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Columbus to open cooling centers — 2 days after extreme heat watch takes effect
As Columbus prepares for its first heat wave of the summer season, the city will be opening five cooling centers for residents to find some reprieve — but not until Tuesday, June 24, after three days of forecasted daytime highs of more than 90 degrees.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department said in a June 20 news release that they would be opening cooling centers at five of their regional community centers in preparation for the heat wave, which is expected to grip much of the central and eastern United States. Up to 170 million people across the country will experience temperatures at or above 90 degrees, USA TODAY reported.
In addition, the Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square will be opening a cooling station on June 24, according to a news release from the church. The church said they'd also be offering a 25-minute service of Holy Communion on the side of the chapel at noon.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued an extreme heat watch for central Ohio that went into effect at noon on June 22 and runs until Wednesday, June 25. Air temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s, with heat index values peaking at 105 degrees, according to the weather service.
However, the city recreation and parks department's cooling centers will not be opening until June 24, three days after temperatures are forecast to reach 90 or above and two days after the extreme heat watch will take effect.
Dominique Shank, recreation and parks spokesperson, did not return a phone message June 20 left to ask why the cooling centers would not be opened until after the extreme heat watch is underway.
The following cooling centers will open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning on June 24 and continuing "until the heat subsides," according to the recreation and parks department:
Dodge Community Center - 667 Sullivant Ave.
Driving Park Community Center - 1100 Rhoads Ave.
Glenwood Community Center - 1880 Fairmont Ave.
Linden Community Center - 1350 Briarwood Ave.
Marion Franklin Community Center - 2801 Lockbourne Road
Trinity Episcopal Church - 125 E. Broad St.
All of the city's outdoor pools will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the city will be waiving the $1 admission fee — again not beginning until June 24, until the heat subsides. The Barnett, Linden, and Scioto Southland spray grounds will also be open from noon to 8 p.m. beginning on June 24 until the heat subsides. All spray grounds will continue to be free, the city said.
The City of Hilliard announced the good news on June 23 that its Hilliard Station Park splash pad was back in operation after repairs took longer than expected.
Hilliard's Station Park hours are 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. through August 31, then 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sept. 1 - 30.
The splash pad will close at 3 p.m. each Thursday, except July 3, in preparation for Celebration at the Station.
As temperatures soar, so does the likelihood of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Cleveland Clinic has several tips on how to prevent these illnesses:
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
Stay hydrated at all times, even if you're not exercising.
Keep your home at a cool, comfortable temperature using fans and/or air conditioning.
Visit a cooling center at a mall or community center if your home is too hot.
Limit or avoid physical activity in the heat. If you can't avoid it, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors where it's cool.
Take a cool shower after spending time in the heat.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your risks for heat-related illness, they'll work with you to lower these risks whenever possible.
Seniors who are in need of fans can contact LifeCare Alliance at 614-278-3130 to request one.
June 23: Sunny, high near 96.
June 23 night: Mostly clear, low around 76.
June 24: Sunny and hot, high near 97.
June 24 night: Partly cloudy, low around 75.
June 25: Mostly sunny, high near 95. Chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
June 25 night: Partly cloudy, low around 75. Chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m.
June 26: Mostly sunny, high near 94. Chance of showers and thunderstorms.
June 26 night: Partly cloudy, low around 75. Chance of showers and thunderstorms.
June 27: Mostly sunny, high near 92. Chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Dispatch reporter Nathan Hart contributed to this report.
Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@ at ShahidMeighan on X, and at on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus to open cooling centers 2 days after heat watch starts
