By: Matt Milde

The recent wildfires in the North Bay have caused unprecedented levels of air pollution throughout the entire Bay Area. On Oct. 10, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued a health advisory and Spare the Air Alert recommending residents to protect their health by staying indoors. As a result, outdoor recreation programming in Menlo Park was canceled or moved indoors in an effort to protect the health of our program participants and residents. One of the programs impacted by the poor air quality was Menlo Swim and Sport who closed the Burgess and Belle Haven Pools from Oct. 11-14 when air quality was deemed unhealthy. Other programs that have been impacted include Kidz Love Soccer, Alpine Strikers Club Soccer, American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Jim Heebner Tennis and Menlo Park child care programs. While some programs where able to be moved indoors, many were canceled. It is uncertain when program operations will resume on their normal schedule. However, program participants are notified by their respective program coordinators when programs are canceled or relocated. Please visit the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website or California Air Recourses Board for further information on current Bay Area and California air quality and for ways to stay safe during poor air conditions.