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Norridge Park District reports strong pool season
Lifeguard Theresa Ghiloni (right) of Norridge watches swimmers Aug. 14 at the Norridge Park District Pool. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media
Updated: September 24, 2012 6:07AM
NORRIDGE —
Summer has been good to the Norridge Park District, which officials said has registered one of its best pool seasons.
“Obviously the weather had something to do with it,” Recreation Superintendent Hilary Poshek said.
As of Aug. 14, Chicago had 40 days this summer where temperatures hit at least 90 degrees. Attendance at the Norridge Park District pool, which opened Memorial Day weekend, has been “awesome,” Poshek said.
The district, which serves Norridge and a portion of Harwood Heights, issued more than 3,000 season passes, about 100 more than last year.
“That takes in all passes,” Poshek said, “even family passes that might include five people.”
In addition to open swim, the pool had other activities.
“We had about 100 kids on our swim team,” Poshek said. “They came in fourth at a meet in Zion.”
The pool also was home to 34 members of the synchronized swim program, which ended its season with a performance Aug. 4.
Summer camp kids also had access to the pool. And the district offered a variety of swim classes.
“Those were really popular,” Poshek said. “We were really busy, but we have a really good staff.”
The district adds about 60 temporary employees during the summer to work in pool programs. That includes a supervisor, managers, cashiers, attendants and concession stand workers in addition to lifeguards. Those employees worked just about every day.
“There weren’t many times this summer when the pool was closed,” Poshek said
And while pools are notorious for sucking the money out of park district budgets, Poshek said revenue from the various programs most likely will help balance the numbers. Totals are not yet available.
Parks and Recreation Director Mark DeSalvo credited the staff for the smooth pool operations.
“This was an absolutely phenomenal summer,” he said. “I am so grateful to the staff.”
He stressed his amazement at staff fortitude, working day-in and day-out in 90 to 100 degree temperatures.
“This is the Midwest, not Arizona,” DeSalvo said as he chuckled. “These people working at the pool were out there making sure everyone was safe.
“Attendance was phenomenal,” he continued. “With all that was going on, the patrons seemed extremely happy.” ~.
