SPRINGFIELD, MO — To enhance safety and security at outdoor pools this summer, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board is launching the Pool Connection digital photo ID, a free digital ID used to check in customers, which includes their name, address, phone number, picture and emergency contact information.
Although the Pool Connection was originally intended to be required, the Park Board has determined voluntary compliance is appropriate for the 2023 season.
Outdoor pool customers are strongly advised to establish a Pool Connection. Customers may also establish a Pool Connection without presenting a Photo ID or having their picture added to their profile, as previously required. Customers without the Pool Connection, however, will be admitted to outdoor pools this summer.
“The Pool Connection is all about pool safety. It’s the same system that’s been in place for years for Park Board family centers and indoor pools, and it’s been extremely effective in addressing emergencies and contacting family when necessary,” said Bob Belote, Director of Parks. “Knowing who is in our facility, and how to reach their parents or emergency contact, has made our indoor pools safer. We’re asking our outdoor pool customers to do the same by creating a Pool Connection ID. If they’re not willing to provide a Photo ID or have their photo taken, that’s OK — we hope they’re still willing to provide emergency contact information to us while they’re in our pool.”
Another safety precaution implemented this summer: no customers ages 11 years and under will be admitted to an outdoor pool without an adult, age 18 and older, present. The previous minimum age to visit the pool without adult supervision was 9 years. This change matches the age requirements already in place at family centers and indoor pools. Customers ages 12 to 17 years may visit an outdoor pool without an adult present.
While outdoor pools don't open until May 27, customers may create their Pool Connection now. The process has two steps: creation of an ActiveNet account, which may be filled out online or on paper; and an in-person visit to a family center to complete the Pool Connection. After May 27, the second step may take place at outdoor pools as well.
No new account creation is needed for current family center members or Cooper Tennis Complex members, as well as any Parks customers who have a current ActiveNet account, used to register for Parks programs and classes. Simply log into the account and select “Passes — Pool Connection” before completing the account in person.
All customers who complete their Pool Connection in person will receive a complimentary one-day outdoor pool pass, redeemable at any outdoor pool location.
The Pool Connection is not a physical ID; it resides within the Park Board’s ActiveNet online program registration system and is only accessible by trained Parks staff.
The Pool Connection has no monetary value. Customers are responsible for paying normal pool admission fees for each visit. Pool admission fees remain the same as 2022.
- $4/Youth 3-17 yrs., and seniors 60 yrs. and older;
- $5/Adults 18-59 yrs.
- Free/Children ages 2 and under, who are not required to have a Pool Connection.
- $1, or free admission with a canned food donation, all ages, every day after 5:30 p.m. Donations benefit Ozark Food Harvest.
Locations to complete the Pool Connection include:
- Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Road
- Dan Kinney Family Center, 2701 S. Blackman Road
- Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage St.
- Fassnight, Grant Beach, Meador, Silver Springs and Westport outdoor pools, starting May 27.
The Park Board is currently training and hiring lifeguards for the summer season. For training information, visit ParkBoard.org/Aquatics, or apply at ParkBoard.org/Jobs.
For more information about the Pool Connection, visit ParkBoard.org/PoolConnection.
For media inquiries, contact Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Public Information Administrator for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, at 417-224-5510 (mobile).
###