City turns on park sprinklers, extends splash pad hours, offers discounted pool entry ahead of triple-digit weekend

The city of Albuquerque’s Parks and Recreation Department, Department of Senior Affairs and the Family and Community Services Department have partnered to execute Operation Cooldown, bringing extended splash pad hours, discounted and free admission to city pools and a citywide park sprinkler play.

Additionally, the city has announced resources for the unsheltered and at-risk populations of Albuquerque.

“Operation Cooldown is about keeping the health and well-being of our city’s families at the forefront,” said Mayor Tim Keller in a statement. “Even in this extreme heat, we’re ensuring Albuquerque’s status as the best place for families by increasing access to our facilities and providing more ways for folks to cool down on these hot summer days, and maybe even have some fun along the way.”

The weekend weather is forecasted to hover just above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows in the low 70s.

Splash pads with extended hours

• Wells Park Splash Pad: Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

• Cesar Chavez Splash Pad: Saturday and Sunday noon to 5p.m.

• Manzano Mesa Splash Pad: Saturday noon to 5 p.m.

City community and senior centers will be open during these extended hours for public restroom access.

Free and discounted pool admission

Through Sunday, admission to West Mesa Aquatic Center, Sierra Vista and Eisenhower Pool will be $1 for children and adults. All other pools will be free. Admission to all pools is first-come, first-served.

Cooling centers

Family and Community Services will continue hosting its cooling centers and resources providing air conditioning, water, sunscreen and even meals for those in need.

• American Indian Center, 105 Texas St SE. Pets welcome, meals offered
• Compassion Services Center, 541 Mesilla St. SE. Pets welcome, showers available, meals offered
• HopeWorks, 1201 3rd St. NW. Pets welcome, meals offered

Run through the sprinklers

The Parks and Recreation Department is introducing sprinkler play sessions in parks across the city. Residents are invited to cool down by running through the sprinklers.

“Join us for some good old-fashioned summer fun," said Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon in a statement. "We normally don’t run sprinklers during the day, but we have done such a great job at water conservation and Albuquerque has earned this opportunity to beat the heat!”

The sprinklers will be turned on from 2 to 3 p.m. through Sunday afternoon.

LOCATIONS:

Saturday

• Alamosa Park, 1100 Bataan SW
• Del Sol Park, 4300 Avenida Manana NE
• Paradise Skies Park, 6100 Sagittarius NW
• Ross Enchanted Park, 2519 Algodones NE

Sunday

• Sunrise Terrace Park, 850 102nd SW
• Bataan Park, 748 Tulane NE
• Seville Park, 6300 Burgos NW
• Desert Ridge Park, 7300 Blue Cypress NE