The Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center in Mundelein opened Saturday for the first time in almost two years, not operating at all in 2020 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
While capacity was limited to 60%, residents were welcomed Saturday with a few new changes to the park. A new concessions stand area, landing pads and ropes at the Critter Walk attraction, and a freshly painted pool were some of the additions and enhancements made to the park for the 2021 season.
Erica De Luca, aquatics manager for the Mundelein Park and Recreation District, said it was nice to see everyone out again.
“I’m excited, the community’s excited,” De Luca said. “It’s good to just finally get back to normal life and be with family and friends and enjoy the summer.”
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The water park is currently operating at 60%, or 900 people, due to public health protocols related to the pandemic. Park district staff will also be cleaning high-touch surface areas regularly, and safety protocols — including social distancing and masks being required in lines and locker rooms — have also been implemented, De Luca said.
While there were some worries about certain elements, such as staffing, De Luca said things worked out well for the park district in the lead-up to opening.
“Overall, it was challenging but we made it through,” she said.
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Jane Petrie, a Mundelein resident, was at the water park on its first day of opening. She said she was happy to be out, especially after Barefoot Bay couldn’t open last year, and complimented how the facility looked.
“Even though they’re doing 60% capacity I think … it looks pretty full,” she said. “They do a great job here.”
Haider Shoaib, 16, was at the pool with some friends. He said he used to come to Barefoot Bay a lot and hasn’t been in a while. He said he was excited to be in the water, and plans to come out a few more times during the summer.
“After the pandemic, it feels good to hang out [with] friends and be in the water,” he said.
Mauricio and Debbie Arvizu were at the pool with their children. They said they were excited to get out of the house. While Debbie Arvizu said she is still wearing a mask, she felt comfortable coming out. The couple said they also expect to visit more this summer since they have a season pass.
“We’ve been in the house, my kids are home-schooled,” Debbie Arvizu said. “Get out of the house, get some sun and enjoy the weather.”
All of the aquatic park’s typical attractions are open this year, officials said. They include a lazy river, slides, a zero-depth pool, lap lanes, Critter Walk pads to walk along and climb, and a diving board.
The park is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for general admissions. Those with a season pass may come one hour earlier. This year’s season will go until Aug. 15 for daily admission, and weeks-only from Aug. 21 to Sept. 6. The dates could change, officials said.
With the capacity limit, as well as weather, the water park may be inaccessible at times. Officials with the Mundelein Park and Recreation District ask patrons to check the website for updates on the park’s status before visiting.
