“Operation Cooldown 2024” Activated to Help Beat the Heat
The City’s Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) just announced the activation of “Operation Cooldown 2024” as temperatures are expected to hit the triple digits tomorrow. This program was first launched in mid-July 2023. The City also announced available resources for the unsheltered and at-risk populations.
“Summer can be a fun and enjoyable time for all of us, but as the temperatures climb, it’s important to make sure folks have opportunities to keep cool and stay safe,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re hitting triple digits earlier than ever, so we’re activating ‘Operation Cooldown’ now for the well-being of our families, vulnerable populations, and all Albuquerque’s residents.”
During Operation Cooldown 2024, every day that the temperature is predicted to reach 100 degrees or above, PRD will offer sprinkler play in four parks across the City from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for the community to enjoy. The first group (Group 1) of parks that will offer sprinkler play tomorrow, June 6, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. are:
- Black Arroyo Park – 10821 Buckboard NW
- Holiday Park – 11710 Comanche NE
- Sierra Sunset Park – 10600 Big Springs SW
- Hyder Park – 700 Richmond SE
The following park groups will be next in line for sprinkler play on 100+ days, in the following order:
Group 2:
- Briar Ridge Park – 7601 Mallard NE
- Quigley Park – 2801 San Pedro NE
- Mesa Verde Park – 7900 Marquette SE
- Alamosa Park – 1100 Bataan SW
Group 3:
- Redlands Park – 5121 Sequoia NW
- Loma Del Norte Park – 7511 Burke NE
- Singing Arrow Park – 12929 Piru SE
- Dennis Chavez Park – 715 Kathryn SW
Group 4:
- Shawn McWethy Park – 8660 Casa Verde NW
- Altura Park – 4200 Hannette NE
- Tiguex Park – 1714 Mountain NW
- TBD
“Parks can help you beat the heat,” said PRD Director Dave Simon. “Cool off at one of our parks, pools, or splash pads.”
The City’s pools are low-cost and open for the summer season. The public can take advantage of special deals at the pools, which include: Kids 17 and under swim for free on Sundays, children under the age of 2 swim for free (always), and $1 swim on Friday nights at select pools.
City splash pads at Civic Plaza and North Domingo Baca Park are already operating. Between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The City’s other splash pads at Cesar Chavez Community Center, Manzano Mesa Multi-Gen Center, and Westgate Community Center will open on June 17. The Wells Park splash pad will be closed this summer due to construction of the major park expansion. This summer, splash pads will also be regularly open on Saturdays until 3 p.m.
For people experiencing homelessness, daytime resource centers like HopeWorks, the Rock @ Noonday, Albuquerque Heathcare for Homeless, First Nations, and God’s Warehouse continue to provide meals, showers, clothing, health care, and more. Call 768-HELP (4357) or visit cabq.gov/homeless for help finding resources. The City’s four health & social service centers remain open to the community during the day providing food boxes, clothing, eviction prevention funds, and other resources.
The City has also created a map of City facilities, called the “Neighbor-Hub” map. Through the Neighbor-Hub, you can find City sites and resources within a two-mile radius. Type in your location into the map, and you will discover libraries, parks, summer meal sites, and more in your area. Visit cabq.gov/neighborhub to explore.