Updated
Updated · WWBT · Jul 17
Richmond Cancels July 17 Events, Closes Outdoor Pools Under Code Purple Alert
Updated
Updated · WWBT · Jul 17

Richmond Cancels July 17 Events, Closes Outdoor Pools Under Code Purple Alert

3 articles · Updated · WWBT · Jul 17

Summary

  • Richmond-area organizations canceled Friday outdoor events, moved city camp programs indoors and shut outdoor pools because air quality was deemed unsafe.
  • Code Purple alerts covered parts of Virginia, warning everyone to limit time outside, especially children, older adults and people with lung or heart disease.
  • Two indoor pools — Bellemede Community Center and Swansboro — remained open until 8 p.m., while the Salvation Army on Chamberlayne Avenue offered cooling and air-quality relief from 2 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday.
  • Colonial Downs in New Kent canceled Friday live racing, plans to resume Saturday at an earlier 11:30 a.m. post time, and said Sundays Military Appreciation Day is still on.

Insights

Beyond closing pools and canceling races, what can cities do to protect citizens from these toxic air events?
Wildfire smoke from Canada shut down a US city. Is this the new normal for our summers?