Stay Cool while Staying Active at Lincoln Park District’s Aquatic Center

 

[June 29, 2023] 

Ready to cool off? Leave the ice cream in the freezer and head to the Lincoln Park District(LPD) Aquatic Center. LPD’s Aquatic Center offers a variety of amenities and special activities for making it through, and even enjoying, these hot days of summer. The LPD Aquatic Center was completely renovated and reopened in 2015 and features a zero-depth toddler pool, a lap pool, and a giant water slide that delivers brave sliders into a plunge pool.

For those taking a break from the water, the pool area offers lounge chairs and picnic tables, shaded areas, and a concession stand with a new extended menu. Locker rooms and showers, easy access stairs and an ADA chair lift complete the comfort and ease of access to the facility.

Anyone who has not yet visited the LPD Aquatic Center this summer may not realize the range of activities on offer. From lap swim and water fitness to swim lessons and pool parties, even family swim and Fourth of July events, the LPD Aquatic Center provides summer fun for everyone.

Get Fit

Mornings at LPD lap pool find dedicated adult swimmers making waves from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Water fitness classes taught by experienced instructors are offered Monday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings at 9:15 a.m. and Monday and Thursday evenings at 6:45 p.m.

These classes provide low impact exercise for all bodies. Strong swimming skills are not required as participants may elect to remain in the shallow end of the lap pool. Water fitness classes are included in both regular LPD membership and with a season pool pass or for a small daily admission fee for non-members. Reservations are not required.

Be Safe

Learning to swim is important not just for fun and exercise, but vital for water safety. The LPD offers several opportunities for children to learn this critical skill.

The first of four sessions of group swim lessons for children began June 5, and the next session starts on July 10 (register by July 5). The final session of group swim lessons begins July 25 and registration closes July 19.

The next session for parent and child group swim lessons for the littlest swimmers (6 months to 3 years old) begins July 8. Private swim lessons are also available and should be booked by July 7.

For those ages 11-14 who already know how to swim and are interested in learning more about water safety and what is required of a lifeguard, LPD’s Jr. Lifeguard course runs July 10-14 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Participants will learn basic CPR, AED, and water rescue skills concluding with a skills test, just like a true lifeguard.

Have Fun

LPD began hosting themed Family Fun days last summer and two more are on the calendar for this season. July 14 is Halloween Day family swim featuring decorations and Halloween music all day, a selfie station for costumes worn to the pool, and a Trunk or Treat with local vendors from 12:00 p.m. to1:30 p.m. The pool also has a special admission fee on Halloween Day: an item to donate to Moms Who Care, an organization which provides free necessities for students on the campuses of local schools. Suggested items for donation include personal hygiene items such as shampoo, lotion, or hair ties; school supplies, such as pencils, notebooks, or folders; and shelf-stable snacks, such as dried fruit or granola bars.

Come celebrate Halloween in July and mark your calendar for the next Family Fun day on August 11-- Circus Day! For those unable to attend the two themed Family Fun days, regular family swim nights happen every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Coming up next week is the LPD Fourth of July Celebration with a host of activities scheduled. The Aquatic Center gets in on the festivities on July 3 and 4 by featuring a coupon for a free popsicle and games starting at 2:00 p.m. both days.

Swimming For All

Because LPD believes in water safety and wants all community members to be able to enjoy the Aquatic Center, LPD has partnered with community organizations to offer scholarships for beginning group swim lessons for children who qualify for free or reduced school lunch or experience economic hardship. Applications are available from the administration office.

The LPD Aquatic Center benefited from the generosity of the Lincoln Woman’s Club (LWC) this spring to support the LPD’s water safety projects. LWC donated over $3,600raised through local fundraising events and their donation was also aided by grants from Eaton Corporation of $2,000 and from Illinois Prairie Community Foundation of $1,500 bringing the total donation to $7,206. This donation provides swim lesson scholarships and funding to train and retain quality lifeguards. LPD and LWC both want to see the Aquatic Center fully staffed, safe, and open for all to enjoy.

Season pool passes for the Aquatic Center are available for both individuals and families. Entrance is also available with a daily admission fee; half price admission is Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a Tuesday family swim 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. also at half price. Adult lap swim is from 10:30 a.m. to noon daily. Public swim begins at noon. Times and activities are subject to change due to inclement weather.

For more information, please visit www.lincolnparkdistrict.com/aquatic-center.

[Stephanie Hall with photos by Hall and Jennifer Prather]