Landscapers, families work through the hottest day of the year in two different ways

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Monday was the hottest day of the year in Central Illinois. For some, it included going to splash pads and enjoying cool water. For others, it meant going to work under the sunny and hot sky.

“Today’s the day when you walk outside and you’re just immediately wet and sticky,” Nicole McNary described.

She brought her family and met up with friends at Hessel Park in Champaign on Monday afternoon.

“It’s really hot,” Iris, McNary’s 6-year-old daughter, said while running in and out of the splash pad.

She’s not letting the triple-digit temperatures bother her though; going to the pool and splash pad is her favorite thing to do with her twin sister when it’s hot.

But people like landscapers, car mechanics, and construction workers, aren’t so lucky.

Chandler Womack, the landscape department head with Country Arbors , knows the scorching feeling too well. For him and his crews, it was another day at the office.

“You have to be mindful of the fact we are working in more harsh conditions,” he said.

While the team removed shrubs, worked on edging, put in plants and took out rocks, they made sure to stay hydrated, take more breaks and work together.

But, if you’re not used to working in weather like this every day like landscapers and other professionals, Womack had one important piece of advice.

“You don’t want to get a false sense of confidence and keep pressing yourself at a similar rate that you’re used to,” he said. “It would put you at risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.”

Meanwhile, back at the splash pad, kids will be kids and continue soaking up every drop of sweet summertime while they still can.

As for other “mom advice,” many suggest staying cool with a kiddie pool and backyard sprinkler. Or, head out to places like Clinton Lake or Homer Lake to try something new.

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