READING, Pa. — For construction workers, staying inside simply isn’t an option.
“Lots of water, Gatorade, ice… and we try to minimize the time outside,” said contractor Jose Del Cid.
Del Cid says the work still has to get done, even on one of the hottest days of the year.
“We have to meet the deadlines, not only for the customer, but the township sometimes schedules their inspections, and if we are not prepared when that time comes, then we face financial penalties,” Del Cid said.
Meanwhile, in Reading, many families headed for the water. At Barbey’s Playground, Wanda Pacheco spent the afternoon watching her granddaughter cool off.
“This is really cool for the kids. My granddaughter has been there for about two hours and she doesn’t want to leave,” Pacheco said.
To help even more families beat the heat, Mayor Eddie Morán opened Schlegel Pool free of charge for Reading residents Thursday and Friday.
“It’s very good. That was a good option the city made. At least the kids have somewhere to cool off,” said Reading resident Pedro Giraldo.
Schlegel Pool is now operating in two separate sessions — one from noon to 3 p.m. and another from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. That gives staff time to clear the pool and welcome another group of families later in the day.
And if the pool fills up, the city’s seven splash pads are staying open with extended hours.