Friday Heat Update: Recreation Centers Close, Programs Cancel as Heat Index Reaches 105

With the heat index reaching 105 degrees on Friday afternoon, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) closed recreation centers without air conditioning and canceled park and recreation programs. Park visitors are encouraged to cool off at one of the 20 air-conditioned recreation centers, 12 beaches, and dozens of wading pools that remain open within the Minneapolis Park System.

When heat indices rise above 105 degrees, recreation centers and programs within Minneapolis parks are monitored and closed or canceled, if needed, for public safety.

Recreation centers, programs and events impacted by the heat are listed below, along with tips for staying safe in extreme heat.

Lifeguards will remain at guarded beaches until 8 p.m. The Jim Lupient and North Commons Water Parks will also stay open until 8 p.m., one hour past their scheduled 7 p.m. closing time. For waterparks, beach, and wading pool locations and information, visit the Water Recreation page online at www.minneapolisparks.org.

To learn more about activities, events and facilities that may be impacted by the weather, sign up to receive Park Board email updates.

Recreation Centers

The park system has 27 recreation centers without air conditioning. When the heat when the heat index reaches 105 degrees, the MPRB closes these recreation centers and cancels their scheduled programs as well.

Recreation Centers without Air Conditioning: Armatage, Audubon, Brackett, Bryant Square, Corcoran, Creekview, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fuller, Harrison, Hiawatha School, Keewaydin, Kenny, Linden Hills, Logan, Lyndale Farmstead, McRae, Morris, Nokomis, Painter, Pearl, Peavey, Phelps, Sibley, Stewart, Van Cleve, Waite and Whittier.

Recreation Centers with Air Conditioning: Bottineau, Coyle Community Center,  East Phillips, Elliot, Farview, Folwell, Lake Hiawatha, Longfellow, Loring, Luxton, Lynnhurst, Matthews, North Commons, Northeast Recreation Center, Pershing, Phillips, Powderhorn, Webber, Windom NE and Windom South.

Rec Plus Childcare

All of the Park Board’s childcare program at recreation centers without air conditioning will close. Rec Plus families have been notified and Rec Plus staff will stay on site until all children have been picked up.

Sports

When the heat index reaches 105 degrees, the MPRB cancels youth sports games and notifies teams of cancellations.

Adult Sports

The MPRB does not cancel adult sports games; however, teams may choose to forfeit at their discretion. Adult sports teams and players are advised to take caution and follow heat safety guidelines when playing.

Outdoor Music and Movies in the Parks

At this time, the music in the parks and movie events are cancelled. Visit www.mplsmusicandmovies.com or the Music and Movies in the Park facebook page for updates.

Jason Roberts at Minnehaha Bandshell
Jillian Rae at Lake Harriet Bandshell
Maslon Presents: Wonder Woman at Lake Harriet Park

Other Park Facilities

Trails, golf courses, playgrounds, picnic areas, gardens, etc. remain open during exceptionally hot weather. Park patrons visiting these facilities are advised to take caution and follow heat safety guidelines.

Heat Safety Tips

Stay safe in parks and on trails during extreme heat events. Follow these tips:

  • Stay Hydrated – Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink more. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Stay Informed – Check local news for extreme heat alerts and forecasts. Learn the symptoms of heat sickness. Sign up to receive Park Board email updates about activities, events and facilities that may be impacted by the weather.

Signs of Heat Sickness – Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat sickness or heat exhaustion. Symptoms include: heavy sweating, weakness, weak pulse, fainting, vomiting, and cool, pale, clammy skin. Heat stroke symptoms include: body temperature 103 degrees or higher, rapid and strong pulse, possible unconsciousness, and hot, dry skin.