Alexandria brings back summer cooling and senior care program

As temperatures start to go up, Alexandria’s annual program aimed at helping residents without home cooling make it through the summer is coming back.

The Summer Cooling program allows residents to beat the heat at several recreation centers and libraries around the city. The program came in handy for residents last summer during a heat wave. Like last year, however, there are some capacity restrictions due to COVID-19.

“During periods of extreme heat, the City offers cooling centers to residents at the Neighborhood Recreation Center locations… along with expanded hours, additional resources and support for those in need,” the city said on its website. “Due to COVID-19 prevention mandates, however, access to City recreation centers normally available to the public may be reduced.”

Locations to cool off include:

• Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street)
• Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Avenue)
• Lee Center (1108 Jefferson Street)
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue)
• Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson Street)
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue)
• William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue)
• Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke Street)
• Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen Street)
• Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Road)
• James M. Duncan Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Avenue)

An additional program is available for Alexandrians 60 or older. The Senior Cool Care Program provides a cooling fan and assistance to seniors who meet some income requirements. Residents can call 703.746.5999 or email [email protected] to check eligibility requirements.