Southwest Philadelphia mother and daughters stop at water park to beat the heat

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Amid scorching temperatures, the East Poplar Playground pool was temporarily closed for a few hours Monday due to mechanical issues.

But that didn’t stop sisters Cera and Miracle Rogers-Stokes from finding a way to stay cool.

“Look at all this. What are they missing?” asked their mother Carla Rogers-Stokes.

According to the city, on the 60 community pools in Philadelphia set to open for summer, five are currently closed due to repairs or staffing issues.

The family said they were counting on free spray ground throughout the city on hot summer days.

“A lot of the time, kids have nothing to do,” said Carla Rogers-Stokes. “A lot of times, not everyone can afford big camps and activities for kids. They just have little free places and places where they can play with other kids in the neighbourhood. It makes a big difference.”

Even mom joined in the fun as her daughters ran in and out of the sprinklers.

“We stopped for a little while to get wet,” she said.

Because it was so hot outside, the Southwest Philadelphia family said they had to take more than one splash break Monday.

“The first place we went to was at 18th Street and Wallace,” Carla Rogers-Stokes said. “We came here and had waters and popsicles that we make from fruit juice.”

At present, the Heat advisory expected to last through Tuesday night.

Many families said they would return to the swimming hole to cool off as the high temperatures persist.