Hazardous air quality is creating another day of inconvenience across Metro Detroit, forcing families, visitors, and event organizers to rethink plans as smoke lingers in the region.
A group of teens visiting from Texas said the conditions have them focused on health and safety.
“It was definitely our first priority to make sure everybody had enough water and stuff, and A/C,” said visitor Pharen Muniz.
On Belle Isle, several popular attractions were closed Friday due to poor air quality, including the Belle Isle Aquarium and the Nature Center.
Officials say normal hours are expected to resume Saturday.
“We’re trying to find things to do,” said Aissa Galang, who was visiting with her sister.
Galang said they were still able to visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which remained open, but spending time outdoors has been difficult.
“It’s affecting my sister a little bit. I’m starting to get a cough,” Galang said. “We were planning to go to the riverfront, but I think we are going to pass on that today.”
Several events around the city are being canceled, modified, or rescheduled because of the air quality:
- Detroit canceled Saturday’s Public Safety Funday at Palmer Park, citing unpredictable air quality and a severe weather threat.
- The Detroit River Conservancy canceled all of its programs on Friday.
- In Midtown, the Concert of Colors is continuing Friday with all events moved indoors. Organizers are asking guests to monitor the event website and social media for updates on Saturday’s outdoor plans as conditions change.
- The Right Productions, Inc. (which manages and operates the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater and C&B Entertainment) rescheduled Boosie Badazz and Friends: Blues on the River from Saturday to Sunday, July 26.
- Organizers with Sound Mind Sound Body modified plans for Saturday’s Beautification Day with NFL Moms, adding indoor events.
- Black Men’s Wellness Day events scheduled for Saturday have been postponed due to hazardous air quality conditions.
The smoky skies are also impacting gatherings outside of organized events. Summer is peak season for family reunions, and the Coleman family has more than 200 members in town right now.
“I wanted it to be right here in Detroit,” said hostess Angela Davis.
Davis said the air quality has the group taking precautions, including offering masks for anyone who wants one, as they try not to let the smoke derail their plans.
“It was a downer,” Davis said. “I’m going to be very honest. I didn’t want this to happen. I wanted it to be clear like it was two days ago, but it wasn’t.”