ROCHELLE – To some, Memorial Day weekend means three days off work, or having family and friends over for a BBQ. But for the kids of Rochelle, it means the pool is opening for the summer.
Spring Lake Pool opens for the season this Saturday, May 25, and will now be open all the way through Labor Day.
Traditionally, the pool would not open for another week or two, but due to public demand, park district officials are trying out an extended season this year.
“People have asked for years that we be open earlier and open longer,” said Marianne Swanson, aquatics director. “So, we are trying to meet that need.”

Swanson and her staff have activities planned for each day this summer such as poolside dances, bingo and even a new water volleyball net that will be set up. In addition, the locker rooms and the pool office got new paint jobs too, and marks the beginning of a larger expansion next summer.
“The park district recently got a grant to build a splash pad next year,” said Swanson. “The pool will also be painted and landscaping will be redone along the west wall.”
According to Swanson, the favorite activities swimmers enjoy are the climbing wall, diving boards and the waterslide, but she is most proud of the dedicated lifeguards.
“They pay $200 in initial training costs, out of their pocket,” Swanson said. “They get approximately 40 hours of training and then there is also 15-to-16 hours of in-service that they have to engage in just to get ready. Not to mention all of the certifications such as first aid and CPR that must also be obtained first.”
Open swim is available for individuals ages 4 and up, for $5 a day and $2 a day for kids 3 and under. Various types of season passes may also be purchased through the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District website or in person at the district office located at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Second Street.