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In Sun or Shade, Exercise Caution during Heat Wave

 

Shady trails like this one in Union County’s Watchung Reservation offer a break from the sun, but visitors to local hiking trails and walking paths should still take precautions to avoid overheating during extreme hot weather

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chose Freeholders reminds residents and visitors that outdoor activity should be reduced in hot weather.

Visitors to local parks should bring plenty of water when using trails, walking paths and other features, be aware of their physical limits, take frequent breaks, and monitor children for early signs of overheating.

Signs of trouble include headache, weakness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, cramping, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, and lack of sweat. Overheating can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness. In extreme cases overheating can result in fatalities or lifelong health complications.

County parks with “sprayground” playgrounds can be found at Warinanco Park in Roselle, Phil Rizzuto Park in Union, Snyder Park in Berkeley Heights, Ponderosa Park in Scotch Plains, Mattano Park in Elizabeth, and Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. For maps and directions visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation. The Loop playground in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside has a cooling mist feature.

The County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center is a short walk or drive from the Loop playground. Trailside is open seven days a week from noon to 5:00 p.m., except holiday.

Admission to Trailside is free. Modest fees apply to special activities. For details call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.

In Rahway, Union County’s Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway River Park is open seven days a week. For information on hours of operation call 732-381-4045.

To find a public indoor cooling center, Union County residents seeking relief from the heat can call their local municipality. For quick links to all 21 municipalities visit ucnj.org/municipalities.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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