthritis aquacise, according to information on the aquatic center.

Though the pandemic officially ended last month, in Elmwood Park, pool protocols established during that time were lifted in 2022. One thing that will continue at the Elmwood Park Family Aquatic Center is professional, weekly disinfection and the handing out of sanitizing wipes, according to officials.

Village officials expect another fully operating season for the aquatic center this year, they say. The village has enough lifeguards employed and anticipates a packed swimming season as long as the weather permits.

"We want at least 60 lifeguards hired, but we take as many applications as we can get. We had 80 applications and will hire a solid 60 or more, provided everyone qualifies with the requirements," said Al Schmidt, Elmwood Park director of Parks and Recreation.

Information about daily fees, pool passes, hours are available on the village's Facebook page and online at https://elmwoodpark.org/services-safety/parks-recreation/aquatic-center/

Kaitlin Mikrut is a freelancer.