With a heat advisory blanketing the Denver metro and northeastern plains starting Friday at 11 a.m. and lasting through Saturday at 6 p.m., local cities are opening public cooling centers to help residents beat the extreme summer temperatures. Forecasts are predicting triple-digit highs, and public health officials are urging everyone to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat, and take frequent cooling breaks.
To support community safety, the City of Denver has activated all operational recreation centers as cooling centers during regular business hours. These locations will offer shaded seating, water, restrooms, and a designated cooling area. In addition, all Denver Public Library locations are available for cooling. Aurora and Westminster have also launched cooling operations at select libraries, recreation centers, and community centers.
Here is a breakdown of where to cool down in the Denver metro:
Denver Recreation Centers
(open during regular hours)
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5090 Broadway Rec Center – 5090 Broadway
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Athmar Rec Center – 2680 W Mexico Ave
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Carla Madison Rec Center – 2401 E Colfax Ave
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Montbello Rec Center – 15555 E 53rd Ave
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(+ 25 more across the city – full list above)
Aurora Cooling Centers
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Aurora Day Resource Center – 13387 E. 19th Pl
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Aurora Public Libraries:
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Central Library – 14949 E Alameda Pkwy
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Chambers Plaza – 1551 N. Chambers Rd
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Hoffman Library – 1298 Peoria St
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MLK Jr. Library – 9898 E Colfax Ave
(Open Mon–Sat: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
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Westminster Cooling Centers
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City Park Recreation Center – 10455 N Sheridan Blvd
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West View Rec Center – 10747 W 108th Ave
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Swim & Fitness Center – 3290 W 76th Ave
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Irving Street Library – 7392 Irving St
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College Hill Library – 3705 W 112th Ave
(Library hours vary by location)
Residents are encouraged to check with their local municipality for the most up-to-date information and hours. Whether you need a cool place to rest or a safe retreat from the sun, these centers are open to everyone. Stay safe, Colorado!
