New digital ID now required to enter Springfield public pools

Andrew Sullender, Springfield News-Leader
·3 min read
Dogs and their owners enjoy the cool water and company of others during the Dog Swim at Fassnight Park and Pool on Tuesday, Sept. 6. The Dog Swim is a popular annual event at Fassnight Park and Pool. The day after Labor Day the pool is opened up just for canines. No humans are allowed in the water, but dogs have the chance to swim and run around on their own.

Those looking for poolside fun this summer will need a special ID to get into Springfield's public pools — part of new security measures in city parks.

Starting Saturday, May 27, the first day of outdoor pool season, all customers ages 3 years and older will need a free "Pool Connection" in place to enter outdoor pools. The free digital ID is used to check in customers, and includes each customer’s name, address, phone number, picture and emergency contact information. The Pool Connection builds upon the digital ID system already in use at Park Board family centers, according to a Springfield Greene County Park Board press release.

“The Pool Connection will help us keep everyone in our outdoor pools safe, especially for kids 12-17 who may be swimming without a parent,” said Director of Parks Bob Belote in a statement. “In the event of an emergency, it’s important for us to know who is in our pools, and how to reach their parent or guardian, or their emergency contact.”

While outdoor pools don't open until May 27, the Pool Connection application may be completed now. The process has two steps: an application, which may be filled out online or on paper; and an in-person visit to a family center or outdoor pool to have your picture taken and complete the application.

All customers who complete their Pool Connection 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 Active online program registration database and is only accessible by 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.

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Summer pool customers are "strongly advised" by the Park Board to apply for the Pool Connection now to "insure admission to the pool without delay." Applications may be submitted online or on paper. To complete the application, each customer must visit a Park Board family center or, starting May 27, an outdoor pool location in person and have their picture taken. Customers need to also present a photo ID to complete the application. A responsible adult with photo ID must be present to establish a Pool Connection for customers ages 17 years and under. One application may include multiple members of a single family, but all family members must be present to have their picture taken.

Locations to complete the application include:

  • Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Rd.

  • Dan Kinney Family Center, 2701 S. Blackman Rd.

  • Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage St.

  • Fassnight, Grant Beach, Meador, Silver Springs and Westport outdoor pools, starting May 27.

Once a Pool Connection is established, Parks staff will use this digital ID to check in each customer, by name, at outdoor pools. Customers ages 12 to 17 years with a Pool Connection may visit a pool without an adult present.

Beginning 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, according to the Park Board.

The Pool Connection is not required at McGee-McGregor Wading Pool, which is free and only allows kids 6 yrs. and under with an adult; and the Pool Connection is not required for summer camps and day care groups which have made previous arrangements to visit an outdoor pool.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: New digital ID now required to enter Springfield public pools