Centennial Pool FAQ: Your Questions, Answered!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different pools/amenities at Centennial?

• Activity Pool: surf entry, play structure, two serpentine slides, maximum depth of 3.5 feet. 
• Diving Well: two springboard diving boards (one meter and three meters), two drop slides, maximum depth of 13 feet. 
• Main Pool (aka Lap Pool): eight lanes, 50-meter Olympic-sized, maximum depth of 5 feet.
• Wading Pool: surf entry, small slide, maximum depth of 1.5 feet. Suitable for ages four and under.

How do I know when I can swim?

The current Pool Schedule can be accessed on Centennial Family Aquatic Center’s main web page during the pool season. This document gives specific dates, times and swim sessions. It notes if certain pools are closed during a swim session.

You can also follow Centennial Family Aquatic Center’s Rainout Line for sudden changes and updates to pool operations.

Will there be any special events or extended hours before the pools close for the season?

No. Post Season runs 8/19-9/29. Centennial Pools will be closed for the season on 9/30.

Is lap swim still available during Public Swim?

Yes! We have dedicated Adult Lap Swim sessions listed on the Pool Schedule. During Public Swim sessions, we always reserve two lanes for lap swimming.

How do I know which pools are open and which are closed?

Certain pools are open depending on the swim session and time of day. We’ve noted this information on the Pool Schedule.

Why can’t all the pools be open?

We understand it can be frustrating when certain pools are closed during your visit. We have the maximum pools open that we can safely monitor with lifeguards and staff. Maintaining safety is a top priority at the Wilmette Park District, and we are doing our best to offer you a wonderful experience at Centennial Pools with our available resources.

Are there new rules for the pools this summer?

No, we are following the same rules and policies from previous seasons.

Which pools/swim sessions have restrictions?

• Adult Lap Swim hours in the Main Pool are restricted to those 16 and older.
• Use of the Wading Pool is restricted to those four and younger.
• Diving Well does not have an age restriction; however, visitors must be able to swim 15 yards without assistance or goggles and must be comfortable completely submerging underwater. PFDs are not permitted in the Diving Well.

Why are there age restrictions in certain pools?

• During Adult Lap Swim, lifeguards are not actively monitoring the Main Pool. For liability reasons, we require participants to be a minimum of 16 years.
• The Wading Pool is a smaller space meant for young tots who are being introduced to and growing comfortable in and around water. The play structures are meant for those four and younger. Having older patrons in this pool can create undue stress and risk for our young patrons.

Are there any special rules to follow during Public Swim?

During Public Swim sessions, we reserve two lanes of the Main Pool for Adult Lap Swimming while the rest of Main Pool is open for general use. However, for certain Public Swim sessions, we may restrict all 15 and under patrons to only the Activity Pool and Wading Pools. During these sessions, patrons 15 and under are not allowed in the Main Pool or surrounding deck. Please do not jump the fences or step over the barriers.

Why does the schedule change from regular season to late summer and post-season?

Many of the pool staff are students who return to school in mid-August. We do our best to provide as long a season with as many hours of public use as we can safely offer. As our workforce diminishes, we adjust the schedule accordingly and begin preparing for the end of the season.

How can I stay updated on any sudden changes to the Pool Schedule?

Sudden changes and updates will be posted on the pool’s Rainout Line.