City of Springfield Announces Pools Opening Early Due to Anticipated Hot Weather – Cooling Centers will also be Available –

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management (PBRM) Thomas Ashe announced today that city pools will be opened early due to the anticipated hot and humid weather next week. Mayor Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris also announced today that the city will be opening Cooling Centers next week, starting on Tuesday.

According to local weather services, temperatures are expected to rise into the high 90s starting on Tuesday, June 18^th and lasting throughout the week, with high humidity also predicted.

Mayor Sarno states, “Working together with PBRM Director Tom Ashe and Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris and their teams, we are preparing for the heat wave expected to hit early next week. I have asked that our pools be opened early for residents to take advantage of during the hot and humid weather coming and our Health Department will ensure cooling centers are available throughout Springfield.”

“I am grateful to our Parks & Facilities team with Tom Ashe, Pete Krupczak, Joe Federico, and all our lifeguards and staff for working to get our splash pads on earlier this week and open pools ahead of schedule, even with the lifeguard shortage we are facing along with many other communities. Thank you to HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris and team for getting our cooling centers up and running so residents can safely beat the heat. I want to remind residents to stay hydrated, check on your elderly neighbors, be mindful of your pets, and please take advantage of our wonderful park facilities, senior centers, and libraires that offer the resources to stay cool during these hot and humid days of summer.”

The indoor swimming pools at German Gerena School and Kiley Middle School will open on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 12:00 p.m., two weeks ahead of schedule, due to the anticipated heat wave.  The outdoor pool at Forest Park, which normally opens on July 1^st, will be open on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

• Gerena Elementary School (indoor pool) – 200 Bernie Avenue, Springfield, MA, 01107
• • Will open early on Monday June 17, 2024, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Kiley Middle School (indoor pool) – 180 Cooley Street, Springfield, MA 01128
• • Will open early on Monday June 17, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Forest Park Pool (outdoor pool) – 200 Trafton Road, Springfield, MA 01108
• • Will open early on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 through Sunday, June 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Check the city’s website for updates on the pools schedule for Monday June 24 – Sunday June, 30, 2024.
  • Will be reopen starting Monday July 1, 2024 – Saturday August 10, 2024.
  • 7 days a week, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Check the city’s website for updates on the pools schedule for Monday June 24 – Sunday June, 30, 2024. All pool users must have a valid pool pass. Please note, no pool pass or identification is required for use of splash pads. Pool passes are free and if you have access to a computer, you can go to https://www.springfield-ma.gov/park/reg-process to register for a pass.

No computer access? The Aquatics team will also be issuing pool passes everyday this summer at the John J Shea Technical Training Facility, right next to the main entrance to Forest Park, from 10:00am – 6:00 p.m. If you do not have access to a computer, then simply come to Forest Park, and we will register you and your family! Please be aware that our Aquatics team is working to accommodate the entire city, so waiting lines for pool passes might be cut early to ensure that they finish pool pass registration on time each day. 

Park splash pads are already turned on due to an earlier heat wave.  As mentioned, no pass or ID is needed for splash pad use. They are available at the following park locations:

• Van Horn Park
• Emily Bill Park
• Mary Troy Park
• Walsh Park
• Marshal Roy Park
• Myrtle Street Park
• Balliet Park
• Nathan Bill Park
• Forest Park
• Emerson Wright Park
• Ruth Elizabeth Park
• Barrows Park
• Adams Park
• Rebecca Johnson Park
• Magazine Park
• Kennefick Park
• Jamie Ulloa Park
• Pynchon Plaza
• Riverfront Park

PBRM Director Tom Ashe stated, “We are very proud of our beautiful parks and love to see families utilizing splash pads and pools during the summer. I am forever grateful to our dedicated Parks staff who make these programs possible. Make sure to check our website for information about our Summer Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, our Summer Aquatics Program, and other summer activities. On behalf of the Parks Department, we wish everyone a wonderful, safe, and healthy summer.”

Cooling Centers throughout the city will also be open during next week’s heat wave in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services. The Cooling Center sites below will be open Tuesday, June 18, 2024 through Friday, June 21, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris states, “Heat stress is a serious condition that poses a health threat to many people, particularly the elderly. Preventive measures should be taken in order to avoid heat stress including staying out of the sun and drinking plenty of water. I encourage residents to take advantage of our cooling centers and to please check in on your family and neighbors, especially the older folks in our community.”

Certain medical conditions and prescription drugs can make you more vulnerable to heat stress. Those who have high blood pressure, diabetes, a weak or damaged heart, infection or fever, diarrhea, problems with circulation, skin diseases, sunburn, those who are overweight, or who have had a previous stroke are at a greater risk of falling victim to heat stress.  In addition, those who take medication for sleeplessness, high blood pressure, nervousness, depression, or poor circulation are also more susceptible to heat stress. If you fall into either of these categories, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Loss of appetite, lack of energy, fainting, and cramps are signs that you are losing the battle against heat.  Take the appropriate steps to protect yourself.

What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals.  Avoid using salt tables unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.  Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Keep your four-legged friends safely and comfortably at home during the extreme heat.
• Never leave an animal in a parked car.  Car rides can quickly turn deadly as the inside of a car can reach temperatures in excess of 120 degrees in several minutes.
• Bring outdoor animals into cooler areas of your home.  If they must stay outside, ensure they have protection from the sun.  A dog house does not provide relief or protection from the heat.  Access to plenty of shade and cool potable water is critical to their well-being.
• Limit exercise to hours when the sun is down and take it easy or better yet, wait until the heat wave ends.  Pets are prone to heat exhaustion just like people.  In addition, hot asphalt can burn their feet.
• Animals are susceptible to sunburn.  Be sure any topical sunscreen products you use are labeled for use on animals.