The summer months are here, which means warm weather and the need to cool down while outdoors. As a result of the pandemic, Rochester’s Cool Sweep program is on pause until further notice.
What You Need To Know
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- Rochester’s Cool Sweep program on pause due to COVID-19
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- Cool Sweep gives residents relief at fire hydrants, extended hours at pools and spray parks
- City working with Monroe County to find ways to keep residents cool
A cool sweep allows residents to get relief at fire hydrants and extended hours at public pools and spray parks. City of Rochester Communications Director Justin Roj says the challenge is trying to figure out when it might be appropriate and safe.
“Typically the Cool Sweep program runs through July 1, through August, and it happens when there is consecutive days of 85 degrees or above weather. There’s no cool sweeps planned for this time due to the pandemic. Just like libraries, movie theatres, malls, other stores. Things that are typically used by folks to stay cool during normal times are not available to us.”
Roj says talks are underway with the Monroe County Health Department.
“What we’re doing is we are having internal conversations about what we can do to help keep people cool during this time. First and foremost, is to keep people safe by making sure they don’t catch COVID and what that entails,” said Roj.
Kamaria Dorsey, a resident of Rochester, got creative and set up her own cooling station for her kids in her backyard. She also lives close to a splash park.
“It’s going to be very hard for people,” said Dorsey, “Especially if the weather gets warmer; if you don’t have access to a hose or sprinkler. When it gets hot it’s busy. This park, this splash pad, is used a lot. Kids use the rec center as a cooling station; the library. So, that is going to be a major part of what is going to be missing this summer.”
As temperatures continue to rise, Roj says it is vital to take precautions.
“You want to obviously keep your most strenuous physical activity to the early morning and evening hours when it is cooler. You want to stay hydrated, you want to stay out of direct sunlight, or if you are in direct sunlight make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing to keep yourself from getting too much sun,” said Roj.
There is no confirmation as of yet if the city’s Cool Sweep program will be included in later phases of reopening the Finger Lakes Region.
— SPECTRUM NEWS ROCHESTER