Publish Date

District announces the staggered closing of pools across the city to prepare for the Fall Season;
Chicago’s 21 beaches to remain open through Labor Day.

This summer, the Chicago Park District succeeded in opening 37 indoor and outdoor pools in neighborhoods across the city to ensure Chicago residents had access to safe options for swimming within two miles of their home. As Summer Day Camp culminates and Chicago Public School students return to the classroom for the start of the school year on August 22nd, the District’s indoor and outdoor pools will begin to close for the season.  

A total of 21 beaches will remain available for swimming daily through Labor Day, September 5th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Many members of the Aquatic workforce are high school and college students, and as they give notice to return to school, the District will need to make corresponding staffing changes and begin to close pools. At the same time, the District will prepare for the start of the Fall programming session. Chicago Park District pools will close for the summer between August 12th and August 21st. Days of operation will be determined by park hours and staff capacity. Patrons should visit the District’s website or contact the park for pool hours and closing dates. 

Despite the national lifeguard shortage this year, the District maximized its limited workforce to open as many pools as possible so that families across the city could enjoy neighborhood pools as well as the beaches. During the season, the Chicago Park District continued to actively recruit residents ages 16 and older, to fill seasonal lifeguard positions vital to fully staffing and keeping the city’s beaches and park pools safe. 

All indoor park pools will reopen for the Fall season the week of September 6th for open swims and lap swims. Swim memberships will be available to purchase online and in-person at parks, starting September 6th. Fall pool schedules for these activities will be posted prior to the start of the Fall session.  Fall programs such as Learn to Swim, Aquatics Exercise Classes, Water Polo and more will begin the week of September 12th. View and register for Fall aquatics programs here.