Science & Nature
Chicago Shuts Down Beaches and Pools Thursday as Air Quality Hits Hazardous Level
A Chicago beach is pictured in a file photo. (WTTW News)
With air quality levels hitting unhealthy and even hazardous levels across Chicago, the Chicago Park District has shut down all outdoor beaches and pools on Thursday, officials announced.
Red flags have been posted at beaches and lifeguards have been removed. Indoor pools are still open.
All other Park District programming, including summer day camps, will be moved indoors. Programs that can’t be moved indoors will be cancelled, officials said.
Those cancellations include all Night Out in the Parks events and Movies in the Park scheduled for Thursday, and the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories are closed.
As wildfire smoke settled over the city, air pollution reached dangerous levels not just for sensitive groups, but for everyone.
Other closures include the Chicago Botanic Garden. Anyone with plans Thursday should check for cancellations and closures before leaving the house.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
