Monroe County announces temporary closures of parks, Seneca Park Zoo, and outdoor facilities as air quality reaches very unhealthy levels

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County has temporarily closed several public facilities and canceled outdoor activities after air quality conditions deteriorated to the “Very Unhealthy” category, prompting local officials to take immediate action to protect residents, employees, and animals.

County Executive Adam Bello announced the closures after air quality readings reached levels considered unsafe for outdoor activity. The measures affect a wide range of county-operated locations and services as officials respond to conditions that could pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Among the facilities closed until further notice are the Seneca Park Zoo, all Monroe County parks, and several popular recreational areas. The closures also include the Genesee Valley, Durand-Eastman, and Churchville golf courses, as well as the swimming area and spray park at Ontario Beach Park.

The county also canceled the scheduled Movies in the Park event that was set to take place at ESL Ballpark, eliminating another outdoor gathering as officials work to limit public exposure to unhealthy air conditions.

The response extends beyond public spaces. To reduce potential health risks for county employees, workers who normally perform duties outdoors have been reassigned to indoor responsibilities whenever possible. According to county officials, crews from the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services will only be dispatched outside for emergency situations while air quality remains at dangerous levels.

Read also: Undergraduate students from colleges across the U.S. gather at RIT to tackle cutting-edge summer research in AI, science, and mathematics

Animal welfare has also become a priority during the event. Staff at the Seneca Park Zoo are taking steps to minimize exposure for the zoo’s residents by moving as many animals as possible into indoor habitats until outdoor conditions improve.

The temporary closures are part of a broader effort by Monroe County to respond quickly to changing environmental conditions. Officials said the Department of Public Health and the Office of Emergency Management will continue evaluating air quality forecasts every day before deciding whether facilities can safely reopen.

Rather than relying on a single forecast, county officials will use ongoing monitoring of the Air Quality Index (AQI) to guide future decisions. As conditions change, additional updates regarding park operations and county services are expected.

Health officials are reminding residents that air quality can fluctuate throughout the day and may differ from one neighborhood to another. Because of those variations, people are encouraged to monitor conditions frequently before spending extended periods outdoors.

Residents can track local air quality through a variety of sources, including AirNow, weather applications, National Weather Service forecasts, and local news outlets. Monitoring these resources can help individuals make informed decisions about outdoor activities, especially during periods when pollution levels rise.

Poor air quality can affect anyone, but children, older adults, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, and individuals with heart disease are generally considered to be at greater risk. During periods when the AQI reaches very unhealthy levels, health experts commonly recommend limiting outdoor exertion and spending as much time as possible indoors.

Read also: Rochester’s first-ever Maplewood Nature Center officially opens to the community on Tuesday, July 21 with interactive learning and outdoor experiences

County officials also encouraged residents seeking additional information about outdoor air quality and its potential health impacts to review educational resources provided by the Monroe County Department of Public Health. Those with concerns about their personal health or medical conditions are advised to speak with their primary care provider for guidance specific to their situation.

While the closures may temporarily interrupt recreational plans, county leaders say the precautions are intended to reduce unnecessary exposure until air quality improves. Public health officials will continue monitoring forecasts and environmental conditions daily, with decisions regarding the reopening of parks, recreational facilities, and the Seneca Park Zoo based on updated air quality data and ongoing assessments.

Until conditions improve, Monroe County is urging residents to stay informed, limit outdoor exposure whenever possible, and follow public health recommendations designed to keep the community safe during the period of poor air quality.