Columbus Cooling Centers & Heat Resources

Close-up turquoise swimming pool water ripples with shimmering sunlight reflections beside a smooth tan tiled pool edge — Source: Tetiana Shvets / Getty

With temperatures expected to reach the mid and upper 90s this week, Columbus officials are expanding cooling resources across the city.

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Cooling Centers

Extended Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Effective: Beginning June 30, 2026, until the extreme heat subsides

Cooling centers will operate at the following Columbus Recreation and Parks Department community centers:

Dodge Community Center
Driving Park Community Center
Glenwood Community Center
Linden Community Center
Marion Franklin Community Center

Additional Information

Regular community center hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Complimentary water and non-perishable food items will be available.
Supplies are being provided courtesy of Giant Eagle.

Outdoor Pools

Extended Hours: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Effective: Beginning June 30, 2026, until the heat subsides

Admission to all city pools will be free during the heat emergency.

Pool locations include:

Dodge Pool
Driving Park Pool
Glenwood Pool
Lincoln Pool
Maryland Pool
Tuttle Pool
Windsor Pool

Additional Information

Capacity limits may be enforced.
Residents should check for real-time status updates before arriving.
A free Leisure Card is still required for entry.
Proper swim attire is required.

Spraygrounds & Fountains

Extended Hours: Noon – 8 p.m.
Effective: Beginning June 30, 2026

Available locations:

Blackburn Sprayground
Barnett Sprayground
Linden Sprayground
Scioto Southland Sprayground

Libraries Open as Cooling Spaces

All branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library are available for residents seeking relief from the heat during regular business hours.

Hot Weather Safety Tips

Columbus Public Health recommends residents:

Drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty.
Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
Visit malls, libraries, movie theaters, or other public spaces if you do not have air conditioning.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.
Eat lighter meals.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Check on family, friends, neighbors, and older adults.
Learn the warning signs of heat-related illnesses.
Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.

Columbus Cooling Centers & Heat Resources