The YMCA of Rock River Valley, Rockford Park District and OSF HealthCare are partnering to offer expanded aquatics opportunities for area families this summer.
“We are thrilled to be able to welcome youth, teens, and families once again to area pools to spend quality time together or to keep cool on a hot summer day. Safety has been and will continue to be a top priority for the Rockford Park District, so a variety of new protocols will be in place to ensure a fun and safe recreational experience,” said Derricka Davis, Rockford Park District Aquatics Manager.
Rockford Park District pools begin to open for the summer season on Saturday, June 12, 2021, and due to COVID-19 restrictions, all pools will have limited capacity, and online reservations must be
made in advance.
Sand Park Pool, 1041 E. Riverside Blvd, Loves Park:
- Open June 12, 2021 – August 22, 2021
- Open Daily - Online reservation required, two-hour increments from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 4
- p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: $9
- Private rentals available
Harkins Aquatics Center, 910 Acorn Street, Rockford:
- Open June 19, 2021 – August 22, 2021
- Open Daily - Sign-in required at check-in, two-hour increments from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. or 3
- p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Sign-in required at check-in
Alpine Pool, 4310 Newburg Road, Rockford:
- Open June 19, 2021 – August 22, 2021
- Open Daily - Online reservation required, two-hour increments from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 4
- p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: $9
- Private rentals available
The YMCA will again offer swim lessons at Alpine Pool and Harkins Aquatic Center, and will start lessons for the first time at Sand Park Pool. Teaching children how to swim and be safe around water is one of the most important life skills
parents can help their children learn.
“Our lessons not only save lives with a skills-based approach,
but build confidence,” said Trisha Tousant, Chief Operations Officer, YMCA of Rock River Valley. “Parents will have comfort knowing their children are safe around water.”
The Y will offer four two-week sessions that meet daily Monday through Thursday, and an eight-week session on Saturdays. The lessons at Alpine Pool and Sand Park Pool will be fee-based, but fee assistance is available to those who qualify. Another exciting component of this partnership is the free drop-in lessons being offered again at Harkins Aquatic Center. Swim lessons at all three sites are made possible through a generous donation from OSF HealthCare.
“OSF HealthCare is proud to once again serve as the primary sponsor of the YMCA Summer Swim Program in Partnership with the Rockford Park District,” said Paula Carynski, President, OSF
HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center. “Drowning is the second leading cause of death of children between the ages of 1 and 14, which is why making swim lessons accessible to all children is so important. Many thanks to the YMCA and Park District for spearheading this wonderful community program.”
Swim lesson participants do not have to be a member of the YMCA to participate in lessons atRockford Park District facilities.
Click here to register.
For more information about the Rockford Park District, visit
www.rockfordparkdistrict.org.