Y members to get free access to Rockford Park District pools this summer

May 25, 2022|By Kevin Haas|In 815 News, Local, Rockford, Top Stories, Featured

Derricka Davis, community recreation and aquatics manager for the Rockford Park District, talks about upcoming pool openings during a news conference Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Members of the YMCA of Rock River Valley can swim in Rockford Park District pools for free this summer as an added benefit of membership.

Additionally, YMCA instructors will be back in the Park District pools this summer providing life-saving swim lessons.

That partnership, made possible with financial assistance from OSF HealthCare, was announced Wednesday during a news conference at the Y’s downtown location.

“Learning to swim is a critical component to the safety of our community as drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4,” said Trisha Tousant, chief operations officer of the YMCA. “Teaching children how to swim and be safe around water is one of the most important life skills parents can help their children learn. It not only saves lives, but it also builds confidence.”

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Tousant said that Y members have long asked for an outdoor pool. Although building one was cost prohibitive, she said the organization recognized an opportunity to collaborate.

“This collaboration enhances member benefits for the Y while continuing to build community,” she said. “We are stronger when we work together and this is a perfect example of that.”

Swim lessons will be offered at all three of the Park District’s outdoor pools: Sand Park, Alpine and Harkins Aquatic Center. The lessons are fee-based at Alpine and Sand Park, but financial assistance is available. Free drop-in lessons are offered at Harkins.

The lessons are possible thanks to an annual $10,000 donation from OSF. This is the second of three years OSF has committed to providing that funding.

Paul Carynski, president of OSF HealthCare, said helping provide the swim lessons is part of the company’s mission to foster a healthy community.

“This program keeps children active outdoors while they learn to swim and have fun doing so,” she said.

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Paula Carynski, president of OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center, talks about the health care system’s donation to provide free swim lessons while at news conference Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at the downtown YMCA in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

The announcement was made before Memorial Day weekend, which for years was the unofficial start date for public pools.

“We do not have water in our pools, yet, but know that it’s coming and it’s actually coming pretty soon,” said Derricka Davis, community recreation and aquatics manager for the Park District.

Sand Park pool is set to open first on June 11, followed by Alpine and Harkins on June 18. All will be open through Aug. 21.

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The three pools were closed in 2020 during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, and last year Alpine was only open for rentals and YMCA programs.

“It’s been quite some time since we had all three pools open,” Davis said. “We look forward to welcoming youth, teens and families once again to area pools to spend quality time together or keep cool on a hot summer day.”

Swim lessons

You do not have to be a YMCA member to participate in swim lessons at Rockford Park District facilities. Families can register for lessons online at rockriverymca.org/youthswim or visit any YMCA of Rock River Valley location to register in person.