Weather permitting, the Oasis Family Aquatic Center will open on Saturday, June 1, according to Kewanee Parks Director Andrew Dwyer.
“We’re hopeful,” said Dwyer, adding that the weather always factors into the decision on how late or early in the season to open the pool. “We always try to target Memorial Day weekend.”
On Saturday, rain is in the forecast with temperatures in the 70s. But by Sunday, the rain is expected to clear out for the rest of the week with partly sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s.
Dwyer said the pool is ready to go and fully staffed with 20 lifeguards currently.
“We’re looking pretty good and we’ll probably pick up two or three (guards) more,” he said.
As far as the pool maintenance issues, which have long vexed the park district, Dwyer said the opening went smoothly. The district recently spent $20,000 on a filter-diode overall, which is necessary about every five to 10 years. Dwyer believes the maintenance of switching out the sand in the filters was due.
Last week, the district held a work day for staff members at the pool, and upkeep and vacuuming were done.
“Everything looks like it’s going to be good,” he said.
The park district, with the help of the Friends of the Pool, also purchased some new lounge chairs as well as eight 9’ wide umbrellas.
At $5, the cost of a one-day pass remains the same as last year, said Dwyer. A season pass for a family of four is $250 with an additional $50 for each member over that. A single season pass is $80.
The Oasis pool hours will be noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. For daily information on the pool closings, see the park district’s Facebook page.
“We’re excited to get it off the ground and hoping for some good weather,” said Dwyer.
