With the holiday weekend on the horizon, Charlottesville is expected to cross the triple-digit temperature threshold for the first time this year. In anticipation of what’s likely to be a scorching summer, the city has announced that several cooling centers will be available for anyone looking to escape the extreme heat.
Cooling centers are located at the Herman Key Jr. Recreation Center, Central Branch of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Benjamin Tonsler Recreation Center, and The Haven.
The Herman Key Jr. Recreation Center (800 E. Market St.) is open on weekdays from 5:30pm to 9pm, and from 1pm to 6pm on weekends. The Haven (112 W. Market St.) is also open seven days a week, from 7am to 5pm Monday through Friday, and between 7am and noon on weekends.
The cooling center at JMRL Central Branch (201 E. Market St.) is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Thursday, and 9am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday. Benjamin Tonsler Recreation Center (500 Cherry Ave.) is open from noon to 9pm during the week, and on Saturdays from 1pm to 6pm. Both JMRL and Benjamin Tonsler Recreation Center are closed on Sundays.
The city confirmed The Haven will be open during regular hours on July 4, while JMRL’s cooling center will be closed for the holiday. Key and Tonsler rec centers will be open from noon to 4pm on Independence Day.
When heat and humidity are high, the city recommends staying inside, avoiding outdoor activities, and using AC when possible. If staying out of the sun isn’t an option, it’s important to keep hydrated and wear lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing.
More information on city cooling centers can be found at charlottesville.gov. For a statewide list of cooling centers, visit vdh.virginia.gov.
