Families enjoyed getting soaked and soaking in plenty of sunlight in the Battlefords area. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Soaking in sun

Battlefords families enjoy summer heat

Jun 3, 2021 | 5:31 PM

Residents in the Battlefords and area that weren’t at work or in the classroom took advantage of warm weather on Thursday.

Much of the community was quiet on a Thursday that saw the afternoon tie the record high temperature of 34 Celsius, but some families were out in the sun, particularly in areas with access to water. One of the busiest sites was the Tot Lot wading pool in Battleford. Meota mother Hayley Lafreniere and her young son Sawyer enjoyed a full day at the pool, which she said she had only found out about the previous day.

“After hearing about it, I came with a friend and instantly saw a full pool,” she said. “It’s definitely refreshing to have nice weather so early in the summer.”

Lafreniere said because they are from a small town, they always try to get out and see people, but that’s been hard to do at times in the pandemic. This time they were able to spend a day outside, adding that it’s better for their mental health seeing people and not having to wear masks, while still following public health guidance.

“Social distancing is still fine, but this is much better, [being able to see faces],” Lafreniere said. “That’s another activity we wouldn’t have had last year.”

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Hayley and Sawyer. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

Lafreniere said this is the type of outing for mothers that’s great help in dealing with postpartum issues, especially when having their first child.

“It is nice to be surrounded by people and be able to visit,” she said.

Soaking in the sun

In North Battleford, families spent time out at the splash parks in Kinsmen Park and Centennial Park. Bruce and Mina Kim said since moving to North Battleford more than two years ago, they spend time at the splash park every summer with their daughter Jiwoo, which is one of her favourite places.

“She likes playing with water,” Bruce said. “But just her, we like staying inside or in the shade away from the sun. She does all the splashing.”

Jiwoo Kim loves playing in the water during hot summer days. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

The Kim’s said every day has been the same routine, so they made a point of making today different. Several other groups, including some sets of local students, also took advantage of the sun.

“Today we took a day off and took time to [relax] with her,” Mina said. “She likes to play outside, playgrounds and this spot. It’s good for her and today was good.”

A heat warning remains in effect for the region, with the temperatures well above seasonal averages. There’s an outside chance of some showers tonight and tomorrow, before temperatures drop into the low 20’s on Saturday.

(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

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cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW