Suburban Stadiums: Water Parks Whet Appetite for Summer Fun

Each week in Suburban Stadiums, Skokie Patch will feature a different local athletic facility, from fitness centers to neighborhood parks. We’ll dive into its history, list available programs and provide a calendar of major events.

As summer finally hits Chicago, people from all around the North Shore flock to Skokie’s two water parks to cool down and relax.

Facility:

Skokie’s two water facilities differ in their attractions. The Devonshire Aquatic Center features include a lap pool, diving board, drop slide, sun hill and concession stand. The Skokie Water Playground is geared toward the more adventuresome children, offering five slides, an interactive multi-level play area, lap lanes and a concession stand.

Since 2009, some new additions have been added to both water parks.

“We’ve added accessible spray grounds to both the Skokie Water Playground and Devonshire Aquatic Center,” said Scott Runkle, aquatics and safety supervisor for Skokie Park District.

“This year Skokie Water Playground added a new birthday party area, some shade structures and a picnic table area as kind of a home base for our birthday parties. It’s turned out to be really nice,” he added.

Runkle said the spray grounds have opened to rave reviews.  

The Park District has also taken its initiatives online to help residents keep tabs on the two aquatic playgrounds. Social media-savvy residents can follow both facilities (@skokiepools) on Twitter for the latest updates and operating hours.

“2010 was about as good a summer as an outdoor pool can ever hope for. You contrast that to 2009, which was absolutely horrible and hopefully we’re splitting the difference this year,” Runkle said.

“We had a rough start there at the beginning of June, but it seems to have picked up with the weather and the people are starting to come out and enjoy the pools,” he noted.

Each summer, the pools hire 160-170 seasonal workers to be lifeguards, swim instructors and staff members, most of whom are high school and college students.

Programming and Events:

At each facility, the Park District offers classes and programs for children and parents to learn how to swim. Parent-Tot Water Orientation is designed for youngsters up to age 3 and involves simple games and movements to get them adapted to the water. Swim Play Date is geared toward 3- and 4-year-olds who need less supervision.

“It’s structured a little bit more fun, Runkle said, noting that "it’s the first time 3- or 4-year-olds are in a lesson without having a parent with them.

“The idea is hopefully they meet some kids their age who are in the same kind of situation,” he added.

In addition to classes, the Park District holds a big monthly event during the summer. It was Safety Day at both facilities to kick off  the season, and Pirate Day was the featured attraction at Devonshire on June 26.

Their next big event is the Winter in July pool party.

“We pretend it's winter at the pool and have snowball tosses [and] ice cream eating contests,” Runkle said. “We’ve made human snowmen in the past before; it’s a fun afternoon.”

Calendar of Events:

July 24: Winter in July Pool Party

Aug. 7: Sun-Dae Picnic Ice Cream Social

June 6 – August 14: Regular Season Hours at Devonshire