ELGIN — Just days before the Fourth of July holiday, the Wing Park Family Aquatic Center in Elgin has been temporarily shut down after a routine inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) revealed a key maintenance issue.
The inspection, conducted Tuesday, found that some of the main drain covers at the pool were missing the required screws. As a result, the city must fully drain the pool in order to make repairs that comply with state safety standards.
“To meet IDPH safety regulations, we must fully drain the pool and complete the necessary repairs before reopening,” the City of Elgin announced on social media. “This process will take several days, and we are working diligently with the goal of reopening by July 5.”
The facility, located at 1030 Wing St., is one of the city’s most popular summer destinations for families and children. The timing of the closure is especially unfortunate given the surge in pool attendance typically seen during the Independence Day week.
Holiday Impact Expected but Minimized
Despite the closure, Elgin officials reassured residents that the city’s other pool, Lords Park Family Aquatic Center, will remain open and unaffected during the holiday stretch.
The Lords Park pool, located at 325 Hiawatha Drive, will continue to operate during regular hours throughout the Fourth of July week. Residents who frequent Wing Park are being encouraged to use the Lords Park facility in the meantime.
The city is also working to prioritize and expedite repairs, hoping to reopen Wing Park Pool by Saturday, July 5, if all safety measures are successfully addressed and approved by inspectors.
Safety Protocols and Annual Inspections
The temporary closure follows strict state regulations that aim to protect public health. Under IDPH guidelines, all public aquatic facilities are required to undergo regular inspections, and even seemingly small issues like loose or missing screws on drain covers can result in shutdowns.
Drain cover issues are taken seriously, as they can pose entrapment hazards, especially for young swimmers. Full drainage of the pool is necessary in this case to safely complete the repairs and undergo a follow-up inspection before reopening.
The City of Elgin emphasized its commitment to “prioritizing safety” and thanked residents for their patience during the unexpected maintenance period, according to The Chicago Tribune’s Courier-News report.
Community Reactions and Updates
While some residents have expressed disappointment about the timing, others praised the city for acting quickly and transparently.
“I appreciate the honesty and fast response,” one local parent commented on the city’s social media update. “Better safe than sorry when it comes to kids and pools.”
The City of Elgin has promised to post real-time updates regarding the repair progress and final reopening date on its official website and social channels.
Have you been impacted by the Wing Park closure? Share your Fourth of July plans or alternatives with us at chicagosuburbanfamily.com.
