Guest post by the Naperville Park District
As Naperville’s historic Centennial Beach undergoes its annual preparation for the summer season, excitement is building among Riverwalk visitors who catch a glimpse of the Beach at various stages of transformation. Each year the entire swimming area is drained, scrubbed, and filled with more than 6 million gallons of fresh water. Lifeguards sound their whistles as annual staff training begins, colorful umbrellas and familiar Adirondack chairs resume their places overlooking the water, and flowers are planted, setting the stage for the summer swimming season.
May is the perfect time to reserve a 2015 membership at Centennial Beach. In fact, early bird rates are in effect now through May 22, offering up to 20% off regular membership fees. Naperville residents as well as nonresidents receive the early bird discount. And, new this year, Twilight memberships are available for those who plan to visit the Beach on weekday evenings after 5:00 p.m. as well as on weekends. Additionally, the Friends and Family Pass is back again by popular demand. Designed for out-of-town summer visitors, it’s perfect for visiting grandparents, nannies, friends and family.
With season memberships priced at a reasonable rate, it only takes a few visits to realize the value when compared to purchasing daily passes. Centennial Beach members receive added benefits, including a 10% discount at Centennial Grill, and two members-only events: a member appreciation day in August and a pre-season kickoff party.
To view the 2015 Centennial Beach membership rates and purchase a membership online, visit www.centennialbeach.org.
Centennial Beach is located at 500 West Jackson Avenue in downtown Naperville. Its sandy beach, zero depth entry and large deep-water area with multiple piers and floats make the Beach a unique attraction for all ages. Water play features, diving boards, lap lanes and a shallow end slide offer something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to daily open swim, the Beach offers weekend adult floats and several Sunday evenings set aside for families with special needs.
Following major improvements to Centennial Beach in 2011 that included renovations to the Bathhouse, construction of Centennial Grill, installation of an ADA lift, and redesign of the entry and parking area, the Naperville Park District continues to add smaller-scale upgrades and enhancements as needed. In 2015, the District completed a new stairway that will replace a ladder entry between the lap lanes and the diving area. The new concrete staircase will provide easier swimming access into the channel and deep-water area.
Aquatic programs at Centennial Beach include aquatic fitness classes, swim lessons, Mudrats swim team, Beachside yoga, triathlon training, springboard diving and water polo. More information about registering for these programs can be found at www.centennialbeach.org.
Conveniently located near the Riverwalk, Nichols library, and the Millennium Carillon, Centennial Beach offers a unique way to make the most of summer, as a place of refreshment, reconnecting with family and friends, and enjoying outdoor aquatics.