(Chronicle file photo)
It’s time for a swim!
The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District opens Lions Pool Memorial Day weekend, and moves to seasonal hours starting Friday, June 1.
Stephanie Whittington, aquatic and fitness supervisor, has a staff of 50 part-time lifeguards, assistant managers, instructors and cashiers ready for the season.
Whittington said Saturday, May 26, the pool will be open from noon to 6 p.m. for pool pass holders. The pool will be open to the public from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, and Monday, May 28. Daily rates without a pool pass are $9 for residents and $14 for non-residents.
Pool passes are on sale now at the Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave., or at Lions Pool, 1041 Ridge Rd., when the season starts. Adults should bring proof of residence and parents or guardians purchasing passes for children need to present a birth certificate, custody papers or a 1040 tax return listing children.
When school is out, the regular schedule starts from June 1 through Aug. 14. On June 1, the pool opens at 4 p.m. Hours for the season are noon to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Aug. 15, 16 and 17 have shortened hours from 4 to 7 p.m. The pool will be open from noon to 7 p.m. weekends Aug. 18and 19, Aug. 25 and 26 and Sept. 1 and 2. The last day for outdoor swim is Labor Day, Sept. 3, from noon to 5 p.m.
Whittington, who stepped into her position a year ago, said the “Dive-In” movie night she planned last summer was so successful that the calendar has two movie nights this year. The staff puts an inflatable screen in place and when the movie starts at 8 p.m. the lights are dimmed and guests can lounge or swim.
With the 2017 “Dive-In” presentation of “Jaws,” about 175 people were at Lions Pool. “They just have a great time. It’s fun! It was a hit,” Whittington said.
This year’s 8 p.m. “Dive-In” movies are “Lego Scooby-Doo! Haunted Hollywood” on June 28 and “Lego Batman” on July 26. There is a separate admission charge for “Dive-In” movies.
When the pool is closed to the general public, Whittington said it will be the site of swim lessons. Sessions are offered for pre-kindergarten, youth and adult. Park district summer campers also use the pool.
Whittington said she can approve private swim lessons for those who can’t make the morning or afternoon schedules.
Swim lesson participants will be able to earn certification through the Starfish Swimming Certification program.
The pool also will be open for adult lap swim June 4 through 15. Persons 18 and older can swim from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday; and noon to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Lap swim hours are also available at the Racquet & Fitness Club pool.
Lions Pool has gone through a major revamp. The filtration system was updated in fall 2016 and an automated control system to set and monitor chlorine levels was installed in 2017.
