With high temperatures forecasted to be above 90 degrees this week, Columbus Recreation and Parks will open cooling centers at five regional community centers to give residents a place to cool off during this week’s extreme heat. The following centers will be open daily from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Aug. 30:

• Dodge Community Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., 43215
• Driving Park Community Center, 1100 Rhoads Ave., 43206
• Glenwood Community Center, 1888 Fairmont Ave., 43223
• Linden Community Center, 1350 Briarwood Ave., 43211
• Marion Franklin Community Center, 2801 Lockbourne Road, 43207

The department will continue to provide scheduled activities at community centers during regular hours. Residents can come in and cool off while the center is open. For a complete list of centers and operating hours, visit ColumbusRecParks.com/CommunityCenters.

Select pools and spraygrounds will be open for extended hours. 

• Dodge and Driving Park pools will be open from 4-7:30 p.m. and the $1 admission will be waived on Wednesday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Aug. 30. Dodge, Driving Park, Glenwood and Tuttle pools will resume normal operations on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, and will be open from noon-6 p.m. The $1 admission will apply. 
  • Capacity limits may be enforced, and everyone is asked to follow all rules and staff instructions to ensure the safety of residents and staff. A free Leisure Card is still needed for admission, and proper swim attire is required.
• The Barnett, Blackburn, Linden and Scioto Southland spraygrounds will be open from 2-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Aug. 30. All spraygrounds continue to be free.

Seniors who are in need of fans should contact LifeCare Alliance at 614-278-3130.

Columbus Public Health reminds residents of ways 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 theatres, malls, libraries and other public places that are cool.
• Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar because they will dehydrate you.
• 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.
• Check on family members, friends and neighbors.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.