POSTED AUGUST 3, 2017
(Portland, OR) –
Up to date cancelations related to weather/air quality will be posted on the PP&R Inclement Weather page at portlandoregon.gov/parks/article/142862
Portland Parks & Recreation has closed outdoor swimming pools for the duration of Thursday, August 3, 2017, and all day on Friday, August 4, due to the metro area’s Air Quality Alert and current Unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI) rating. Outdoor pools closed after morning swim lessons concluded today. However, PP&R indoor pools remain open and available for swimming both days. Current plans (as of August 3) are to reopen outdoor pools on normal schedules on Saturday, August 5.
Other impacts to the Portland Parks & Recreation system from air quality and heat:
- All PP&R summer camps are being moved indoors for the duration of the day. Call your local PP&R community center or SUN school site for more information on specific camps.
- Activities at Holladay Park and Director Park are canceled for the remainder of Thursday, August 3 and all day Friday, August 4.
- Free Lunch + Play sites will be staffed through lunch only on Friday, August 4 (but lunches will be served).
- The Ladybug Nature Walk planned for Columbia Children’s Arboretum on Friday, August 4 (at 10am) is canceled.
- PP&R’s Nature Day Camps and Rockin’ Robin Camps at Sellwood Park and Marshall Park are canceled for Friday, August 4.
- Sellwood Community Center classes and all summer day camps at Sellwood Community Center are canceled for Friday, August 4.
- Summer camps at Peninsula Park Community Center are canceled on Friday, August 4.
- The following Summer Free For All events are canceled tonight (Thursday, August 3):
- Concert in the Park at Kenton Park (Sabroso, Latin funk)
- Movie in the Park showing of Dead Poet’s Society at the North Park Blocks
Any further cancelations related to weather/air quality will be posted on the PP&R Inclement Weather page at portlandoregon.gov/parks/article/142862
Stay cool for FREE at several PP&R community centers. Select hours and information at portlandoregon.gov/parks/article/649594
PP&R pool schedules and info are available at portlandoregon.gov/parks/38284
Indoor Pool Locations (CURRENTLY OPEN)
- Columbia Pool, 7701 N Chautauqua Blvd, (503) 823-3669
- East Portland Pool, 740 SE 106th Avenue, (503) 823-3450
- Matt Dishman Pool, 77 NE Knott Street, (503) 823-3673
- Mt. Scott Pool, 5530 SE 72nd Avenue, (503) 823-3183
- Southwest Pool, 6820 SW 45th Avenue, (503) 823-2840
About Air Quality Concerns
As if the heat wave isn’t enough, smoke from forest fires in Canada have swooped into the Portland metro area with obvious visual impact. The impact that is NOT so obvious is how this affects our ability to breathe, work, play, and exercise. The information below is from the State of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and is intended to assist you in managing your health until the air clears.
According to the State of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Portland was 182, in the “unhealthy” range, on the morning of Thursday, August 3, at 11am. airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&zipcode=97223&submit=Go
The DEQ’s “unhealthy” air quality index extends between 151 and 200. Their health message: People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertions. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
How does the AQI work?
Think of the AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 represents good air quality with little or no potential to affect public health, while an AQI value over 300 represents air quality so hazardous that everyone may experience serious effects (EPA AQI, 2014).
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