
Summer will be here very soon. It has been more than a year since COVID-19 swept our region, impacting seasonal traditions that are synonymous with summer. As vaccine distribution continues to grow and cases decrease in our area, the staff is excited to announce that the Hopkins Park Aquatic Center, located at 1403 Sycamore Road, will officially open for the 2021 season from May 29 through August 15.
Although open, Hopkins Pool will have capacity restrictions and safety guideline regulations in place that will not allow for Season Passes this summer. 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). Residents ($5) and non-residents ($6) may choose from the following time slots that 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, as walk-ins will not be permitted.
The Kiddie Pool (for ages 7 and under with an adult) will be open daily from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, 1:30 – 3:00 pm, 3:30 – 5:00 pm. The General Swim Area will be open daily from noon – 1:30 pm, 2:00 – 3:30 pm, 4:00 – 5:30 pm. An exclusive Lap Swim-Only time slot will be available daily from 9:30-11:00 am, 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,” commented Superintendent of Recreation, Greg Bruggeman. “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.”
Summer Swim Lessons will continue, however, due to capacity restrictions, lessons will take place at Huntley Middle School Pool, located at 1515 S. 4th Street. Park District staff is currently seeking individuals (ages 15+) to join the aquatics team as seasonal Lifeguards and Swim instructors, with more details to be found at dekalbparkdistrict.com/employment-opportunities.
“It’s been great seeing our aquatics staff return each year, we’re like family. 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, ” stated Aquatics Supervisor, Jackie Owensby.
The Hopkins Pool Concession Stand will be open daily and Private Pool Rentals will be available on Fridays and Saturdays, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Staff is excited to host select aquatic special events such as extended Thursday evening swim times in July for Hot Summer Nights and the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta on July 31.
All participants must wear a face-covering while on deck and visitors are encouraged to bring a chair, as the deck lounge chairs will not be available to minimize the disinfection schedule between group time slots.
For more information about COVID-19 restrictions, the General Hopkins Pool Rules, Pool Rental pricing, and to make a pool reservation starting May 15, please visit dekalbparkdistrict.com/hopkins-pool or call (815) 758-7756.
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