Families planning to head to the Sensory Garden Playground on Saturday, July 18, for the Wheaton Park District's Summer Saturday: Beach Bash will need to mark a new date on the calendar. The free event has been moved one week to Saturday, July 25, after the National Weather Service issued a continued air quality alert for the area.

The Wheaton Park District announced the change on its website Friday, July 17, citing concern for "the health and safety of our staff and visitors." The Beach Bash will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sensory Garden Playground, located at 2751 International Drive in the Danada South area. First Trust is the event's community partner and sponsor.

The rescheduling follows days of hazardous air across northern Illinois. Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota pushed particulate matter levels in suburban Chicago to an Air Quality Index of 248 on Thursday, July 16, a reading the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency classifies as unhealthy for the general public. The agency recommended limiting outdoor physical activity when the AQI exceeds 150.

The smoke wave forced closures well beyond DuPage County. Six Flags Great America in Gurnee shut down for two consecutive days, the Chicago Park District closed beaches and pools, and multiple outdoor concerts were scrapped, according to the Chicago Tribune. National Weather Service meteorologist Zachary Yack said Friday, July 17, that smoke was expected to clear northern Illinois by that afternoon, though some haze could drift back over the weekend.

No other Wheaton Park District event cancellations have been announced.

Summer Saturdays are a series held on the third Saturday of each month from May through August at the Sensory Garden Playground. The inclusive playground features sensory-integrated equipment, interactive instruments, a sound garden, and an accessible tree house. Partnering organizations include the Wheaton Park District, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, Forest Preserve of DuPage County, and Kiwanis of Wheaton. Admission is free, with a $5 suggested family donation.

What to know: The rescheduled Beach Bash runs 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 25, at the Sensory Garden Playground, 2751 International Drive, Danada South area. Free admission; $5 suggested family donation. Sponsored by First Trust.