Hayes Park

For this review, I am focusing on the indoor pool.
I am amazed that this pool doesn’t get more hype. When I worked in social services in Englewood and West Lawn I used to bring my kids here all the time, and they always loved it. It has a great atmosphere and everyone is friendly.
Let me tell you –I was completely shocked the first time I came here. This isn’t just your average community pool. This is a gigantic, Olympic sized pool that has glass walls and a high, HIGH glass ceiling and is lit entirely by sun light. It is grand and clean and gorgeous. The air is warm and moist and people are here all winter.
It’s too bad I don’t live nearby, since I would definitely take advantage of it.
It’s surrounded by a very pleasant residential neighborhood of small family homes. The park itself is lovely, and it’s great place to have events and barbeques in the summer.
The one thing that annoys me, though, are the hours. What are they? Not that many people know. The Chicago Parks District website doesn’t have up to date information. And when you call and ask them, they give you accurate info about 50% of the time. You have to actually go there in person and ask for the open swim hours, and do so every few weeks.
That said, hell, it’s run by the city, so what do you expect? Still, this is a gem in the parks system.