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Maintenance, staffing delay Hanover Park aquatic center opening

The Hanover Park Park District's Seafari Springs Aquatic Center is opening late this year.

Swimmers will have to wait until July instead of the original plan for an opening earlier this month.

The cause of the delay is twofold: The pool underwent a minor emergency repair, and, like many other facilities this summer, there's a lack of personnel.

With recent hot weather, Bob O'Brien, the park district's executive director, said many residents are disappointed.

The district called an emergency meeting to address maintenance and staffing issues June 7. A leak was identified but quickly fixed, costing about $3,000. However, the shortage of lifeguards is ongoing.

Nicole Cox, superintendent of recreation, said this isn't an isolated issue. The park district has had trouble finding lifeguards for about five years. She also said Hanover Park is not only one with this issue.

"No one really knows why," Cox said.

Even when the pool does open its doors, O'Brien said, it will have a shortened schedule, only open on weekends. Hours will be from noon to 6 p.m., according to the district's website.

"As we hire more and more staff, we may be able to expand that," O'Brien said. "That's the goal right now."

O'Brien said the park district is in the midst of testing and training new potential lifeguards, but there still aren't enough applicants.

To encourage applicants, the park district raised the hourly wage, ranging from $15 to $20. Pool managers can earn up to $25 an hour. A hiring bonus of $100 was added for those who stay the entire season. Lifeguards will also receive free access to the pool and fitness facilities.

Cox said outreach efforts on social media have helped, but she still hopes to hire more staff.

"I would love to open up (the pool) for as many days as I can," Cox said.

This year, membership passes to the Hanover Park aquatic center will not be available because of the shortened season, O'Brien said. Instead, people will just pay the regular daily fees. The closing date is set for Aug. 15 but could be delayed several weeks, depending on staff availability, Cox noted.

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