ROCKFORD (RPD) -- The Rockford Park District wants people to enjoy life, but in this extreme heat it’s important to be safe. Program and events were reviewed to ensure the safety of participants and staff.

The Rockford Park District has decided to either cancel or move certain programs and events based on the forecasted temperatures and heat index.

Programs/Events Cancelled for Wednesday, July 20, 2011:
-Wheelchair Softball
-Paralympics Track & Field
-Slo-Pitch Leagues (Ages 50+)
-Horseback Riding Lessons at Lockwood Park, Bits and Reins at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
-Imagination Station (May be rescheduled for later this summer)
-Youth Sports Tots Camp
-NFL Cheer
-NFL Flag Football

Below are the Time 2 Play Summer Playground that will only be open Wednesday, July 20, 2011 from
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. to collect field trip forms for Thursday’s Showplace 16 field trip. No activities or supervision for youth will be provided.
-Beattie Park
-Bloom
-Churchill
-Harmon
-Keye-Mallquist
-Ridge Park
-Fairgrounds Park
Time 2 Play Summer Playground Changes for Wednesday, July 20, 2011:
-Highland Park - 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. - field trip to Carlson Ice Arena
-Wantz Park – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. - field trip to Carlson Ice Arena
-Elliot Park – 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. moved indoors to Flodin Boys & Girls Club

Time 2 Play Summer Playground Changes for Thursday, July 21, 2011:
-Beattie Park
-Bloom Park
-Churchill Park
-Elliot Park
-Harmon Park
-Ridge Park
-Fairgrounds Park
-Keye Mallquist – Only open from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
*All locations are taking a field trip to Showplace 16 for a showing of Cars 2.*

Cool Ideas to Beat the Heat
Spray pads at: Beattie Playground, Black Hawk Park, Brown Park, Churchill Park, S. Henrietta Park, Harmon Park, Keye-Mallquist Park, Liberty Park, Washington Park, and Mandeville Park will remain on daily from noon – 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, July 24, 2011. Should a citizen want a spray pad to be activated, they should call 815-987-8800 (between Memorial Day and Labor Day) when the heat index is at least 85 degrees.

Alpine Pool, Harkins Aquatic Center, and Sand Park Pool are open! Alpine Pool, 4310 Newburg Road, Rockford and Sand Park Pool, 1041 E. Riverside Blvd, Loves Park are open for paid public swim during the weekdays from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Harkins Aquatic Center, 910 Acorn Street, Rockford is free and open for public swim weekdays from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Magic Waters Water Park is open Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday admission all day is just $10.

Stanfield Beach at Levings Lake, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave, Rockford is open from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. and admission is just $2.

Go Skating at Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park. Public Skating is from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Importance of Water
The Rockford Park District is providing extra water stations at facilities and programs for the public and staff.

It is important that before playing or exercising, drink 10 – 14 ounces of cold water 1 – 2 hours before activity and then drink 10 ounces of cold water 10 – 15 minutes before the activity. Stay hydrated during the activity by drinking 3 – 4 ounces of cold water every 15 minutes. After activity, drink 16 ounces of cold water.

10 is the magic number! Most children should take 10 gulps when drinking from a water fountain.

Playing Safely in the Heat
Kids should wear lightweight clothing and stay well-hydrated.

Apply sunscreen frequently! Be careful to avoid exposing sunscreen to high heat. Keep sunscreen in a cool place.

Eat! It is not uncommon when hot or overheated to not feel like eating. Fueling your body is just as important as staying hydrated.