These numbers are not lost on Chicago Park District Supt. Michael P. Kelly. He told me the park district gives 40,000 lessons a year, but in some pools “we’re always having trouble getting to capacity.”
Kelly and his staff didn’t have participation numbers available, but he said minority populations are the toughest to crack. That’s one reason the park district is encouraging African Americans and Latinos who start young in its programs to continue advancing until they reach the junior lifeguard program and qualify for certified lifeguard training. Kelly wants them to be role models in their communities and draw more participants.
Access has long been a problem for many African Americans and Latinos. On the leanest budgets, swimming lessons can be too costly.
But in Chicago, “we don’t turn anyone away,” Kelly said. “Money is not an issue.”
Residents need to keep that in mind this week when the park district releases its summer swimming programs. Registration will begin April 7 at parks east of California Avenue and April 8 at parks west of California.