Splash Into A Fully Open Hopkins Pool

DeKalb Park District staff is excited to share Hopkins Pool is fully open, 11:30 am – 5:00 pm without restrictions, for the 2021 Season. 

It has been a roller-coaster ride at the pool for the past two seasons. In 2020, due to COVID-19, only the Kiddie Pool Area was open with strict safety guidelines. Early in 2021, as staff navigated the Resurgence Mitigation and Phase guidelines as part of the Restore Illinois Plan, it was unclear where regulations would stand come summertime. The 2021 season began with capacity restrictions that required time slot reservations, no walk-ins, no pool furniture, no lockers, and the lowest number of lifeguard applicants to date.  

“We had a lot of obstacles to face with opening the pool this year,” state Aquatics Supervisor, Jackie Owensby. “We knew we wanted to have more amenities available than the previous summer. With the ever-changing capacity restrictions and facility disinfection guidelines, staff had to evaluate each aspect of the pool to ensure public safety and continue to be financial stewards with pool expenses. Our original opening plan was less than ideal on all fronts, but the public’s safety was our number one priority.” 

With Illinois entering Phase 5, effective June 11, 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health allowed staff to open Hopkins Pool close to “normal” and now accepts a capacity of 1,443 people. 

Season Passes are now available for both residents and non-residents. Resident Adults (18+) are $54; Non-Resident Adults (18+) are $70; the Second Resident Adult (18+) is $44; Non-Resident Second Adult (18+) is $60; Resident Children (Ages 5-17) are $44; Non-Resident Children (Ages 5-17) are $60; Resident Children (Ages 4 and under) are $14; and Non-Resident Children (Ages 4 and under) are $27.  

Daily Admission entry is available for residents ($5) and non-residents ($6) for walk-in. Lap Swim is offered exclusively from 9:30-11:30 am daily, although lap swim may be enjoyed during general swim times. The Kiddie Pool (ages 7 and under with an adult) is open daily, starting at 9:30 am, with the Open Swim Area opening daily starting at 11:30 am, which includes two waterslides, a diving well, and a concession stand area. Private pool party rentals are permitted after hours on Fridays and Saturdays for one hour ($360) or two hours ($600).  

Popular Hopkins Pool events will be back this July, like Hot Summer Nights on Thursday evenings and the Cardboard Boat Regatta on Saturday, July 31.  

“Hopkins Pool is more than a community pool. It is a place where residents and non-residents can cool off during the summer months. It is a place where many of our youth experience their first jobs and making lasting friendships. It is a place for exercise whether it’s for a morning lap swim or a cannonball off the diving boards. Whatever amenity draws you to Hopkins Pool, there’s no arguing that the pool offers many physical, mental, and social health benefits for our community,” commented Executive Director, John Shea, Jr.  

If you are interested in becoming a Hopkins Pool Lifeguard, apply at dekalbparkdistrict.com/employment and DeKalb Park District will cover your Lifeguard Certification Fee. To purchase a Season Pass, read the Pool Rules, or learn more about Hopkins Pool, visit dekalbparkdistrict.com/hopkins-pool or call (815) 758-8853.