COLUMBUS, Ohio — With summer-like temperatures upon us, many families are looking for recreation and relief from the heat.
But most community pools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As 10TV found, while city facilities may be closed, the great outdoors is wide open.
Dina Kay and her sons spent Tuesday cooling off in Academy Park in East Columbus.
“I haven't found anything that's open,” she said. “I think one of the centers was thinking of opening their pool, but nobody is really open yet."
They'd just come from tending their community garden at Franklin Park.
"It worked out perfectly because nothing is really open and we don't have too much to do, so every day we go to our garden and we water it and it's a great activity for our kids,” Kay said.
She says every weekend, her family visits a different park and takes nature walks.
Columbus Recreation and Parks oversees more than 230 miles of trails and nearly 400 parks.
Those are open, but pools, splash pads, and playgrounds remain closed.
"All of our decisions for opening or closing our facilities or programs, are related exclusively to the public health emergency,” said Sophia Fifner, with Columbus Recreation and Parks. “So we've been closely following the guidelines set forth by the Ohio Department of Health and Columbus Public Health.”
Fifner says they are eager to re-open, but public health and safety come first.
"As soon as we find out that it’s okay to reopen a facility or a park amenity, we want to do so right away. In fact, we've already started preparing signs, just to make sure that folks are practicing social distancing."
Even with the challenge of keeping her boys busy, Dina Kay says she understands the need for caution.
"I feel like they make the best decisions and the right decision for the community,” she said. “I have faith and I know it's all for the best. So we just keep on, with a positive attitude."
Columbus Recreation and Parks waterways are open for kayaking and canoeing.
And most beaches at state parks are too.