The Chicago Park District is set to open its 50 outdoor pools for the first time in six years with 7-day access, commencing this Saturday.
However, this season is notably constrained, as it is scheduled to end by mid-August, coinciding with a period when Chicago typically experiences extreme heat.
The early August 17 closure marks the shortest swimming season since the pools reopened following the pandemic in 2022, when half were operational.
Since 2021, the city’s pools have been operating with shorter seasons, limited days of operation, and reduced capacities, as noted by park district records.
This year, many outdoor pools previously opened only six days a week, despite the ongoing decline in COVID infection risks and increased lifeguard availability.
Last year, staffing shortages led to several pools closing one day a week or even for weekends, with park district officials citing the reluctance of many of the 600-plus lifeguards to commit to full-time schedules.
For decades, these pools have served as critical resources, especially for children and residents who lack air conditioning, helping them cope with the city’s sweltering summer conditions.
In the past year, not only did Chicago experience six days above 90 degrees before June 21, but it also recorded another four such days after the expected pool closure date in August.
Looking ahead, Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford forecasts rising temperatures and high humidity levels this summer, indicating that the upcoming heat should be taken seriously.
This weekend, Chicago is already gearing up for temperatures expected to soar above 90 degrees, with oppressive humidity levels anticipated.
Researchers from Northwestern University are collaborating with the city to address the threats posed by extreme heat.
Next month, city officials will unveil their findings as part of a commemoration of the devastating 1995 heat wave that claimed over 700 lives.
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, the Chicago Park District Superintendent, acknowledges the importance of the pools as a refuge from rising temperatures.
He affirmed the park district’s vital role in mitigating the effects of extreme heat and emphasized the importance of government action to protect communities, particularly those most vulnerable to heat waves.
In light of this, Ramirez-Rosa hopes that some pools may continue operation beyond the August 17 closing date, potentially remaining open until Labor Day weekend.
However, the ultimate decision regarding extended operation hinges on how many lifeguards are willing to remain employed in those final weeks of summer, as public schools reopen on August 18.
The park district has faced recruitment challenges for lifeguards recently, but there is some optimism in their improved staffing levels this year.
Applications for lifeguard positions increased by more than 50%, leading to more than 660 lifeguards assigned this season, a rise from 612 the previous year.
This increase allows for the pools to open every day for the first time in several years, benefiting both outdoor pools and 22 beaches.
The public pool season this year is delayed, starting more than a week after Chicago Public Schools have started their summer break.
Eduardo Herrera, a local parent, expressed frustration over the delayed opening of the Columbus Park pool, which he hoped to take his children to enjoy.
“My kids were excited, and now I have to tell them it’s not open,” he noted, acknowledging how vital pool access can be for families.
“I’m very excited because my kids love the water,” he continued.
He went on to highlight how visiting the pool saves families substantial costs compared to trips to water parks.
Alongside the outdoor pools, Humboldt Park will open its only inland beach this Saturday, while the park district also maintains 27 indoor pools that are operational year-round.
Surrounding areas such as Cook County Forest Preserve pools have already been operational since June 1, while Chicago’s 22 beaches opened during Memorial Day weekend and are set to remain accessible until September 1.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago’s public pools were inaccessible, depriving residents of an essential means to cool off and partake in free recreational activities.
Specifically, this was critical in various neighborhoods lacking other resources to combat the heat, especially across the city’s hotter regions like the Southwest Side, characterized by its distance from Lake Michigan and predominance of concrete surfaces.
Ramirez-Rosa mentioned ongoing efforts with other city departments to analyze heat trends and identify communities that are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
“We really want to look at, where are the most vulnerable communities?
Where are the most impacted communities?” he stated.
Last year, Mayor Johnson faced backlash for his management of extreme heat responses, particularly during the Juneteenth holiday, when libraries and other cooling centers were closed, and swimming pools operated on limited schedules.
In a frustrating twist, this year, outdoor pools will not open in time for the Juneteenth holiday.
Access to pools remains inconsistent across various locations, as all 50 allocate time each weekday for day camps that block off sessions for 45 minutes to nearly four hours between June 23 and August 1.
Additionally, approximately a dozen outdoor pools, along with many indoor facilities, reserve periods at either the beginning or end of the day for lap swimmers, who are charged a fee.
This lap swimming membership costs $25 a month or $42 for a three-month period, providing a subsidized option for those seeking a structured swimming experience.
Through the difficulties in staffing and management, the Chicago Park District continues to navigate the challenges presented by climate change and community demands.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2025/06/17/chicago-park-district-swimming-pools-opening-lifeguard-heat-wave
