Bay Area City Closes Outdoor Parks Over Labor Day Weekend As Heat Wave Approaches

Betsy Burkhart, communications manager for the city of Walnut Creek, told SFGATE that the closure affects a number of popular recreation areas, including Acalanes Ridge, Borges Ranch, Howe Homestead Park, Lime Ridge, Sugarloaf Open Space and Shell Ridge, covering more of 1,400 acres and over 30 miles of trails. Due to a heat advisory in effect, City of Walnut Creek open spaces will be closed from September 1st through Labor Day. Open Spaces Lime Ridge, Shell Ridges & Acalanes Ridge and others are expected to reopen by September 6 when the warning is lifted. pic.twitter.com/HdHHOSJDzZ — City of Walnut Creek (@WalnutCreekGov) August 31, 2022 “It’s unusual, but this is also the first time we’ve had a prolonged heat wave that’s predicted to last this long,” Burkhart said by phone. “It’s been a while since I last remembered. Since this also includes a holiday weekend, we know that the typical places people might go might be different with the extreme heat. … We want to try to make sure people aren’t hiking with 3,000 acres of open space in 100 degrees.” The decision was made at the recommendation of the Contra Costa County Fire Department. Steve Hill, a public information officer for the fire protection district, told SFGATE that operators of most of the county’s open spaces have been strongly urged to close to the public for two reasons — to protect residents from health hazards resulting from exposure to gusty temperatures, in addition to the threat of “extremely high” fire risk. “We have a slightly different situation in that we have large swaths of our county that will be hit hard by the heat, and coincidentally they happen to have a lot of open space and trails. A heat wave like this is not very common in our area and our residents are not acclimatized to these temperatures. We believe the projected conditions will unnecessarily expose the public and firefighters to undue risk out there in these open spaces,” Hill said. “We often perform difficult rescues in parks on days where temperatures are more typically in the 80s and 90s, and those are quite difficult for victims and firefighters. With multiple 100 degree plus days this weekend, both potential victims and fire and EMS people will face much greater risks in these rescues.” A bicyclist rides past a historic barn at Borges Ranch Park in Walnut Creek. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst N/San Francisco Chronicle via Gett The fire district also took into account the concern of fighting unnecessary fires, which could take away vital resources during other fires they may have to respond to over the weekend. “If there were any wind forecast right now, it would be red flag weather,” Hill said. “It will only be made worse by the heat.” But a top priority, he stressed, was to ensure people took the risk of heat-related illness “very seriously”. Walnut Creek’s decision to close parks to the public during the heatwave comes after the tragic death of Berkeley resident Philip Kreycik, who went missing after jogging at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park in July 2021. Temperatures reached 106 degree day he disappeared, and authorities later said heat exhaustion and disorientation may have played a role in his death. “Heat-related illnesses and injuries should not be ignored,” Hill said. “It can be deadly serious business. We urge residents to limit or eliminate their outdoor activities at the height of the heatwave over the next few days to identify places they can stay cool — at home or at a friend or neighbor’s home.” As Contra Costa Health Services issues a heat health advisory, Hill stressed the importance of seeking other cool, indoor spaces because of the potential for power outages during the heat wave. He also advised the public to stay hydrated and check on people and pets who will be especially vulnerable in the stormy conditions, including the elderly and children. People should also prepare fire evacuation bags and, if seen, report it to 911 immediately. More heat safety tips can be found on the Contra Costa Health Service website. As the heat wave continues, more open spaces could be closed. Please check the status of each area before visiting to ensure availability.

title: “Bay Area City Closes Outdoor Parks Over Labor Day Weekend As Heat Wave Approaches Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-15” author: “Walter Payton”

Betsy Burkhart, communications manager for the city of Walnut Creek, told SFGATE that the closure affects a number of popular recreation areas, including Acalanes Ridge, Borges Ranch, Howe Homestead Park, Lime Ridge, Sugarloaf Open Space and Shell Ridge, covering more of 1,400 acres and over 30 miles of trails. Due to a heat advisory in effect, City of Walnut Creek open spaces will be closed from September 1st through Labor Day. Open Spaces Lime Ridge, Shell Ridges & Acalanes Ridge and others are expected to reopen by September 6 when the warning is lifted. pic.twitter.com/HdHHOSJDzZ — City of Walnut Creek (@WalnutCreekGov) August 31, 2022 “It’s unusual, but this is also the first time we’ve had a prolonged heat wave that’s predicted to last this long,” Burkhart said by phone. “It’s been a while since I last remembered. Since this also includes a holiday weekend, we know that the typical places people might go might be different with the extreme heat. … We want to try to make sure people aren’t hiking with 3,000 acres of open space in 100 degrees.” The decision was made at the recommendation of the Contra Costa County Fire Department. Steve Hill, a public information officer for the fire protection district, told SFGATE that operators of most of the county’s open spaces have been strongly urged to close to the public for two reasons — to protect residents from health hazards resulting from exposure to gusty temperatures, in addition to the threat of “extremely high” fire risk. “We have a slightly different situation in that we have large swaths of our county that will be hit hard by the heat, and coincidentally they happen to have a lot of open space and trails. A heat wave like this is not very common in our area and our residents are not acclimatized to these temperatures. We believe the projected conditions will unnecessarily expose the public and firefighters to undue risk out there in these open spaces,” Hill said. “We often perform difficult rescues in parks on days where temperatures are more typically in the 80s and 90s, and those are quite difficult for victims and firefighters. With multiple 100 degree plus days this weekend, both potential victims and fire and EMS people will face much greater risks in these rescues.” A bicyclist rides past a historic barn at Borges Ranch Park in Walnut Creek. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst N/San Francisco Chronicle via Gett The fire district also took into account the concern of fighting unnecessary fires, which could take away vital resources during other fires they may have to respond to over the weekend. “If there were any wind forecast right now, it would be red flag weather,” Hill said. “It will only be made worse by the heat.” But a top priority, he stressed, was to ensure people took the risk of heat-related illness “very seriously”. Walnut Creek’s decision to close parks to the public during the heatwave comes after the tragic death of Berkeley resident Philip Kreycik, who went missing after jogging at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park in July 2021. Temperatures reached 106 degree day he disappeared, and authorities later said heat exhaustion and disorientation may have played a role in his death. “Heat-related illnesses and injuries should not be ignored,” Hill said. “It can be deadly serious business. We urge residents to limit or eliminate their outdoor activities at the height of the heatwave over the next few days to identify places they can stay cool — at home or at a friend or neighbor’s home.” As Contra Costa Health Services issues a heat health advisory, Hill stressed the importance of seeking other cool, indoor spaces because of the potential for power outages during the heat wave. He also advised the public to stay hydrated and check on people and pets who will be especially vulnerable in the stormy conditions, including the elderly and children. People should also prepare fire evacuation bags and, if seen, report it to 911 immediately. More heat safety tips can be found on the Contra Costa Health Service website. As the heat wave continues, more open spaces could be closed. Please check the status of each area before visiting to ensure availability.

title: “Bay Area City Closes Outdoor Parks Over Labor Day Weekend As Heat Wave Approaches Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-19” author: “Dorothy Medley”

Betsy Burkhart, communications manager for the city of Walnut Creek, told SFGATE that the closure affects a number of popular recreation areas, including Acalanes Ridge, Borges Ranch, Howe Homestead Park, Lime Ridge, Sugarloaf Open Space and Shell Ridge, covering more of 1,400 acres and over 30 miles of trails. Due to a heat advisory in effect, City of Walnut Creek open spaces will be closed from September 1st through Labor Day. Open Spaces Lime Ridge, Shell Ridges & Acalanes Ridge and others are expected to reopen by September 6 when the warning is lifted. pic.twitter.com/HdHHOSJDzZ — City of Walnut Creek (@WalnutCreekGov) August 31, 2022 “It’s unusual, but this is also the first time we’ve had a prolonged heat wave that’s predicted to last this long,” Burkhart said by phone. “It’s been a while since I last remembered. Since this also includes a holiday weekend, we know that the typical places people might go might be different with the extreme heat. … We want to try to make sure people aren’t hiking with 3,000 acres of open space in 100 degrees.” The decision was made at the recommendation of the Contra Costa County Fire Department. Steve Hill, a public information officer for the fire protection district, told SFGATE that operators of most of the county’s open spaces have been strongly urged to close to the public for two reasons — to protect residents from health hazards resulting from exposure to gusty temperatures, in addition to the threat of “extremely high” fire risk. “We have a slightly different situation in that we have large swaths of our county that will be hit hard by the heat, and coincidentally they happen to have a lot of open space and trails. A heat wave like this is not very common in our area and our residents are not acclimatized to these temperatures. We believe the projected conditions will unnecessarily expose the public and firefighters to undue risk out there in these open spaces,” Hill said. “We often perform difficult rescues in parks on days where temperatures are more typically in the 80s and 90s, and those are quite difficult for victims and firefighters. With multiple 100 degree plus days this weekend, both potential victims and fire and EMS people will face much greater risks in these rescues.” A bicyclist rides past a historic barn at Borges Ranch Park in Walnut Creek. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst N/San Francisco Chronicle via Gett The fire district also took into account the concern of fighting unnecessary fires, which could take away vital resources during other fires they may have to respond to over the weekend. “If there were any wind forecast right now, it would be red flag weather,” Hill said. “It will only be made worse by the heat.” But a top priority, he stressed, was to ensure people took the risk of heat-related illness “very seriously”. Walnut Creek’s decision to close parks to the public during the heatwave comes after the tragic death of Berkeley resident Philip Kreycik, who went missing after jogging at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park in July 2021. Temperatures reached 106 degree day he disappeared, and authorities later said heat exhaustion and disorientation may have played a role in his death. “Heat-related illnesses and injuries should not be ignored,” Hill said. “It can be deadly serious business. We urge residents to limit or eliminate their outdoor activities at the height of the heatwave over the next few days to identify places they can stay cool — at home or at a friend or neighbor’s home.” As Contra Costa Health Services issues a heat health advisory, Hill stressed the importance of seeking other cool, indoor spaces because of the potential for power outages during the heat wave. He also advised the public to stay hydrated and check on people and pets who will be especially vulnerable in the stormy conditions, including the elderly and children. People should also prepare fire evacuation bags and, if seen, report it to 911 immediately. More heat safety tips can be found on the Contra Costa Health Service website. As the heat wave continues, more open spaces could be closed. Please check the status of each area before visiting to ensure availability.

title: “Bay Area City Closes Outdoor Parks Over Labor Day Weekend As Heat Wave Approaches Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-30” author: “Kelly Frederick”

Betsy Burkhart, communications manager for the city of Walnut Creek, told SFGATE that the closure affects a number of popular recreation areas, including Acalanes Ridge, Borges Ranch, Howe Homestead Park, Lime Ridge, Sugarloaf Open Space and Shell Ridge, covering more of 1,400 acres and over 30 miles of trails. Due to a heat advisory in effect, City of Walnut Creek open spaces will be closed from September 1st through Labor Day. Open Spaces Lime Ridge, Shell Ridges & Acalanes Ridge and others are expected to reopen by September 6 when the warning is lifted. pic.twitter.com/HdHHOSJDzZ — City of Walnut Creek (@WalnutCreekGov) August 31, 2022 “It’s unusual, but this is also the first time we’ve had a prolonged heat wave that’s predicted to last this long,” Burkhart said by phone. “It’s been a while since I last remembered. Since this also includes a holiday weekend, we know that the typical places people might go might be different with the extreme heat. … We want to try to make sure people aren’t hiking with 3,000 acres of open space in 100 degrees.” The decision was made at the recommendation of the Contra Costa County Fire Department. Steve Hill, a public information officer for the fire protection district, told SFGATE that operators of most of the county’s open spaces have been strongly urged to close to the public for two reasons — to protect residents from health hazards resulting from exposure to gusty temperatures, in addition to the threat of “extremely high” fire risk. “We have a slightly different situation in that we have large swaths of our county that will be hit hard by the heat, and coincidentally they happen to have a lot of open space and trails. A heat wave like this is not very common in our area and our residents are not acclimatized to these temperatures. We believe the projected conditions will unnecessarily expose the public and firefighters to undue risk out there in these open spaces,” Hill said. “We often perform difficult rescues in parks on days where temperatures are more typically in the 80s and 90s, and those are quite difficult for victims and firefighters. With multiple 100 degree plus days this weekend, both potential victims and fire and EMS people will face much greater risks in these rescues.” A bicyclist rides past a historic barn at Borges Ranch Park in Walnut Creek. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst N/San Francisco Chronicle via Gett The fire district also took into account the concern of fighting unnecessary fires, which could take away vital resources during other fires they may have to respond to over the weekend. “If there were any wind forecast right now, it would be red flag weather,” Hill said. “It will only be made worse by the heat.” But a top priority, he stressed, was to ensure people took the risk of heat-related illness “very seriously”. Walnut Creek’s decision to close parks to the public during the heatwave comes after the tragic death of Berkeley resident Philip Kreycik, who went missing after jogging at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park in July 2021. Temperatures reached 106 degree day he disappeared, and authorities later said heat exhaustion and disorientation may have played a role in his death. “Heat-related illnesses and injuries should not be ignored,” Hill said. “It can be deadly serious business. We urge residents to limit or eliminate their outdoor activities at the height of the heatwave over the next few days to identify places they can stay cool — at home or at a friend or neighbor’s home.” As Contra Costa Health Services issues a heat health advisory, Hill stressed the importance of seeking other cool, indoor spaces because of the potential for power outages during the heat wave. He also advised the public to stay hydrated and check on people and pets who will be especially vulnerable in the stormy conditions, including the elderly and children. People should also prepare fire evacuation bags and, if seen, report it to 911 immediately. More heat safety tips can be found on the Contra Costa Health Service website. As the heat wave continues, more open spaces could be closed. Please check the status of each area before visiting to ensure availability.