Residents Stay Cool During Heat Wave

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

July 25, 2022

After a week of more than 90 -degree heat, several parents took Friday as an opportunity to bring their kids to cool down and have fun in local splash pads.

Kids in the splash pad at Bristol’s Rockwell Park ran around in water raining down on them from fountains and buckets that filled and dumped overhead. They also ran alongside umbrella-like sprays which came up to the waists of little ones. The splash pad attracted visitors from near and far Friday.

Michelle Rinaldi, of Torrington, said that her 11-year-old son Ricardo was “having a great time.”

“It’s our first time visiting this park,” she said. “We had an appointment in Bristol and knew that this was here so we decided to stop by. We’re glad we did.”

Cathryn Dallaverde said that she came to Rockwell Park from out of state, visiting family members in Bristol. She was there with six children, all 10 and younger.

“They’re all having a good time; they’re loving it here,” she said. “There are some really great parks in this state.”

Janiris Roldan, of Meriden, said that she makes a point of visiting splash pads around the state. She came to Bristol with her sons, Leo, 3, and Legend, 2, this Friday.

“This is our first time in Bristol – it has been a good, fun visit,” she said. “It’s hot this week and so we’re stopping at a lot of splash pads. We just visited the one in Cromwell too.”

In New Britain’s Chesley Park, located at 95 Wildwood St., water shot up intermittently as geysers from the ground or rained down in buckets over the heads of playing children. Youngsters ran through the sprays, laughing and having a great time.

Norma Garcia, of New Britain, said that she brings her daughters, Julia, 5, and Rachel, 9, to play in Chesley Park’s splash pad regularly.

“They have a great time,” she said. “We’ve gone every day this week. We’re glad that this is here.”

Brian Jennings, of New Britain, came to the Chesley Park splash pad with his three children in his niece, which included 12-year-old Callie, seven-year-old Cole, Caden who is one-and-a-half and two-year-old Heni.

“We try to come once a week or once every two weeks,” said Jennings. “They have a blast playing under the water. It’s a great way for them to keep cool and keep entertained. It’s a really beautiful park. I love this city; it has a lot to offer, despite what some people from other towns might think.”

According to WFSB, the peak of the humidity will be Sunday.

“Saturday and particularly Sunday, the humidity is expected to crank back up to oppressive levels,” said WFSB.

According to WFSB Meteorologist, Melissa Cole, Monday could also reach 90.

“Monday we could also get to 90,” Cole explained. “That would make it day 7 [of the heat wave].”

Cole said that they’re also forecasting dry weather after Monday.

“By Tuesday and Wednesday, we’re forecasting dry weather with lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s,” Cole said. “That will feel refreshing!”

Yet, with the heat continuing to carry on, the division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security offers the following advice:

● Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit activity to the morning and evening. You should also rest often in shady areas.

● Avoid direct sunlight.

● Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

● Take cool showers or baths.

● Provide easy access to water and shade for pets that can not be brought indoors.

● Don’t drink alcohol or other liquids with a lot of sugar.

● Stay hydrated and drink two to four cups of water while working or exercising outside.

● Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, young children and those with respiratory illnesses to ensure they are properly hydrated and have adequate cooling in their homes.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.