Elmhurst Pools Closed For Summer

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst Park District will keep East End and Smalley pools closed through the summer because of the coronavirus, the park district announced in a news release. Everyone who bought a season pass will be able to carry the pass over to use during the 2021 season, the district said. To get a refund, visit the district website's frequently-asked-questions page.

“This decision was not made lightly, and we understand that many people will be disappointed,” Executive Director Jim Rogers said in the news release. “So many families look forward to the hot summer days of swimming at the pools with family and friends, and this summer we won’t be able to provide that for them."

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Rogers said the district is the largest employer of youth in town, but he said safety had to take priority.

It takes about five weeks to prep the pools for opening, including filling and treating the water, recruiting lifeguards, and buying the necessary equipment and supplies, the news release said. Because of the stay-at-home order, the district has been unable to do the prep work.

In addition, the release said, the staff would need to comply with social distancing and disinfecting guidelines. It was unclear how the pools would be able to open safely and still comply with the strict limits issued by the CDC and the state Department of Public Health, the district said.

Other towns have also closed their pools for the summer, but Hinsdale has yet to make a decision.