In the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin tri-state area, an abundance of public pools do not exist. However, the pools that are open to public access during the summer are typically a fun family destination. The pools that will be featured in this article are located in Dubuque, Iowa and in East Dubuque, Illinois.
In East Dubuque, Illinois the Dunleith Park on Parklane Drive houses a swimming pool. At this park, the swimming pool is open on Monday through Friday from one o’clock in the afternoon to five o’clock in the afternoon. On Saturday and Sunday it is open from 12:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon. The main pool is approximately forty feet by seventy feet and progresses from four feet to over ten feet deep. It features two diving boards at varying heights. A shower house is also available on the premises.
For residents of Dubuque, Iowa there are two public pools available. One is the Flora Park Swimming Pool located at 2525 Green Street (the zip code is 52001 for those who will be mapping the route). According to the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce web-site, the park features two water slides, a “beach pool,” diving boards, fountains, and a wading pool. Also readily available or a concession stand and a sunbathers area for the parents to enjoy! The Flora Park Swimming Pool opens early for lap swimming and walking. The regular hours are Sunday through Thursday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, it then re-opens from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. On Friday and Saturday, the pool is open from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm only. You do have to pay to use this pool. The cost is fifty cents for 0-3; 4-17 is $1.25; 18-62 is $3.00; 62 and/or retired is back to $1.25.
Dubuquers can also enjoy an afternoon at the pool at 1900 Hawthorne Street where the Nicholas J. Sutton swimming pool is located. This pool is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It is also open on Sunday through Thursday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It then closes for an hour and a half, reopening at 6:30 pm and staying open until 9:00 pm. Much like the Flora Park Swimming Pool, this pool contains a water slide, a beach pool, diving boards, and a waterfall. The pool area also contains a concession stand and a sunbathing area. Admission for infants to three year old children is fifty cents. Children ages 4 to 17 pay $1.25. Anyone age 18 or over pays $3.00 unless you are a senior citizen or retired, at this bracket admission is $1.25.
Even with admission fees, a trip to the pool affords a lot of fun for a minimum investment. The tri-state area may not have many public pools, but the ones that are available are fun to visit.
Sources:
Swimming. DubuqueChamber.com. 15 June 2009.
The Pool. Dunleith Park District. 15 June 2009.
