INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis pools and some programs will be closed Thursday as the city continues experiencing poor air quality from changing wind direction of Canadian wildfires, city officials reported.
Summer concert series events at Garfield and Riverside Parks will also be cancelled.
Indy Parks & Rec made the decision to close all outdoor pools but said indoor park facilities will remain open. It marks the second consecutive day some pools will remain closed due to air pollution.
Indoor pools at Thatcher Park and Indy Island will remain open.
“The City of Indianapolis is closely monitoring and taking precautions as we’re experiencing unhealthy Air Quality Index levels,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett in a statement sent to 13News on Wednesday. “It is crucial for residents to prioritize their health and safety."
Day camps and environmental programs will continue with the same limited or cancelled outdoor programming plan as yesterday.
Environmental Education Camps will have limited outdoor activities.
Other camps have been instructed to limit time outside, including prohibiting strenuous physical activity outside and taking frequent indoor breaks following any outdoor exposure. Camps will be providing indoor programming alternatives based on the location.
All Indy Parks Summer Concert Series events Wednesday evening have also been canceled.
Indy Parks’ indoor family centers will remain open for residents under their normal hours of operation.
The Office of Sustainability is advising Hoosiers to take extra safety steps to minimize pollution exposure.
Residents should consider wearing a mask outdoors, and specifically choose a “particulate respirator” that has been tested and approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Those masks, city officials said, will have the words “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” printed on it.
You should stay indoors with the doors and windows closed using MERV-13 or better air filtration. You can also maintain indoor air quality by avoiding lighting candles, vacuuming or other actions that lower air quality.
It is also advised to keep pets indoors as much as possible, and bring outdoor pets inside.