Birchwood only Palatine pool staying open until Labor Day

This weekend is your last chance to get out and enjoy most of the pools in Palatine this summer.

And unlike recent years, it will be Birchwood Pool that will stay open through Labor Day this year.

Since its initial opening, the Family Aquatic Center has opened Memorial Day weekend and closed Labor Day weekend, while the other pools operated mid-June to mid-August.

But with its recent renovation, park district officials have decided to keep Birchwood open through Labor Day this year.

Donelda Danz, assistant superintendent of recreation, said besides the benefits of the recent $5 million renovation, Birchwood Pool is easier to staff.

The main reason for closing all but one of the pools in mid-August is because most college-age lifeguards head back to school and many high school-age lifeguards begin sports practices. So, the pool of lifeguards (excuse the pun) shrinks at this time of year.

"It's mainly because of staff. We don't need as many lifeguards to staff Birchwood," Danz said. "Also, the lap swimmers like the longer lanes available at Birchwood."

Birchwood's new look has been well received, Danz added.

"There's a lot for the junior high age group," she said. "But, people also like it because a neighbor can come with a little one to the tot pool. There's something for all ages," she said.

Birchwood's capacity is smaller than the Aquatic Center. Birchwood can accommodate 1,000 swimmers, while the Aquatic Center can accommodate 1,300.

Calling all hairdressers: Palatine Township wants to provide low-income students from the community with complimentary back-to-school haircuts.

If you are a licensed hair care professional and are interested in volunteering for a few hours from Aug. 13 to Aug. 17, contact Bev Romanoff, township outreach coordinator, at (847) 358-6700, ext. 240 or bromanoff@palatinetownship.com.

Congratulations: Anish Manrai, a certified member of the United States Professional Tennis Association and junior tennis coordinator at Midtown Athletic Club in Palatine, recently received an award for outstanding participation in the association's continuing education program.

USPTA recently awarded Manrai a Level 1 Certificate of Achievement for earning credits in the association's Career Development Program over a one-year period.