Portland Parks & Rec plans ahead to keep kids safe during heat wave

Portland leadership is implementing safeguards to protect the city’s youngest residents.
Published: Jul. 9, 2024 at 5:10 PM PDT

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - It might not be exactly Taco Tuesday but for Laura Kurtz and her daughter, Peninsula Park was the place to be before this summer heatwave made another splash.

“I’m really thankful for the city, I think they’re doing a really nice job for the kids,” Kurtz said.

In addition to Portland Parks & Recreation’s “Lunch + Play” program, leadership is also implementing additional safeguards to protect the city’s youngest residents which includes extra hydration and a limiting of exposure to these triple digit temperatures.

“We worry about how hot it’s getting, we try and get out by 1-1:30 p.m. because it’s just too hot,” Kurtz said.

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The Sunshine Division has announced the closure of their north Portland pantry due to safety concerns.

PPR Supervisor, Alicia Hammock, has spent the past 26 years with the department and says her role means being extra cautious when it comes to child safety.

“Definitely keeps us on our toes and the staff has been phenomenal,” Hammock said. “The community has been really flexible and today has been the hottest day of it. Typically we’re 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. but today we’re closing an hour early.”

The numerous locations have worked in lockstep during this incredibly hot stretch. Hammock days these days they’re more prepared than ever for the early dog days of summer.

“A few years ago when we had to adjust things, the first week at the end of June, that was shocking,” Hammock said. “Now a few weeks in, the staff are trained, the community knows we’re here it’s just par for the course.

With some normalcy in the forecast and schedule ahead, staff and parents alike, are looking forward to chiller days at the park.

“We can maybe stay out after 4 o clock, take a walk, Im so ready for that,” Kurtz said.

Barring any unforeseen rises in temperature, Portland Parks & Recreation says programming will return to its regular schedule beginning Wednesday.

“Our goal is to always serve the meals as long as it’s safe,” Hammock said.