:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/L5U4MSCEZEGGFUORVUEG7ENMYY.jpg)
DeKALB – On Wednesday, the DeKalb Park District announced that the Hopkins Park Aquatic Center, located at 1403 Sycamore Road, will be open for the 2021 season from May 29 through August 15.
Although the aquatic center will open, there will be capacity restrictions and safety guideline regulations in place. All visitors must wear a face covering while on deck. Visitors are encouraged to bring a chair because deck lounge chairs will not be available to minimize the disinfection schedule between group time slots.
Season passes will not be sold. Daily admission entry will be available in 90-minute reservation time slots for both the kiddie pool and general swim area, which includes the slides and diving wells. Reservations will be available for registration in a rolling two weeks before each available date, starting May 15. All visitors will be required to make a reservation. Walk-ins will not be permitted. A 90-minute time slot will cost $5 for residents and $6 for nonresidents.
If there is inclement weather, households will be given credit to use on a future reservation date or they will be issued a refund.
The kiddie pool for ages 7 and younger with an adult will be open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. The general swim area will be open daily from noon to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. An exclusive lap swim-only time slot will be available daily from 9:30 to 11 a.m. However, lap swim will be permitted in select areas within general swim time slots. Open swim will not be permitted during lap swim exclusive times.
“We know that some of the restrictions that need to be in place are less than ideal, but they are essential in continuing to keep the public safe,” Superintendent of Recreation Greg Bruggeman said in a news release. “Last summer, we were only able to open the Kiddie Pool Area, so we are grateful that we get to expand aquatic offerings and fully open Hopkins Pool this summer. It’s a step in the right direction as things start to look a little more like normal.”
Due to capacity restrictions, summer swim lessons will take place at Huntley Middle School’s pool, located at 1515 S. Fourth St.
Park District staff is currently seeking individuals ages 15 and older to join the aquatics team as seasonal lifeguards and swim instructors. More details about available positions can be found online at www.dekalbparkdistrict.com/employment-opportunities.
“It’s been great seeing our aquatics staff return each year, we’re like family,” Aquatics Supervisor Jackie Owensby said in a news release. “But we also welcome new faces and offer a comprehensive lifeguard certification class. It’s an excellent opportunity for youth in our community to expand their leadership skills, and grow both as a team and as individuals.”
The aquatic center’s concession stand will be open daily. Private pool rentals will be available 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Select aquatic special events are planned to be held this summer, including extended Thursday evening swim times in July for Hot Summer Nights and the annual cardboard boat regatta on July 31.
“We are so excited and incredibly happy to reopen the pool this year,” said Marketing Coordinator Katie Drum. “Going to the pool is a tradition for so many families. The swimming pool is synonymous with summer. We’re looking forward to offering relief from the summer heat and for things slowly getting back to normal.”
For more information about COVID-19 restrictions, pool rules, pool rental pricing or to make a pool reservation starting May 15, visit www.dekalbparkdistrict.com/hopkins-pool or call 815-758-7756.