Due to the severe weather and dangerous conditions, all PDOP programs and events are canceled for the duration of the day, Wednesday, February 2. All Park District facilities are closed as well, including the Oak Park Conservatory. Customer Service is available via phone at (708) 725–2000 or email at info@pdop.org until 5:00 PM today.
This award recognizes aquatic facilities who are consistently exceeding their criteria for aquatic safety certification. International Safety Awards are presented in three levels – Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Only the elite, top 14% of Ellis and Associate clients in the world receive a Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award each year.
Recipients are determined based on the results they receive from multiple unannounced aquatic facility operational safety audits conducted randomly throughout the year. Ellis & Associate’s International Staff Auditors conduct these audits by gathering undercover video surveillance of individual on-duty lifeguards to accurately evaluate the lifeguards’ professional diligence and alertness to their water. Basic life support and rescue skills, both individual and team, are also evaluated along with the effectiveness of established Emergency Action Plans by simulating emergency situations. The audit concludes with administrative, supervisory and facility evaluations.
Ellis & Associate’s client facilities represent the finest and safest aquatic facilities in the world, and all clients are top performers in these audits. With such high standards set already, it is an exceptional feat for a facility to perform so well that they are granted an International Aquatic Safety Award.
“We are so proud of our lifeguards and aquatic managers for their efforts that resulted in this recognition,” said Jan Arnold, Executive Director. The 2021 season was unique in the fact we were closed in 2020 due to the pandemic and started the season with a variety of safety protocols in place. It is the District’s commitment to safety that we are proudest of. The staff work diligently each and every day to ensure both a fun and safe experience for our guests.
The Park District of Oak Park operates two outdoor swimming pools from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rehm Pool is located at 515 Garfield Street and Ridgeland Pool is located at 415 Lake Street. Both pools offer Public Swim, Lap Swim, Swim Lessons and Special Events and is open to both residents and non-residents.
Per the order issued by the Oak Park Health Department view here, effective Friday, August 6, 2021, the Park District of Oak Park will require all individuals (patrons and staff), regardless of their vaccination status, to wear a face covering in all indoor public settings. This includes inside all park centers, the Gymnastics and Recreation Center, Ridgeland Common Recreation Center, Cheney Mansion, Pleasant Home, Oak Park Conservatory and Hedges Administrative Center. Signs will be posted on doors and face coverings must be on before entering any park center, facility, or historic property.
The Oak Park Health Department also recommends that “individuals wear a mask outdoors if they are not able to practice social distancing by maintaining at least a six (6) foot distance from other individuals not from the same household. This shall include playgrounds and other recreational spaces.” Please be advised that this includes pools, concerts and movies in the parks, and special events.
We will continue to monitor updates from the IDPH, CDC and the local health department and follow the guidance accordingly, as we have since the beginning of this pandemic.
In addition, the following safety protocols should continue to be followed:
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times together. Our focus remains on keeping patrons and staff safe.
Every year the Park District of Oak Park presents Community Service Awards to organizations and individuals in our community who have made a significant impact on parks and recreation in our community, improving the quality of life for all residents. This year’s recipients personify this spirit of commitment and dedication.
Mary O’Kiersey, a volunteer since 2010, Mary helps manage special events for the Oak Park Conservatory along with participating in the Cheney Mansion vegetable volunteer group, Mills Tower Garden Club and a member of the OPRF Garden Club.
Mary Ellen Murphy, a volunteer since 2010, Mary Ellen is the co-chair of the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory Plant Sale, a University of Illinois Master Gardener and volunteers weekly with the Exploration Station. Mary Ellen is also an active volunteer in the native and perennial beds at Cheney Mansion and volunteer at the Park Ridge Garden Club.
Donna Makow, a volunteer since 2010, Donna is a dedicated weekly volunteer in the Cheney Mansion vegetable garden as well as various events for the Friends of Oak Park Conservatory.
Martha Yount, a volunteer since 2016, Martha volunteers at Cheney Mansion and Oak Park Conservatory and has helped with education programs and special events at the Conservatory in the past.
Kathie Gillies, a volunteer since 2018, Kathie is currently a member of the education committee and in the past, has been a key member in planning special events for the Oak Park Conservatory.
Isabel Romero Calvo, a volunteer since 2019, Isabel can be found working in the gardens of Cheney Mansion or at the Conservatory helping with various projects. Isabel is a native of Granada, Spain but after moving to the South Loop, found the Conservatory and has volunteered ever since.
Ann Courter, a volunteer since 2020, Ann started in the docent-training program abut moved on to become a weekly volunteer at Cheney Mansion when tours were sidelined due to COVID-19. Ann also helps out at the showrooms at the Oak Park Conservatory.
It was an honor to recognize these community leaders at the June Park Board Meeting.
| Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health have announced that effective immediately, the State has moved to the Bridge Phase. While the CDC has announced recommendations regarding face-coverings, the State has not changed its guidance and thus face-coverings remain required for both indoor and outdoor activities. |
Additionally, here are the guidelines as they relate to our programs/facilities:
COVID-19 SAFETY REMINDERS
For Park District Facilities, Parks, and Programs
