The official start of summer is upon us, and it’s about to get HOT! For most of us, the heat is an unpleasant inconvenience. For others, especially the elderly, extreme heat can be dangerous and even fatal. Running an air conditioner all day can be costly and may not be an option for some on a fixed budget.
If you or someone you know needs a place to escape the heat, the City of Riverside has 27 cooling centers. In addition to providing respite on hot days, many cooling centers offer snacks, activities, companionship, and other services.
“Cooling centers are a lifeline for seniors during extreme heat, providing a safe haven from potentially life-threatening temperatures," says Danielle Nelson, Executive Director of the Janet Goeske Senior Center, “The Goeske Center not only offers a cool shelter but also fosters a vibrant community atmosphere with fun activities and friendly faces, making it the perfect place to beat the heat.”
All city-run libraries and community centers will be open during regular hours. Additional designated cooling centers will also be activated when the temperatures exceed 97º.
Libraries and Community Centers that are official Cooling Centers
- Arlanza Library: Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Arlington Library: Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Casa Blanca Library: Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Cesar Chavez Community Center-Bobby Bonds Park: Mon, Thurs, Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Tues 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Wed 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 3rd Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Eastside Library: Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Highgrove Library: Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Janet Goeske Senior Center: Mon, Thurs, Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Tues 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Wed 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 3rd Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- La Sierra Community Center: Mon - Thurs 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- La Sierra Library: Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- La Sierra Senior Center: Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Main Library: Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Marcy Library: Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Nichols Park -Joyce Jackson Center: Mon - Thurs 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Orange Terrace Library: Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Reid Park -Ruth Lewis Community Center: Mon - Thurs 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- White Park -Dales Senior Center: Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Woodcrest Community Library: Mon-Wed 11:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.; Thu 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Friday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Sat 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Ysmael Villegas Community Center: Mon - Thurs 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
More information can be found on the City's website.
