Community Centers, Libraries Open as Cooling Centers During Heat Wave

With temperatures rising as high as 100 this week, community centers, pools, libraries and other venues are making their facilities available to those that need to escape the heat this summer.

Although some movie theaters, pools and even libraries will require some sort of membership or ticket price to enjoy their air conditioned facilities, local community centers like the city of Crystal Community Center offer this at no charge. 

Crystal Community Center

Recreational director John Elholm says that the Crystal Community Center is a place for children and seniors alike to escape the summer heat and even enjoy some scheduled programing.

“Residents can come in anytime during open hours,” said Elholm. “There’s not a lot of activities to do, as most of the activities are programmed ahead of time. But there are benches in the hallway and they are welcome to cool off here.”

According to the Hennepin County heat advisory site, in a normal year  more than 600 Americans die of complications from overheating, making cooling centers essential. Services like these are especially helpful to those who use public transit and people who are homeless. 

To find a local cooling center in your area please visit. www.hennepin.us/cool

See Also: ‘Now Is the Time to Call,’ AC Experts Warn to Prepare Ahead of Heat Wave 

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