“Operation Cooldown” Ready for June 13

With another 100+ degree day expected this week, the Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) will activate sprinklers in four parks on June 13 as part of “Operation Cooldown 2024.”  Sprinkler play gives families a fun, no-cost way to cool off. The following parks (Group 2) will host sprinkler play from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 13:

• Quigley Park – 2801 San Pedro NE (Northeast Quadrant)
• Briar Ridge Park – 7601 Mallard NW (Northwest Quadrant)
• Mesa Verde Park – 7900 Marquette SE (Southeast Quadrant)
• Alamosa Park – 1100 Bataan SW (Southwest Quadrant)

“We received a lot of positive community feedback after launching ‘Operation Cooldown 2024’ last week,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Relief from the heat is a very real need, and this simple step can help families stay cool and while enjoying our terrific parks.”

PRD is rotating sprinkler play among four groups of four parks. Each day that temperatures are projected to hit 100 or above, sprinkler play will rotate to the next park group. PRD has a firm commitment to water conservation and is using 100 million gallons less water per year than three years ago. PRD also off-sets some water used in Operation Cooldown by decreasing watering at other times and places. The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority approved the Operation Cooldown program last year and has approved it again this year.

“Running through the sprinklers is good, old-fashioned fun,” said PRD Director Dave Simon. “We see lots of smiles, laughing, and making memories.”

The City’s splash pads at Civic Plaza and North Domingo Baca Park are already operating. They’re open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 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 Monday, June 17.