The Rockford Park District, YMCA of Rock River Valley and OSF HealthCare held a news conference on May 25 to highlight the return of summer aquatic opportunities and to explain more about a partnership to help area youth learn a critical lifelong skill.
New this year, YMCA members will have free access to all Rockford Park District outdoor pools. The Y and the Park District recognized the opportunity to extend its partnership to further serve the community and offer outdoor pool access to more people. “We are thrilled to offer this benefit to Y members,” said Trisha Tousant, Chief Operations Officer, YMCA of Rock River Valley. “Our members have been asking for an outdoor pool. We have these amazing assets already in our community and we saw an opportunity to collaborate.”
The YMCA will again offer swim lessons at Alpine Pool, Sand Park Pool, and Harkins Aquatic Center. “Water safety is critically important for youth and adults,” said Tousant. “Our lessons not only save lives with a skills-based approach but build confidence.” The Y will offer four two-week sessions that meet daily Monday through Thursday, and an eight-week session on Saturdays. The lessons at Alpine Pool and Sand Park Pool will be fee-based, but fee assistance is available to those who qualify.
Another exciting component of this partnership is the free drop-in lessons being offered again at Harkins Aquatic Center. Swim lessons at all three sites are made possible through a generous donation from OSF HealthCare. “OSF HealthCare has always supported the YMCA Summer Swim Program and looks forward to this partnership every year,” said Paula Carynski, President, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. “Swim lessons are essential for all children, and the YMCA and Rockford Park District are to be commended for making these opportunities available for our community.”
Drowning is the second leading cause of death of children between the ages of 1 and 14, which is why making swim lessons accessible to all children is so important. Swim lesson participants do not have to be a member of the YMCA to participate in lessons at Rockford Park District facilities. Families can register online at www.rockriverymca.org/youthswim or visit a YMCA of Rock River Valley facility to register in person.
Rockford Park District pools begin to open for the summer season on Saturday, June 11, 2022. “We look forward to welcoming youth, teens, and families once again to area pools to spend quality time together or to keep cool on a hot summer day. We are also very thankful for the partnerships in place this summer to better serve our communities aquatics needs,” said Derricka Davis, Rockford Park District Aquatics Manager.
Alpine Pool, 4310 Newburg Road, Rockford:
- Open June 18, 2022 – August 21, 2022
- Open Daily: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: $9 (YMCA members are free)
- Private rentals available
Harkins Aquatic Center, 910 Acorn Street, Rockford:
- Open June 18, 2022 – August 21, 2022
- Open Daily: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Free swim lesson Monday – Thursday at 4:15 p.m.
Sand Park Pool, 1041 E. Riverside Blvd, Loves Park:
- Open June 11, 2022 – August 21, 2022
- Open Daily: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: $9 (YMCA members are free)
- Private rentals available
For more information about Rockford Park District aquatic facilities, including information on support and programs for patrons with disabilities, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/swimming or call/text Customer Service at 815-987-8800.