January 15, 2025
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Riordan Pool in Ottawa opening day is here

Vending machines not quite ready, visitors may bring their own food and drink

By Derek Barichello
Workers fill Riordan Pool on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in Ottawa. The pool will open June 19 to the public. The construction of the 6.7 million dollar pool began in September of 2022. The facility includes a 9,700 square foot pool, complete with a zero foot entry, six 70-foot competition lanes and three diving stands, plus a 5,700 square foot building containing private family changing rooms, locker rooms, showers, restrooms and offices. There will be a shelter with picnic tables, vending machines and tables for umbrellas.

Workers filled Riordan Pool on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in Ottawa. The pool is set to open Monday, June 19, 2023. (Scott Anderson)

The new Riordan Pool in Ottawa is ready to open for its first day Monday.

Hours will be noon to 6 p.m.

The vending machines will not be in operation as of Monday, Commissioner Marla Perason said. Visitors may bring their own food and drink. There also will be coolers stocked with bottled water.

The $6.7 million pool includes the 9,700 square foot pool, complete with a zero foot entry, six 70-foot competition lanes and three diving stands, plus a 5,700 square foot building containing private family changing rooms, locker rooms, showers, restrooms and offices.

The new pool was filled Tuesday and inspected Friday by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

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Workers fill Riordan Pool on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in Ottawa. The pool will open June 19 to the public. The construction of the 6.7 million dollar pool began in September of 2022. The facility includes a 9,700 square foot pool, complete with a zero foot entry, six 70-foot competition lanes and three diving stands, plus a 5,700 square foot building containing private family changing rooms, locker rooms, showers, restrooms and offices. There will be a shelter with picnic tables, vending machines and tables for umbrellas.

Workers fill Riordan Pool on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Ottawa. The pool will open Monday, June 19, to the public. The construction of the $6.7 million pool began in September of 2022. The facility includes a 9,700 square foot pool, complete with a zero foot entry, six 70-foot competition lanes and three diving stands, plus a 5,700 square foot building containing private family changing rooms, locker rooms, showers, restrooms and offices. There will be a shelter with picnic tables, vending machines and tables for umbrellas. (Scott Anderson)