Staying chill in the sizzle

Hinsdale and surrounding area have cool solutions for summer heat

Ken Knutson | Last updated Jul 15, 2020 2:38pm
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Joining one of the morning Nature Walks or Forest Walks at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook is a great way to soak in the outdoors before the summer heat hits its height later in the day. (photo provided by DuPage County Forest Preserve District)

These summer scorcher days are inviting many to take air-conditioned refuge at home. But after a spring of COVID-19 quarantining, many are looking to get out no matter the heat index.

Pools are made for beating the heat. With many swim facilities closed for the summer, two nearby options are open for that refreshing plunge.

• The Hinsdale Community Pool, 500 W. Hinsdale Ave., has been a popular spot since it opened for open swim on a reservation basis earlier this month.

Masks are required for anyone who is not in the pool. Locker rooms are not available for changing but toiliets will be available for use by everyone in the women's locker room.

People must have their temperature checked and sign a waiver before being admitted.

Reservations must be made by phone (voicemail requests are not accepted) a week in advance, and up to two dates may be booked per call. Weekend reservations can be made starting on the Friday the week before.

The cost is $8 a person or $30 for a family of four for open swim. Payment must be made at the time of reservation.

Call (630) 789-7098 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to make a reservation. Visit https://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr for more information.

• The Oak Brook Park District Aquatic Center is available for open swim on a reservation-only basis online. Bathrooms are available, but showers, lockers and towels will not be offered. Splash Island is open Monday to Thursday for 90-minute open swim sessions scheduled every two hours beginning at noon. Each session is limited to 25 people and requires advance registration. Every person in attendance must have a reservation. Admission is $12 for nonresidents. Visit https://www.obparks.org/reserve for reservation information.

Enjoy walking - and not wilting - in the woods with a hike during the milder morning hours with offerings from the area's forest preserve districts.

• Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook, is the site of both Nature Walks and Forest Walks with an experienced naturalist. Take a 45-minute Nature Walk at 9, 10 or 11 a.m. Saturdays, July 18 or 25, and discover new and exciting nature facts and finds while exploring the woods. Take a Forest Walk from 9 to 10:30 a.m., noon to 1:30 p.m or 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29. Participants in either program must bring a face mask and wear it if there's less than six feet between group members. All ages are welcome; those under 18 must be with an adult. The cost is $2 per person, credit card only, and registration is not required. For more information, call (630) 850-8110 or visit https://www.dupageforest.org

• Take a walk with a naturalist to identify flowers and plants, look at insects, and maybe catch a glimpse of a snake on Explore the Prairie Walk from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs. The program is designed for ages 13 and up. All participants are required to wear masks and practice physical distancing. Registration is required. Call (708) 839-6897 or visit https://fpdcc.com/event/explore-the-prairie-walk.

Those that want to stretch their legs but not sweat by the gallon doing it can take advantage of indoor tracks for their workouts.

• The indoor walking track at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. The fee is $1 for nonmembers, payable at the front desk. All ages are welcome; children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Users must wear a mask at all times and maintain a distance of six feet from other walkers; passing others on the track is not permitted. For information, call (630) 323-7500 or visit https://www.thecommunityhouse.org.

• The indoor track at the Indian Boundary YMCA, 711 59th St., Downers Grove, is now open, along with the fitness center. Masks are required for those using the track. Daily passes are $10 for nonmembers (intended primarily for prospective members), and people should check in advance if openings are available by calling (630) 968-8400. Visit https://www.ymcachicago.org/reopening for details.

- by Ken Knutson

Author Bio

Ken Knutson is associate editor of The Hinsdalean

 

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Stay safe this summer

Sweltering weather can pose health risks if precautions aren’t taken. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to avoid the dangers of extreme heat by taking some simple steps to protect themselves.

“Extreme heat has the potential to be extremely dangerous,” said Kevin Sligh, FEMA Region 5 acting regional administrator. “Regularly check yourself, family members and neighbors for the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and learn how to respond to them. It’s important that we all take an active role to stay safe when excessive heat is forecast in our area.”

Those spending time outside are advised to find shade, avoid strenuous activity and wear a hat wide enough to cover one’s face and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

People or pets should never be left in a parked vehicle. Leaving a window open is not enough to counteract temperatures inside a vehicle that can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes.

Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness and recommended first aid steps at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extreme heat/warning.html.

Social distancing should be observed in order to cope safely with extreme heat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information and tips on being ready for extreme heat, visit https://www.ready.gov/heat.