DC spray parks open 7 days a week amid extreme heat

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Families found relief from the brutal heat at the spray park at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center.

Monday marked the first day the DC Parks and Recreation Department opened all its spray parks seven days a week.

“I think it’s excellent because the kids get a chance to cool off while they’re playing, so I think it’s great,” said Randy Hardy, who brought his grandchildren to the recreation center.

The extremely hot weather has also impacted summer camps at all the centers. Children will now spend outdoor portions of the camps in the morning when it’s not as hot, as opposed to being outdoors in the afternoon, all to protect the young campers.

“So now when it’s hot, in the heat, heat of the hot, they can come inside and cool down and do activities inside,” said Department Director Thennie Freeman.

The weather is also causing problems in Virginia.

The Arlington County Parks and Recreation Department has cancelled outdoor organized activities after 11 a.m. at all its parks until the temperature improves.

“It’s super hot, super humid,” said Radith Mollah at Alcova Heights Park.

The park does provide some relief with the shade. But Mollah has other plans.

“We’re going to go at the pool in a bit,” Mollah said.