Erin Hut, Director of Communications, ehut@spokanecity.org
Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:53 a.m.
The City of Spokane has added a free evening swim option at three pools for this Saturday only and will again expand library hours at some locations this weekend as high temperatures remain in the National Weather Service forecast.
Spokane Municipal Code calls for the activation of cooling spaces when the temperature is predicted by the NWS to be 95 degrees or higher for at least two consecutive days.
Cooling areas
People seeking relief from the heat can visit Spokane Public Library locations or the Trent Resource and Assistance Center (TRAC).
Library locations include:
Libraries will be open during regular hours on weekdays, and select locations will extend hours over the weekend. Expanded hours will be at Shadle Park until 7 p.m. on Saturday, and Liberty Park, Indian Trail and Central until 7 p.m. on Sunday.
People can also seek relief at TRAC, 4320 E. Trent Ave. TRAC offers industrial fans, meals, supplemental hydration resources and snacks for those seeking shelter during heat waves, as well as comprehensive wrap-around services for those in need. Shelters throughout the city report their occupancy data on the sheltermespokane.org website, where resources are also listed.
Public transportation options
Spokane Transit Authority will offer fare exceptions to riders going to and from a cooling space when the temperature is 95 degrees or above. If a passenger boards a bus and indicates they do not have fare payment, and that they are traveling to a cooling area, STA will allow them to ride for free. This practice remains in effect for same-day return trips during evening hours even after the temperature drops below 95 degrees. Cooling areas are accessible by most Spokane Transit routes.
Additionally, The Salvation Army offers vans that can meet people where they are at and help them connect to local shelters. Call 509.280.6860 or 509.280.6894 for a ride.
Pools and Splash Pads
Pools and splash pads are great places to cool down for free.
City of Spokane pools host free open swimming Monday – Saturday, 1 – 4 p.m. at all six City aquatic centers. Free evening swim sessions from 6 – 8:30 p.m. rotate by day/location. This Saturday, July 20, an additional free evening swim will be added at A.M. Cannon (1900 W. Mission), Comstock (600 W. 29th), and Shadle pools (2005 W. Wellesley).
Splash pads are operational daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 19 parks. For more on pools and splash pads, visit SpokaneParks.org/aquatics.
