Swanson Pool in St. Charles to open Wednesday with limited capacity

ST. CHARLES – The St. Charles Park District's Swanson Pool will be able to open Wednesday with limited capacity now that the area has moved into Phase 4 of Gov. JB Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan.

Splash Park at Otter Cove Aquatic Park will also open Wednesday with limited capacity. Reservations will be required at both facilities and each facility will be able to hold a maximum of 50 people based on the guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Swanson Pool will be open for both recreational and lap swimming, St. Charles Park District Superintendent of Recreation Mike Kies said. Capacity at the large pool at Swanson Pool will be limited to 50 people, as well as at the small pool.

"We as a park district are always wanting to make sure that safety is first and foremost not only for our participants and our residents, but also our staff," Kies said. "We feel that 50 people we can physical distance comfortably, in both locations."

The Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday released its guidelines for swimming facilities.

“There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can spread to people through the water in pools and water playgrounds,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a news release. “However, the virus can still spread between people while in the pool, playing at a water park, or in a spa.  Make sure to keep your distance from other people, especially if waiting in line or sitting around the pool.”

Kies said the park district is happy to be offering more activities to residents – in a safe manner.

"We're just excited to bring some sort of swim and aquatic activities and recreation back to the community." he said. "And obviously we want to do it safely. That's the first priority. We're just excited to give the community something."