The Ultimate Guide To Centennial Aquatic Center Park Ridge: 5 Must-Know Updates For 2026
Planning your visit to the Centennial Pool Park Ridge, officially known as the Centennial Aquatic Center? As of December 2025, the facility remains the premier aquatic destination in the area, operated by the Park Ridge Park District. This comprehensive guide provides the most current and essential information, from the latest 2026 program dates and membership fees to a detailed look at the state-of-the-art amenities that make this center a year-round hub for fitness, recreation, and family fun.
The Centennial Aquatic Center, located at 100 South Western Avenue, is a massive complex that successfully blends a thrilling outdoor water park experience with the year-round utility of the indoor Centennial Fitness Center Pool. Whether you are a dedicated lap swimmer, a family looking for a fun day out, or a senior seeking low-impact exercise, the Park Ridge Park District has ensured the Centennial facilities cater to every community need.
Centennial Aquatic Center: A Deep Dive into the Post-Renovation Features
The Centennial Aquatic Center is the crown jewel of the Park Ridge Park District’s aquatic facilities, having undergone a major renovation that transformed the old Centennial Park Pool into a modern, multi-faceted aquatic destination. This outdoor facility is a summer favorite, but its features are worth knowing year-round as you plan for the upcoming 2026 season.
The extensive renovation project focused on creating distinct areas for different user groups, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. The result is a facility that rivals private water parks while maintaining accessible community pricing.
The Thrills: Slides, Dives, and Leisure Pool
For those seeking excitement, the outdoor Aquatic Center delivers on adrenaline. The main attraction for older children and teens is the pair of towering water slides. The current facility boasts two new 24-foot slides that twist and turn, providing a rush for swimmers of all ages.
- The Lap Pool: A competitive-grade, eight-lane lap pool is the heart of the facility, catering to serious swimmers, swim meets (home to the Park Ridge Riptides swim team), and fitness enthusiasts.
- Diving Boards: The lap pool area also features two high-dives, offering a classic aquatic park experience for those brave enough to take the plunge.
- The Leisure Pool: Designed for general recreation, this area is perfect for families and casual swimmers. It includes zero-depth entry points, making it easily accessible for small children and individuals with mobility concerns.
- The Kid's Area: A dedicated, shallow wading pool area with a variety of spray features and water toys ensures the youngest visitors have a safe and engaging play space.
The facility also includes a full-service concession area, making it easy to spend the entire day without having to leave the premises for food or drinks.
2026 Fees, Passes, and Twilight Swim Rates
The Park Ridge Park District offers flexible options for accessing the Centennial Aquatic Center, from single-day admission to seasonal passes, with significant discounts for residents.
Daily Admission and Twilight Swim
For visitors who only plan to stop by occasionally, the daily fee structure is straightforward, with a special rate for evening swims. Please note that anyone entering the facility, starting at 12 months of age, must pay the daily admission or have a valid Pool Pass.
- Open Swim (Daily Fee): $11 for Park Ridge Residents / $16 for Non-Residents.
- Twilight Swim: A discounted rate for evening access (typically 6:00 PM to close), priced at $7 for Residents / $12 for Non-Residents.
- Senior (Age 65+): A reduced rate of $7 for Residents / $12 for Non-Residents.
Important 2025 Rental Note: The popularity of the Centennial Aquatic Center is evident, as both morning and evening leisure pool rentals were fully booked for the 2025 season. Prospective renters for 2026 are advised to check the Park Ridge Park District website in early spring for booking dates.
Centennial Fitness Center Membership Options
For year-round access that includes the indoor Centennial Fitness Center Pool, the fitness center, and other amenities, a membership is the most economical choice. The Centennial Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art facility that complements the outdoor Aquatic Center.
Membership provides access to the indoor lap pool, the wading pool with its tot slide and rain drop feature, as well as the whirlpool and sauna. It also grants access to Lap Swim at Hinkley Pool and the Centennial Aquatic Center during its season.
| Membership Type (Annual) | Monthly Fee (Approx.) | Annual Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (Age 13-64) | $46 (Res) / $528 (Non-Res) | $528 (Res) / $6336 (Non-Res) |
| Daylight Savings (M-F, 9am-3pm) | $28 (Res) / $314 (Non-Res) | $314 (Res) / $3768 (Non-Res) |
| Senior (Age 65+) | $37 (Res) / $428 (Non-Res) | $428 (Res) / $5136 (Non-Res) |
*Note: Fees are based on 2025 Park Ridge Park District rates and are subject to change for the 2026 season. Please check for the most current pricing.
Year-Round Aquatic Programs and Community Entities
The Centennial facilities are more than just pools; they are a cornerstone of the Park Ridge community, offering a wide array of programs through the Park District and the adjacent Centennial Activity Center.
Swimming Lessons and Water Fitness
The Park Ridge Park District places a strong emphasis on water safety and skill development. They offer flexible options to fit various schedules:
- Private Flex Swim Lessons: These tailored lessons are available to cater to individual schedules and can be booked anytime during open swim hours, offering a personalized approach to learning.
- Group Fitness: The Centennial Fitness Center hosts a variety of Group Fitness classes, including water aerobics and other aquatic-based exercises, which are excellent for low-impact conditioning.
- Youth Programs: The facility is a key location for programs like the Park Ridge Riptides, the local competitive youth swim team, which utilizes the 8-lane lap pool for practice and meets.
The Centennial Activity Center and STAR Membership
The larger Centennial complex includes the Centennial Activity Center, a dedicated space for community programming, particularly for seniors. The S.T.A.R. (Seniors Together at Recreation) Membership provides access to specialized activities, events, and a community network.
The entire Centennial Park campus is a comprehensive recreation area, also featuring ball fields, soccer fields, and a popular sledding hill in the winter, making it a true four-season destination in Park Ridge.
Key Entities and Facilities in the Complex
To maximize your experience at the Centennial complex, it is helpful to know the key facilities and programs that operate within the 100 S Western Avenue campus and the wider Park Ridge Park District network:
- Centennial Aquatic Center: The seasonal outdoor pool complex (lap pool, slides, leisure pool).
- Centennial Fitness Center Pool: The year-round indoor pool (lap swim, wading pool, whirlpool, sauna).
- Centennial Activity Center: The hub for senior and community programs.
- Hinkley Pool: Another key aquatic facility in the Park Ridge Park District network, often accessible with a Centennial membership.
- Prospect Park Splash Pool: A third aquatic option offered by the Park District, primarily a splash pad/wading pool for younger children.
- Riptides Swim Team: The local competitive team that uses the facility.
- STAR Membership: The Seniors Together at Recreation program.
With its modern amenities, flexible membership options, and commitment to comprehensive community programming, the Centennial Aquatic Center and the wider Centennial complex continue to be the top destination for recreation and fitness in Park Ridge, Illinois, heading into 2026. Be sure to check the Park Ridge Park District’s official website for the most up-to-date Open Gym & Swim Schedules, as hours are subject to change based on Park District programming and seasonal variations.
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