CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. — As wildfire smoke blankets the region, two Champaign County aquatic facilities made the tough decision to shut their gates on Sunday, citing concerns over compromised air quality.
The Urbana Park District confirmed that the Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center and the nearby Lake House in Crystal Lake Park, ceased operations at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday. The district, in a communication to WCIA, highlighted that the closure was a direct result of the deteriorating air quality.
Similarly, Sholem Aquatic Center opted to close its doors at 3 p.m. on the same day for the very same reason. Officials acknowledged the inconvenience this may cause and expressed their intent to reopen on Monday morning, weather permitting.
Data from AirNow.gov indicated that, as of 3 p.m. on Sunday, Champaign’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 171. This level is classified as “unhealthy,” posing risks to the general public. Individuals in sensitive groups are advised against prolonged or heavy outdoor exercise, while others are recommended to limit such activities.
An areawide “Air Pollution Action Day” alert was by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for Sunday, July 19. You can read more about that here.