If you’re looking to escape the heat in one of Alexandria’s public pools, time is running out.
Starting in two weeks, Alexandria’s pools will start to close. The first to go is Memorial Pool at 901 Wythe Street, which is open through Sunday, Aug. 20.
It’s going to be a scorching weekend in Alexandria. What are you doing to beat the heat?
Temperatures are expected to reach more than 105 degrees this weekend, and the city has opened cooling centers for residents.
With temperatures expected in the 90s until next week, Alexandria is offering cooling centers at recreation centers and libraries.
Thursday’s temperature (July 21) is expected to reach 98 degrees, with a heat index of 104, according to the National Weather Service. The high temperatures are anticipated to reach 95 degrees on Friday, 99 degrees on Saturday, 100 degrees on Sunday, 93 degrees on Monday and then 89 degrees next Tuesday.
Technically it’s still spring, but with the warm and sunny weather it feels like summer is in full force and locals are hitting the pools.
Alexandria’s city-owned pools opened in late May, though many private pools around town have also opened over the last month.
The City of Alexandria’s outdoor pools and the Potomac Yard Park’s interactive fountain are scheduled to go live this weekend, running through this fall.
The water activities are scheduled to open on Saturday, May 28. The pools will remain open through Friday, Sept. 9, while the fountain will shut down on Oct. 15.
First Lady Jill Biden is teaching at Northern Virginia Community College — “Starting the week of Labor Day, Biden will be spending every Tuesday and Thursday for 13 weeks on the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), according to a class schedule available to students.” [Washington Post]
ACPS needs crossing guards — “Volunteers are needed immediately to help our elementary students get to school safely due to a shortage of crossing guards. Can you help? If so, complete this volunteer application!” [Twitter]
This coming Monday, September 6, is Labor Day and a number of city government offices and facilities will be closed.
The biggest event of the three-day weekend will be the day before Labor Day — Sunday, September 5. The annual Old Town Festival of Speed & Style will bring crowds to marvel at classic and beautiful rides along King Street.
City hosting The Fund for Alexandria’s Child virtual gala — “The Fund for Alexandria’s Child (The Fund) will host its second virtual gala on August 12, at 8 p.m. to benefit at-risk children and children in foster care. The public is invited to attend the interactive and inspiring event featuring a live auction, prizes, a raffle, entertainment, special guests and more, all from the comfort and safety of home.” [City of Alexandria]
Alexandria public pools update — “Memorial Pool will be closed on… Thursday, August 5 due to a maintenance issue. Warwick Pool and Old Town Pool remain open. Visit alexandriava.gov/Aquatics for operational hours at RPCA’s three outdoor pools.” [Twitter]
Galactic Panther Art Gallery to open on King Street in Old Town — “Galactic Panther, a new art gallery at 1303 King St. in Alexandria, will open in early August. The art gallery is a partnership between internationally-exhibiting artist Eli Pollard and Erik Meundel, who is the current owner of ESP Tea & Coffee.” [Alexandria Living]
Alexandria Fire Department graduates three recruit schools — “The Alexandria Fire Department officially graduated Recruit School 49 on Thursday, July 22, and Recruit Schools 50 and 51 on Friday, July 23 at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial after postponing the ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AFD welcomed and celebrated 45 new firefighter/EMTs.” [Patch]
What an unexpectedly busy summer week in Alexandria. Here’s the rundown.
Our top story was on an Alexandria woman who claims she was roofied at a restaurant on the waterfront on the evening of July 9. A police report has been filed, and no charges have been made.
Alexandria’s public swimming pools are open, but residents will need to arrive early if they want a chance to cool off.
City pools close at 3:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday — as opposed to 7 p.m. in previous years — and on a recent hot weekend residents were kept out and asked to sign waitlists due to capacity issues.
