Chicago residents can look forward to an extended pool season this summer as the city’s Park District announced that outdoor pools will open on June 19, a week earlier than last year. This decision comes as the Park District aims to provide more recreational opportunities and relief from the summer heat for local communities.

The Park District has successfully hired and trained over 700 lifeguards to staff the city’s beaches, indoor pools, and outdoor pools. This marks a significant recovery from the pandemic-era staffing shortages that previously limited pool operations. In 2022, fewer than half of Chicago’s neighborhood pools were able to open due to these challenges.

Park District Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa emphasized the importance of neighborhood pools as essential community resources that offer recreation and wellness opportunities. To ensure adequate staffing, the Park District began accepting lifeguard applications in the fall, giving applicants ample time to complete their training and onboarding before the summer season.

In addition to the outdoor pools, Humboldt Park Beach, the city’s only inland beach, will also open on June 19 and remain operational through Labor Day. More than 200 water spray features and playgrounds across Chicago are expected to be open by the same date.

While most facilities will be available, some aquatic centers will remain temporarily closed for repairs. Pools in Hamlin, Holstein, and Tuley parks are undergoing repairs and are expected to reopen in July. Water playgrounds at McKinley, Austin-Lake, and Avalon parks are being rebuilt and will not be available for the 2026 season.

Residents can check the Park District website for pool schedules, operating hours, and swim programs at their local facilities. The city’s lakefront beaches, which opened on May 22, will also remain open daily through Labor Day.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.