COLUMBUS, Ohio — With high temperatures in the forecast again this week, Columbus Recreation and Parks is opening cooling centers to help residents escape the heat.
There will be cooling centers at seven regional community centers open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Tuesday June 21 through Thursday June 23. The centers are Barnett, Beatty, Dodge (American Red Cross Site), Douglas, Glenwood, Linden and Marion Franklin.
Regular activities will continue to be held during regular hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a complete list of community centers, click here.
The department’s pools will have extended hours and free admission. Dodge, Driving Park, Glenwood, Lincoln and Tuttle pools will have three open swim blocks. The blocks will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with limited capacity. To secure a spot pre-register online here.
The spraygrounds at Blackburn, Linden, North Bank and Scioto Southland will have extended hours on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Capacity limits will be monitored at the spray grounds.
The department is partnering with the Columbus Division of Police, and police will be present at all cooling centers and pools.
Columbus Public Health has tips to stay healthy and safe in hot weather:
- Drink plenty of water. Do not wait until you are thirsty
- Stay in air conditioning whenever possible. If you do not have an air conditioner, use movie theaters, malls, libraries and other public places that are cool. (If not fully vaccinated, Columbus Public Health recommends wearing a mask)
- Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar because they lead to dehydration
- Eat light meals
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Avoid strenuous activities and limit them to morning and evening hours
- Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car
- Check on family members, friends and neighbors
