It’s heating up outside, so that can only mean one thing—it’s time to head to the pool.
Plenty of special events and theme days are on deck at both Otter Cove Aquatic Park and Swanson Pool to kick off the season. Both facilities open Memorial Day weekend.
“Otter Cove’s Water Fun for Everyone tagline is a fitting one because we have something here for all ages,” said Andrew Little, aquatics and youth programs supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
Visitors can enjoy a pool with zero depth entry, a splash park and a lap pool in addition to the thrilling tube, body and drop slides. However, it’s the facility’s lazy river that takes the top spot with patrons, noted Little.
Monday and Wednesday evenings during the summer bring the chance to have some fun in the Not So Lazy River Walk, which is also offered mid-day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Float Night with inflatables happens Sundays throughout the season while families can snap pictures with otter mascots June and Ollie every Monday. Meanwhile, Thursdays in June are a chance to take part in Volleyball with a Lifeguard.
Many special events are also on the horizon at Otter Cove. These include the opportunity to dress up for Mermaid & Pirates Night on June 11 and June 25 as well as June’s Birthday Bash on June 14. Dads who come with their kids are admitted free for the Father’s Day Special on June 16. Mascot Day will take place June 17, and on June 18, visitors can learn why St. Charles is a big dill during the Pickle Paradise Pregame Party. The First Day of Summer will be celebrated in style on June 20. And speaking of style, patrons are encouraged to wear their coolest pair for National Sunglasses Day on June 27.
Swanson Pool, where the motto is Swim. Relax. Repeat., is also ready for an amazing summer.
“We have so many amenities and features to take advantage of,” said Cayla Greenfield, who manages the facility.
Among those is a pool with zero-depth entry, water and sand play areas, slides and the community favorite—the Lily Pad Rope Walk.
“Someone may need to relax before having more fun with the variety of options we have at Swanson Pool,” Greenfield added.
Visitors to Swanson Pool are in for several exciting events. Get those inflatables ready for Float Nights on Mondays and Fridays all summer long. Chalk the Walk, during which patrons can display their artistic talents with provided chalk, takes place Fridays in June. On June 7, it’s time to celebrate frog mascot Stanley’s Birthday Bash with games and treats. The Pickle Paradise Pregame Party will take place on June 14, and all three mascots will greet and spend time with swimmers on June 17 for Mascot Day. Swanson will also host the Father’s Day Special June 16 as well as the First Day of Summer Luau June 20.
Fun-seekers are encouraged to tag Swanson Pool on their socials for National Selfie Day on June 21, and wear pink for a June 23rd Flamingo Party. June 24 will bring a celebration of National Swim A Lap Day, and visitors can learn what it’s like to be a lifeguard during Shadow a Lifeguard on June 25. Lastly, visitors shouldn’t forget their sunnies or shades on June 27 National Sunglasses Day.
To learn more about upcoming events, including times and other details, visit ottercove.org/calendar or swansonapool.org/calendar.