By Bob Bong
The Palos Heights municipal pool reopened this week with a few changes from years past thanks to COVID-19 precautions in place this summer.
The biggest change is that admission to the pool at 7607 W. College Drive is strictly through advance registrations, according to Joe Smith, facilities manager for the Palos Heights Recreation Department.
“You have to register in advance at the Rec Center or online,” said Smith. “We aren’t taking any registrations at the pool itself.”
He said reservations are required this summer because capacity at the pool is being restricted as part of COVID-19 precautions.
“We are, so far, limiting the number of people in the pool to 50,” Smith said. “But we may increase that if there’s a lot of demand.”
He said the Recreation Center has been getting “tons of calls” by people with questions about the pool guidelines in the summer of COVID-19.
Smith said the pool opened Monday and will be open until Sunday, Aug. 16. The pool is open to both Palos Heights residents and non-residents. “Residents can sign up seven days in advance, but non-residents can only make reservations the day before.”
Advance registration can be done in person at the Recreation Center, 6601 W. 127th St., or online at palosheightsrec.org.
There is no season pass this summer. Admission will be $4 for residents for adult swim and the wading pool ($8 for non-residents). Open swim will cost $7 for residents, $12 for non-residents.
“The slide and baby pool will not be available this summer,” Smith said.
Visitors will be screened prior to entering the pool. Anyone with coronavirus symptoms or a fever of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed into the pool. Seating areas will be designated to comply with social distancing. Masks must be worn when swimmers are not in the water.
The concession stand will be open but will only be selling prepackaged food and drinks. Outside food will not be allowed.
Staffers will regularly disinfect pool areas and equipment.
For information, visit the website or call 708-361-1807.