SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on Friday announced that all beaches, parks, boat launches, athletic fields and public golf courses in Seattle will be closed through Sunday due to poor air quality.
The closures were later extended through the end of Wednesday.
Public restrooms at parks will remain open.
As of Monday at 5 p.m. PDT, Seattle’s air-quality index was at 239 ( very unhealthy), according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
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All people, especially vulnerable groups such as young children and the elderly, are advised to reduce their outdoor activities and stay indoors until quality improves.
Durkan said people who visit beaches, parks and/or boat launches will not be cited and officials will instead focus on educating the public about the dangers of the current air quality conditions.
“During this time we really want is for people to know and understand how unhealthy the air is,” Durkan said.