Elmhurst making changes to pool offerings
Elmhurst Park District conducted a survey last fall of pool pass and pool punch card holders to garner feedback on pool amenities and insight into how the district could improve the pool goers' experience.
Based on survey responses, as well as comments from pool visitors throughout the season, the district has announced several changes that will take effect this summer.
Both Smalley Pool and East End Pool will have expanded hours. Smalley Pool will now open at 10 a.m. daily to allow families with young kids to get to the pools early, before lunch and nap times. East End Pool, on the other hand, will give night owls a place to swim, with the popular Late Night Swim being expanded to two times a month, keeping the pool open until 10:30 p.m. for those who have a hard time making it to the pool during the day.
Each location also will have new amenities. Smalley Pool's water bikes will be replaced with new animal-themed features, and East End Pool will receive a new, seal-themed waterslide in the Tot Pool. The Hub's turtle water feature also will be replaced with a new frog-themed feature.
The pool staff training program will be expanded, with an added focus on helping identify areas for housekeeping, which will help the pools maintain a clean, family-friendly atmosphere.
Other changes will include more frequent pool membership giveaways, weekly food specials at The Hub, new concession offerings at the pools and, in the fall, an expansion of the Middle School Nights to The Hub.
Discounted resident pool memberships will go on sale at 8 a.m. Feb. 23. Memberships will be $47 for residents and available at that rate through 9 a.m. May 24, when prices will go up to $67. Nonresident rates will be $117 for the 2019 pool season.
Memberships provide access to East End Pool, Smalley Pool and The Hub's Spray Ground.
"We are very excited about some of the operational and facility changes we are making based on feedback from our patrons and pool members. We are hoping to make East End, Smalley and The Hub a regular part of every resident's summer," said Sarah Lagesse, division manager of aquatics and The Hub.
For details, visit www.epd.org.