Extreme heat is a deadly weather hazard, especially for older adults, children, and those without AC.
Cooling centers are air-conditioned public spaces where residents can escape excessive temperatures.
Hours and availability of cooling centers may change based on weather conditions and local emergency declarations.
Source: Oliver Peric / Getty
Dangerously hot temperatures return to Northeast Ohio this week, prompting several communities to open cooling centers or extend hours at air-conditioned public buildings.
Officials urge residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on elderly neighbors, young children, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
Whether you live in Cleveland, Akron or a nearby suburb, these locations can provide relief while excessive heat remains in the forecast.
Why Cooling Centers Matter
Extreme heat is one of the nation’s deadliest weather hazards. Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, especially among older adults, children, people with chronic medical conditions and anyone working or spending long periods outdoors.
Public cooling centers offer free, air-conditioned spaces where residents can cool down, hydrate and avoid dangerous temperatures.
Hours and availability may change based on weather conditions or local emergency declarations. Check with your local municipality before visiting if you need the most up-to-date information on cooling center hours or services.
Cleveland
Zelma George Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
3155 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. One of six City of Cleveland recreation centers designated as an official cooling center during periods of excessive heat. Residents can cool off indoors while taking advantage of the facility’s amenities.
Collinwood Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
16300 Lakeshore Blvd. This Northeast Side recreation center serves as an official cooling center and provides an air-conditioned place to escape dangerous temperatures.
Gunning Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
16700 Puritas Ave. West Side residents can visit Gunning Recreation Center during extended cooling center hours when extreme heat arrives.
Kovacic Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
6250 St. Clair Ave. Kovacic Recreation Center is among the city facilities activated to provide relief during excessive heat events.
Michael Zone Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
6301 Lorain Ave. Residents on Cleveland’s west side can stay cool inside this officially designated cooling center during the heat wave.
Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center
15401 Miles Ave. This southeast Cleveland recreation center rounds out the city’s six official cooling center locations.
Akron
Summit Lake Community Center
380 W. Crosier St. Akron is extending hours at Summit Lake Community Center from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday to serve as the city’s primary cooling center.
Patterson Park Community Center
800 Patterson Ave. The community center remains open during normal business hours, providing residents with an air-conditioned public space.
Mason Community Learning Center
700 E. Exchange St. Akron officials encourage residents needing relief from the heat to use community centers that remain open throughout the day.
Lawton Street Community Center
1225 Lawton St. Lawton Street Community Center is also available during normal operating hours while excessive heat affects the region.
Nearby Cleveland Suburbs
Lakewood Public Library
Lakewood encourages residents without air conditioning to use its air-conditioned public library during periods of dangerous heat.
Rocky River Public Library
The public library offers a comfortable indoor space where visitors can stay cool during regular business hours.
Parma-Snow Branch Library
One of several air-conditioned library locations available to residents seeking relief from hot weather.
Garfield Heights Branch Library
Residents can spend time indoors while temperatures remain dangerously high.
Euclid Public Library
The city’s main library provides an accessible indoor location for those looking to escape the heat.
Westlake Porter Public Library
An air-conditioned option for Westlake residents needing relief during the hottest part of the day.
South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch Library
Residents on Cleveland’s east side can utilize this public library as a cool indoor refuge during normal operating hours.
North Olmsted Public Library
Another air-conditioned public building available for residents throughout the heat wave.
