Some Outdoor City Services Impacted

On Friday, July 17, the Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Index (AQI) classifies the City of Richmond as “Very Unhealthy.”  

At this level, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.  

The City of Richmond has taken several steps to address today’s AQI:  

• All City of Richmond camp programming has been moved indoors for the day.  
• Outdoor city pools will also be closed today. Residents can access indoor swimming at Bellemede Community Center Pool (1800 Lynhaven Avenue, open Friday until 8 p.m.) and Swansboro Pool (3160 Midlothian Turnpike, open Friday until 8 p.m.).  
• The scheduled Festival of the Arts performance at Dogwood Dell (KOS BAND) has been cancelled. 
• Community center and Richmond Public Library hours remain unchanged. 
• The Salvation Army at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue will operate as a center for cooling and air quality relief from 2 p.m, on Friday, July 17th to 8 a.m. Saturday, July 18th and from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. 
• Critical outdoor city services are continuing, with staff following the health guidelines corresponding to "Very Unhealthy" air quality. 
• Richmond Animal Care and Control reminds residents that air quality advisories for wildfire smoke apply directly to your pets. Keep dogs, cats, and outdoor animals indoors, limiting time outside to brief bathroom breaks. Avoid all prolonged outdoor exercise. Flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs, birds, and pets with pre-existing conditions are highly susceptible to respiratory distress. 

For the most updated information related to Richmond’s Air Quality, please visit the DEQ Air Quality Index page.  

For ongoing impacts to City services, please visit go.rva.gov/weather.