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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. [to top of second
column] |
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] |
