THUNDER BAY -- City officials are emphasizing the need to protect children from potential damage to their eyes during the solar eclipse Monday afternoon.
City staff will implement precautionary measures at local recreational facilities.
Municipally-operated outdoor pools (Dease, Heath and Art Widnall) will remain open but staff will clear the pools between 12:30 and 3:30 and provide alternative activities for children in areas sheltered from the sun.
Free admission is being offered to public swims at the Canada Games Complex (1:00 to 4:00 pm) and at the Churchill Community Pool and Volunteer Pool (2:00 to 5:00 pm).
City-operated and supervised beaches (Sandy Beach, Boulevard Lake) will remain open but staff have been instructed to close the beaches from 12:30 to 3:30 pm if darker skies impact their ability to see bathers.
The city's splash pads will be operational, however parents are advised to take recommended precautions for their children. At the Water Garden Pavilion splash pad at Marina Park, staff will provide alternate activities for children inside Mariners' Hall between 12:30 and 3:30 pm.
Parents of children involved in the city's Playgrounds Program are encouraged to keep their children indoors this afternoon, but if that is not an option, program staff will offer activities at nearby sheltered areas.
