Chicago Park District moves most outdoor activities inside due to wildfire smoke
CHICAGO (CBS) -- With smoke from Canadian wildfires helping create "very unhealthy" air quality in Chicago on Tuesday, the Park District is moving most of its outdoor programming indoors, and has canceled some outdoor events altogether.
"The Park District will move programs, including summer camps, indoors to the fullest extent possible. The District will continue to follow guidance from the Chicago Department of Public Health and adjust programming and park operations to keep our patrons and workforce safe," the Park District said in a statement.
Some outdoor park district programs have been canceled on Tuesday, including "Broadway in your Backyard," a concert of musical theater showtunes hosted by Porchlight Music Theater. The performance had been scheduled for 6 p.m. at Unity Park.
Three "Movies in the Parks" events also have been canceled for Tuesday night – showings of "Mrs. Doubtfire" at Oakwood Beach, "Ticket to Paradise" at Ward Park, and "Space Jam" at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Meantime, the Park District joined the Chicago Department of Public Health in recommending children, teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease, and people who are pregnant avoid strenuous activities and limit their time outdoors.
They also recommended people consider wearing masks while outdoors, limiting activity outside, running air purifiers, and closing windows.
