Trying to beat the heat? Check out cooling centers, splash pads in Greene, Montgomery counties

Near 90-degree temperature on Wednesday July 5, 2023 caused area children and adults to the RiverScape MetroPark fountain to cool off. JIM NOELKER/STAFF

Credit: Jim Noelker

Credit: Jim Noelker

Near 90-degree temperature on Wednesday July 5, 2023 caused area children and adults to the RiverScape MetroPark fountain to cool off. JIM NOELKER/STAFF

People in the Dayton area are encouraged to take advantage of cooling centers and splash parks this week with hot, humid temperatures expected.

The City of Dayton and the Dayton Fire Department encouraged people to remain cautious and prepare for the high heat conditions from today through Friday and recommended staying in shaded areas or air-conditioned areas and to hydrate more than usual.

Dayton uses its recreation centers as cooling centers. These three facilities are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. today through Friday.

Additional cooling stations are expected to be set up throughout the week at other locations.

A cooling station will be set up at the Trotwood Community and Cultural Arts Center, located at 4000 Lake Center Dr. Thursday and then Friday from 1 to 7 p.m.

The locations are at:

  • Greater Dayton Recreation Center – 2021 W. Third St.
  • Lohrey Recreation Center – 2366 Glenarm Ave.
  • Northwest Recreation Center – 1600 Princeton Dr.

Here are some tips by the City of Trotwood to keep in mind:

• Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors.

• Wear loose-fitting, light clothing; wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears and neck if you’ll be outside.

• Apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours

• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that have caffeine or alcohol.

• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day; limit time outside during peak heat.

• Pace physical activities, starting slowly and picking up the pace gradually.

All Greene County Public Library locations are designated as cooling centers and are open to all who need to get out of the heat. The libraries are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Community libraries are in Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Cedarville, Fairborn, Jamestown, Xenia and Yellow Springs.

Several splash pads across Dayton are available to residents and can serve as a fun and effective way to stay cool. These parks are free and are open every day from noon to 8 p.m.:

Fairview Park

2262 Elsmore Ave.

Five Oaks Spray Park

329 Five Oaks Ave.

Mallory Park

3037 Germantown St.

McIntosh Park

882 W. Riverview Ave.

Stuart Patterson Spray Park

238 Baltimore St.

Walnut Hills Spray Park

2340 block of Wayne Avenue

Washington Park

3620 E. Second St.

Residents are also encouraged to check on their neighbors for any assistance they may need and to remember the hydration and shelter needs of pets.

Other recommended tips:

• Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.

• Constant exposure to sun can cause cataracts.

• Check on frail, elderly or home-bound individuals to make sure they are not affected by the heat.

• Move to a cooler location at first sign of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps); rest and slowly drink a cool liquid.

• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in the direct sunlight.

• Take care of pets! Make sure they have plenty of shade and water to drink, walk dogs when the temperature is cooler.

Up-to-date information on current weather conditions and any heat-related weather warnings can be found at the National Weather Service’s Wilmington’s office website.

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