Cooling Resources for Columbus Heat Waves
It's hot out there -- let's take care of each other
Please share these Columbus resources and check in on your neighbors.
🌡️ Community Cooling Centers
Beginning Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will open five regional cooling centers, operating daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., until the heat subsides:
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 Rd., 43207
All other community centers remain open for regular programming and are available for residents to cool down during hours of operation.
🔗 Full list and hours:
https://columbusrecparks.com/wellness/keep-cool-with-us/
Below is a map and list of the nearest cooling centers:
https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Mayors-Office/Find-Nearest-Cooling-Centers
🏊 Pools & 💦 Spraygrounds
Beginning Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Outdoor Pools will extend hours from 1– 8 p.m. daily starting June 30. Admission is FREE until the heat subsides. A Leisure Card is still required.
Spraygrounds and Fountains at Barnett, Blackburn, Linden, and Scioto Southland will operate 12 – 8 p.m., FREE of charge.
🔗 Full list and hours:
https://columbusrecparks.com/wellness/keep-cool-with-us/
(Please check pool status and capacity limits before visiting and remember to follow all posted rules for safety.)
📚 Columbus Metropolitan LibrarieS
All library branches are open until 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. (please check location) and provide a safe, air-conditioned space for cooling off.
🔗 Find your nearest branch: Library Locations | Columbus Metropolitan Library
🚍 Free COTA Rides
COTA will waive all fares through Thursday, July 2 to ensure residents can access cooling centers and essential services safely.
Free service includes:
Fixed-route bus lines
COTA Mainstream
COTA//Plus
https://cota.com/blog/cota-announces-no-fares-for-june-30-july-2-after-national-weather-service-issues-heat-advisory/
cota.com (updated info here)
👵 Resources for SeniorS
Franklin County residents 60+ can request a FREE box fan through the Office on Aging.
Request online:
officeonaging.org/boxfan
Or
call: 614-525-6200
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