Chicago Park District pools now open for the summer

CHICAGO (CBS) -- With the heat moving in – everyone would be pleased to jump in the pool.

But in Chicago with Park District-run pools, that is sometimes easier said than done with recent lifeguard shortages. But the Park District said that is not an issue this year.

As CBS 2's Jermont Terry reported, pools at several Chicago parks opened for the season on Friday. At Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., people were relaxing by the pool Friday afternoon – and lifeguards were on hand.

Altogether, the Park District said 72 out of 77 pools are now open. Four are closed due to maintenance – and one due to the need for a migrant shelter.

The openings of the pools at Blackhawk Park, 2318 N. Lavergne Ave.; Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St.; and Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., are delayed due to mechanical issues. The pool at Harris Park, 6200 S. Drexel Ave., is undergoing renovations and is expected to open later in the summer, the Park District said.

Piotrowski Park Pool, 4247 W. 31st St., will remain closed while the park is being used as a respite for migrants.

The pool at Independence Park, 3945 N. Springfield Ave., had been previously reported as closed – but has since been repaired and is now open.

This is a complete contrast from years past, when many pools did not open on time because of the lifeguard shortage. Last year, because of that shortage of lifeguards, pools didn't open until after July 4th.   

But the Park District say not to worry – they will have enough lifeguards to keep city pools operating this summer.

In fact, the Park District has 650 lifeguards working this summer – including 30 shallow-water attendants.

Park District officials earlier said more than 300 lifeguards were in training. The Park District implemented incentives and early recruitment to ensure there are enough lifeguards to support the pools.

On the South Side in Washington Park, we found Samiya Moss and a group of youngsters Friday.

"I'm bring my siblings and then, our, like, kids from my apartment complex," Moss said. "I always take them with me when I go places."

Their mission on Friday was to cool down from the scorching sun.

"I think the most we know how to do now is float - but we're working on it," Moss said.

And the Washington Park Pool will be the perfect place for this crew to splash around and work on their stroke.

The pool at Washington Park did not open at all last year due to the shortage. It was also closed the year before.

This year, there were lifeguards on hand, and found neighborhood kids looking forward to getting in.

"A lot of pools weren't open last year, so being able to swim this year is going to be so much better – because it's hot out here," said Samiya Moss.

Moss said there is a major convenience factor in being able to walk to the neighborhood pool.

"It's much better than what it was before," she said, "because before we wanted to go to the pool so bad, we were going to hotels to use the pool."

Going to hotel pools was its own hassle for Moss and the kids she brought along.

"It really was kind of messed up, because last year, it was really hot too," Moss said, "and then having to go to hotel pools, we had to book a certain time of going to pool and everything - so it was a struggle."

While pools are open, SEIU Local 73 - the union representing more than 2,500 Park District workers – say it continues to face some staff shortages, including lifeguards.

The union said in a news release that pools will only be open five days a week this year instead of all seven. The union also said Ping Tom Memorial Pool Park in Chinatown only has three lifeguards this year instead of its usual 10, and said Austin Town Hall Park Pool only has one lifeguard assigned for the summer – though three more have been assigned temporarily.

The union also said Cornell Park Pool in Back of the Yards has only two lifeguards compared with the standard five, and reported fewer lifeguards also assigned to McKinley Park, Harrison Park, Ridge, Bessemer, and Eckhart pools.

"On the first day of pools and beaches opening to the public, we are seeing staffing shortages across the city," said Local 73 Executive Vice President Jeffrey Howard. "Chicago Park District workers have been speaking out and demanding adequate staffing in our parks to keep our parks, pools, and beaches safe. These are essential workers who risked their lives during the pandemic. It's time for the Park District to respect, protect, and pay them what they deserve."

But the city says all the pools are safe and will be staffed throughout the entire summer.

The union entered contract negotiations with the Chicago Park District Wednesday, asking for higher wages. Right now the average, hourly pay for lifeguards is just over $16—they're asking for a match to New York City's average pay which is just over $21.

As for those who love and depend on the public pools, they're pumped.

"It's going to be fun," Moss said. "It really is."