The wait is finally over! Whitewater Junction is scheduled to open for the season on Saturday, June 27^th. The Illinois Department of Public Health just issued aquatic guidelines for Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. Whitewater Junction will be able to offer visits by reservation only to allow a limited number of customers at one time. All amenities will be open so customers can splash down the waterslides, relax on a lounge chair by the side of the pool, or play with one of the many water features. Whitewater Junction is a zero-depth entry pool featuring four waterslides, a tot slide, splash features, and fun for the whole family. 

“We are thrilled to finally open up our aquatic center for the community. This will be a different experience for our customers. There will be limited capacity so it will feel more like a private rental because there will be plenty of space and no long lines,” says John Gripp, Rock Island Parks and Recreation Director.

To maintain limited numbers and the ability for staff to clean the facility between visits and throughout the day, reservations must be made using set time slots. Time slots will be available throughout day for reservations. Whitewater Junction hours will be Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Reservable time slots available include:

Monday-Friday: 10:00 am-1:00 pm, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 9:30 pm – 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, 3:30 pm- 6:00 pm

To reserve a time slot, all patrons must call Whitewater Junction at (309) 732-7950 or reserve in person (online and social media reservations will not be accepted). Staff will be available to make reservations Monday through Friday from 8:45 am – 7:30 pm, or Saturday and Sunday from 8:45 am to 5:30 pm. Each time slot is $9.00. Children two and under are free with paid adult. Patrons may reserve separate time slots in the same day, but will be required to pay $9.00 for each time slot. All payments must be made at the time of entry into the facility. If an individual does not check in for their reservation, Whitewater Junction has the right to deny or restrict an individual from making future reservations. All patrons will have 30 minutes from the start of the reservation to check in with ticket staff. If they have not checked in within 30 minutes, their reservation may be bumped to a walk-in customer.

Punch passes and season passes will not be offered this year.

Safety and social distancing practices will be in place including stanchions directing foot traffic and markings on the ground. Staff will be cleaning high contact areas such as handrails, chairs, innertubes, and lifejackets as well as restrooms, counters, benches and door handles throughout the day. Patrons should wear face coverings when they are not in the pool and are encouraged to arrive dressed to swim to avoid extended periods of time in the changing rooms.

Only Party Train rentals, held Saturdays and Sundays, after operating hours, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm will be available with a seven day notice.  

Whitewater Junction is located at 17^th Street and 18^th Avenue in Rock Island. Go to www.rigov.org/WWJ or call (309) 732-SWIM (7946) for more information. Like us on facebook for weather updates, info, specials and events at www.facebook.com/WhitewaterJunction. Follow us on instagram at www.instagram.com/whitewaterjunction/.