Prairie State Wire

The Dixon Springs State Park swimming pool in Pope County is set to reopen on July 1, just in time for the Fourth of July weekend. The operation will be managed by Arrowleaf, a nonprofit human services organization based in southern Illinois.

The pool and its concession stand will open at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, with operating hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Lifeguards will be present during these times. Updates about the pool can be found on its Facebook group under "Dixon Springs State Park Pool & Concession."

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which oversees Dixon Springs, collaborated with Arrowleaf under an emergency contract to ensure the pool's operation this summer after previous attempts to find operators failed.

"The Dixon Springs pool has long been a popular, local summer destination for Pope County residents and people from throughout the region," stated IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. "We're thrilled that Arrowleaf was able to help us ensure the pool opens for the 2025 summer and look forward to this partnership."

Admission fees are set at $4 for children aged five and younger, $6 for those aged six to twelve, and $8 for swimmers aged thirteen and older. Arrowleaf will also run a small retail shop offering items like sunscreen, goggles, sunglasses, arm floats, towels, swim diapers, and baby wipes. The concession stand will provide sandwiches, hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, candy, among other items.

Arrowleaf CEO Sherrie Crabb commented on the opportunity: "This opportunity not only helps keep a beloved local destination open but we're also creating employment and training opportunities for area youth and individuals with disabilities through Arrowleaf's workforce programs."

State Senator Fowler of Harrisburg expressed support: "Seeing it open again thanks to the teamwork between Arrowleaf and IDNR is a great example of what can happen when people come together to invest in our communities."

IDNR has invested approximately $183,000 into improvements at the Dixon Springs pool over recent years.

Located near Golconda on Illinois Route 146, Dixon Springs State Park offers more than just swimming; visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting as well.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources celebrates its centennial in 2025 since its establishment as the Illinois Department of Conservation on July 1st of that year.

For more information about IDNR's work across various sites in Illinois or their history since establishment visit https://dnr.illinois.gov.