May 20, 2026
The unmistakable scent of chlorine mixed with coconut sunscreen, the sound of splashing water, lifeguards’ whistles, and top ten hits playing over the speakers – summer has arrived. New memories are ready to be made as the outdoor pools open at Palatine Park District.
This Saturday, May 23 the District’s three outdoor pools will once again open for the season. Birchwood Pool (12pm), Eagle Pool (12pm), and Family Aquatic Center (11am).
Approximately 265,000 gallons of water will fill the Family Aquatic Center, 340 E. Palatine Road, home to two 180-foot slides, waterfall and cave-like area, sand play area, 6-lane lap pool, water play bubblers and sprayers, a large lawn area, three picnic areas and a pool side café.
Birchwood Pool, 435 W. Illinois Ave., includes an eight-lane, 50-meter competitive pool, 25-yard lap pool, tots pool with zero depth entry, splash pad, dumping buckets, spray hoops and water mushroom, diving well, drop slide, and vending machines.
Eagle Pool, 1425 N. Oak St, boasts a 3-meter diving board, two 1-meter diving boards, mid-size slide, zero depth tot pool with alligator slide and bubblers, and vending machines.
“We employ about 200 aquatic staff members, including pool managers, lifeguards, pool attendants, cashiers, and swim instructors,” said Patrick Griffin, Aquatics Manager for the District. In fact, Griffin once enjoyed the Park District pools as a patron himself. “I am a lifelong Palatine resident,” Griffin said. “I grew up attending Park District programs, taking swim lessons, and competing on the swim team. I was an avid swimmer from the age of six through my college years, which ultimately led me to my passion for working in aquatics.”
Griffin has worked in aquatics since the age of 14, when he started as a pool attendant at Eagle Pool. “I turned it into a full-time career,” he said. “Of course, summer is our busiest season, but there really isn’t much downtime. We begin preparing for the summer season each January, focusing on maintenance projects and staffing. During the winter months, I also oversee diving and water polo, and assist with the swim team and Harper Pool coordination.”
Griffin is happy to have 147 returning staff this season, which is a 77% return rate.
Aquatics Coordinator Jessica Paneral is coordinating the District’s Summer Fun Aquatic Adventures at the outdoor pools. “The events are a great way to introduce the community to the pools, or offer extra activities to passholders,” Paneral said. Also a lifelong resident of Palatine, Paneral grew up swimming at the Palatine pools nightly. “I started lifeguarding at Eagle and have been with Palatine Park District since,” she said. “I still remember going to a Hawaiian night at Eagle Pool and wanted to help recreate those memories and events for a new generation!”
This year’s Aquatic Adventures include TropiCool Pool Party, Saturday, June 20, 6-8pm at Family Aquatic Center. The event features local band, My Dad’s Boat and an after hours luau-themed party. Preceding this event will be the Palatine Park Foundation’s Lucky Duck Derby from 5-6pm. Patrons can “adopt” a duck for $5 or boost their chances with a Quack Pack or Flock and cheer them on as hundreds of ducks race down the slide for cash prizes. Proceeds benefit Palatine Park Foundation’s mission to enhance community health and well-being through scholarships, accessibility projects, capital improvements, and open space preservation.
Cardboard Boat Regatta takes place Sunday, July 12 at Eagle Pool (Registration is required), Summerween Pool Party, Friday, July 24 at Family Aquatic Center, Christmas in July, Saturday, July 25 at Eagle Pool, and Mermaid Matinee, a new event this year combining mermaid-themed crafts, story time and swimming, Sunday, August 9 (Registration is required).
Get a one-of-a-kind sticker when you attend an Aquatics Adventure event!
Water Aerobics will also be offered this summer with both indoor and outdoor class options. Participants can purchase a Water Aerobics Workout Card, which allows you to attend classes at your convenience. The card will be accepted for both outdoor classes and indoor classes at Harper Pool.
In addition, the Zumba Pool Party will once again be held at the Family Aquatic Center on Wednesday, July 22. Registration is required.
Don’t forget Pool Passes are still available for purchase. Renewal passes can be completed online at palatineparks.org under online registration. Renewals can also be purchased in person at any registration office or the Family Aquatic Center. New pass holders can also by online or register in person at any of the recreation centers.
So join the time-honored tradition of a summer day at the neighborhood pool. Take in the sights, smells, and sounds of the outdoor pool, and create a summer full of memories with family and friends at Palatine Park District.
