Appendix II: Air Quality Index Policy

Our center bases decisions about outdoor activities on the current Air Quality Index (AQI) reported at AirNow.gov, using the closest available monitoring station (usually Burden’s Creek at the AIRS site behind the NCC). We follow the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance on AQI, including the EPA’s AQI categories and health-based cautionary statements, and we recognize that the current AQI can change during the day as AirNow updates using the NowCast method. Families can check the AQI directly at AirNow.gov.

When the AQI is Good or Moderate, outdoor play proceeds as usual, with staff watching for symptoms in children who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. When the AQI is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, we shorten outdoor time, reduce intensity, add rest breaks, and consider moving longer or more intense activities indoors; children with asthma follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine available. When the AQI is Unhealthy, all outdoor activities are moved indoors or rescheduled; at Very Unhealthy or Hazardous levels, outdoor physical activity is avoided and activities are moved indoors or postponed, with special care for sensitive groups. When ozone is the pollutant of concern, we may schedule outdoor activities in the morning, when ozone levels are typically lower.

Last updated: 3/23/2026