Clark County
Visit the Marshall or Firstenburg community centers to cool off, meet up with friends, or take part in programs to play, swim or get fit. Both centers have swimming pools.
The Marshall Community Center is fully air conditioned, except for the gymnasium. The center is closed on Sundays.
Most of the open areas at the Firstenburg Community Center are ventilated with moving air, but are not air conditioned.
At both Firstenburg and Marshall centers, the Wi-Fi-enabled lobby areas are open to the public, free of charge. Fitness centers and the swimming pools are available to members or by paying a drop-in fee during operation hours. Hours, schedules and other information can be found online at: www.vanparksrec.org (click on Community Centers at the top of the page).
Vancouver Public Works' Water Resources Education Center, along the Columbia River and waterfront trail, is an air-conditioned oasis for exploring our natural resources, from the aquaria to hands-on exhibits, including the visiting Design Zone. Admission to the Water Center is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For Water Center information or directions, please see www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter.
There are other air-conditioned options around Vancouver, too, including restaurants, theaters and shops, as well as Fort Vancouver Regional Library District locations. Visit the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency’s (CRESA) website to view a list of Clark County cooling centers and tips for staying cool at http://cresa911.org/emergency-management/emergency-preparedness/heat-stay-cool/.
The City of Vancouver reminds residents that it's important to stay hydrated during heat advisories. Where possible, stay indoors in an air-conditioned or cooled building. If swimming outdoors, be aware of river temperatures and currents and take precautions to be safe, including the use of flotation devices.
Children and pets should never be left in a closed, parked vehicle for any period of time, no matter how short. Pet owners are also encouraged to provide cool shelter for animals and plenty of water. Please note that pets are not allowed in the City’s community centers, except for service animals.
Firstenburg Community Center
700 N.E. 136th Ave.
360-487-7001
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 5:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Marshall Community Center
1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.
360-487-7100
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 5:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Water Resources Education Center
4600 S.E. Columbia Way
360-487-7111
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: Noon - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Multnomah County
Multnomah County will open a cooling shelter at its East County building, located at 600 NE 8th St., in Gresham, on Monday, July 23, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Washington County
An extended period of very hot weather is expected starting Sunday and continuing throughout much of the week. This stretch of hot weather could be dangerous for anyone, but especially for young children, older adults or anyone with an existing heart or lung illness.
“We urge people to limit their time outdoors if possible, wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothing, drink plenty of water, and stay in air-conditioning as much they can,” says Washington County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Christina Baumann.
- Washington County Emergency Management has compiled a list of locations where people can stay cool, starting Sunday, July 22.
- Aloha Community Library will be open Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday 12 – 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 – 5 p.m. The library is located at 17455 SW Farmington Rd, Suite 26A.
- Banks Public Library will be open Monday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The library is located at 42461 NW Market St.
- Beaverton City Library will be open Sunday 1 – 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The library is located at 12375 SW 5th Street. TriMet route numbers: 52, 76, and 78
- Beaverton City Library at Murray Scholls will be open Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday 12 – 6 p.m. The library is located at 11200 SW Murray Scholls Place, Suite 102. TriMet route numbers: 62 and 92
- Boys & Girls Aid Safe Place for Youth will be open every day 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Meals, snacks, and water are available on site. Hot weather supplies like hats, sunscreen and clothing are available. Youth may participate in daily programming and recreational activities. Safe Place for Youth is located at 454 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro. TriMet route numbers: 46, 47, 48, and 57 plus MAX
- Cedar Mill Library will be open Sunday 1–5 p.m., Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The library is located at 12505 NW Cornell Rd. The Bethany branch has the same hours and is located at 15325 NW Central Dr.
- Cornelius Public Library will be open Sunday 12 – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The library is located at 1355 N Barlow Street. TriMet route number: 57
- Forest Grove City Library will be open Monday through Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The library is located at 2114 Pacific Avenue. TriMet route numbers: 57
- Garden Home Community Library will be open Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The library is located at 7475 SW Oleson Rd.
- Hillsboro Brookwood Library will be open Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday 10.a.m. – 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The library is located at 2850 Brookwood Parkway. TriMet route numbers: 46 and 48
- Hillsboro Community Senior Center will be open Monday through Friday 10.a.m. – 5 p.m. The community center is located at 750 SE 8th Avenue. TriMet route numbers: 46, 47, 48, and 57
- Hillsboro Shute Park Aquatic and Recreation Center (SHARC) lobby area will be open Sunday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday 10.a.m. – 9:30 p.m., and Saturday 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The recreation center is located at 953 SE Maple Street. TriMet route numbers: 46, 47, 48 and 57
- Hillsboro Shute Park Library will be open Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday 10.a.m. – 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The library is located at 775 SE 10th Avenue.
- North Plains Public Library will be open Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. The library is located at 31334 NW Commercial Street.
- Sherwood Public Library will be open Sunday 1 – 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The library is located at 22560 SW Pine Street. TriMet route numbers: 93 and 94
- Tigard Public Library will be open Sunday from 12 – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The library is located at 13500 SW Hall Blvd.
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Athletic Center will be open Sunday 12 – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Saturday 12 – 6 p.m. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Athletic Center is located at 15707 SW Walker Road. TriMet route numbers: 59 and 67
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Cedar Hills Recreation Center will be open Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Cedar Hills Recreation Center is located at 11640 SW Park Way. TriMet route numbers: 20 and 59
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center will be open Sunday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center is located at 9985 SW 125th. TriMet route numbers: 62 and 92
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Garden Home Recreation Center will be open Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Vending machines and water are available on site. The Garden Home Recreation Center is located at 7475 SW Oleson Road. TriMet route number: 45
- Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Elsie Stuhr Center will be open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Water is available on site. The Elsie Stuhr Center is located at 5550 SW Hall Blvd. TriMet route numbers: 76 and 78
- Tualatin Public Library will be open Sunday 1 – 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday 10 a.m .– 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The library is located at 18878 SW Martinazzi Avenue. TriMet route numbers: 76, 96 and 97 plus WES
- West Slope Community Library will be open Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. The library is located at 3678 SW 78th Ave.
Public outdoor water playgrounds, known as spraygrounds, provide a free, fun and accessible way to cool off in hot weather. These parks are open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and welcome people all summer long. Parks featuring spraygrounds or water play areas include: Magnolia Park located at 1810 NW 192nd Avenue, 53rd Avenue Park located at 300 NW 53rd Avenue, Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station located at 943 NE Orenco Station, Civic Center Fountain located at 150 E Main Street, and Orenco Woods Nature Park located at 7100 NE Birch St.
Washington County will post any updates to this information on their website at https://www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/hot-weather.cfm and to their interactive map located at https://bit.ly/2zVZnmx.
Clackamas County
As the region begins to enter the time of the year when we typically experience hot temperatures, Clackamas County officials have identified multiple cooling centers throughout the county for members of the public who may need a spot to cool down.
People who do not have access to cool places during the heat are encouraged to visit a cooling center to avoid the heat and relax. A list of centers can be found at online.
Please note, some of the sites may change or extend their hours during extreme heat. It is a good idea to call ahead to confirm hours.
Excessive heat can cause serious health issues for people of all ages. Clackamas County Health Officer Dr. Sarah Present said it’s important for people to know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses.
“Dizziness, nausea, headaches, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems are all signs that help should be sought immediately,” she said.
Dr. Present also said it’s a good idea to monitor those who are vulnerable when temperatures begin to rise: “Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially to infants, the elderly, outdoor laborers, those with preexisting health conditions and those who do not have access to relief from high temperatures. Infants are less able to regulate their body temperatures and people with underlying health conditions may be less able to adapt to the heat. Many medications can contribute to dehydration.”
It’s also crucial to remember that if you or someone you know plans to be outdoors during excessive heat that appropriate precautions should be taken in order to protect themselves and others from sun exposure and the heat.
Tips include:
Avoid the sun and strenuous activity, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If possible, go to an air-conditioned building for several hours during the hottest parts of the day. Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, shopping at the mall, or cooling off at a pool or beach.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.
Set your air conditioner. If you don’t have air conditioning, take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air-conditioned facility.
Drink plenty of fluids, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first consult their physician.
Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 14 if planning on sun exposure.
Stay in shaded areas whenever working outdoors.
Be sure your pets have plenty of water and shaded areas.