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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Friday declared a heat emergency that will go into effect on Saturday and run through Sunday. The declaration comes ahead of weekend temperatures that will likely reach the mid-90s.
The city has prepared several free public cooling centers and splash pads at various parks and playgrounds to help the community cool off.
“We’re working quickly to make sure all of our Boston residents and families are protected during this weekend’s extremely hot weather,” Wu said in a press release.
Mayor Wu has declared a heat emergency in Boston beginning Sat, May 21, thru Sun, May 22. Cooling centers will be open at 15 BCYF community centers on Sat and Sun, and splash pads will be open at parks and playgrounds throughout the City. Learn more: https://t.co/AtQFulBjZH pic.twitter.com/ok8R47OoS8
— Boston City Archives (@ArchivesBoston) May 20, 2022
“As we head into summer, it is clear that earlier, more frequent extreme heat days from a changing climate are a risk to our health and communities,” she said. “I’m grateful to the many city workers who have started preparations and will be responding to this heat emergency and urge everyone to stay cool and safe, and check on your neighbors over the weekend.”
Cooling centers will be open at 15 Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Wu said. Indoor pools will be open at a few BCYF centers on Saturday; registration is required.
City officials are urging people to wear masks at the cooling centers, due to a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department said it’s working to get all of the city’s free public water features up-and-running by Memorial Day 2022 — the earliest in the year they’ve ever had it done. Below are locations of Boston’s public water features, including fountains and splash pads, that will be open over the weekend.
Allston-Brighton
Charlestown
Dorchester
Downtown/North End/ Waterfront
East Boston
Fenway/Kenmore/Mission Hill
Hyde Park
Jamaica Plain
Mattapan
Roslindale
Roxbury
South Boston
South End
West Roxbury
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