Heat wave hits Lexington: 9 places to cool off this July 4 weekend
As anyone who has stepped outside knows, Kentucky has been in a heat wave this week, and it is not getting any cooler.
On Monday, June 29, the City of Lexington activated Phase One of its heat plan and activated Phase Three on Thursday. That means aquatic center admissions are half-off, and Lextran is offering free fixed route rides for unhoused people to cooling centers. In addition, organizations partnered with the Office of Homelesness Prevention and Intervention will operate as cooling centers.
Phase Three is to be in effect until 9 p.m. Friday, July 3, creeping into the July 4th holiday.
So if you are not going to the lake or the beach for the Fourth of July weekend, here are ways to have fun and stay cool.
Lexington spraygrounds
- Splash! at Charles Young Park at 540 E Third Street
- Masterson Station Sprayground at 3051 Leestown Road
- Jacobson Park Playground at 4001 Athens Boonesboro Road
All spraygrounds are open to the public from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. free of charge.
Aquatic Centers
Shillito Aquatic Center
Located at 300 Reynolds Road, Shillito Aquatic Center has two 50-meter lap lanes, a diving board, a separate toddler pool and a concession stand.
The center is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The pool is open for Pool Pass holders from 6-9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lap swim only.
Southland Aquatic Center
Located at 625 Hill-n-Dale Road, Southland Aquatic Center has a slide, a splash bucket, a separate pool for young children and a concession stand.
The center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Tates Creek Aquatic Center
Located at 1400 Gainesway Drive, Tates Creek Aquatic Center has multiple pools and concessions at the golf course concession stand.
The center has a large pool with 50-meter lap lanes, a toddler pool with play structures and a pool with a loop slide.
Tates Creek Aquatic Center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Woodland Aquatic Center
Located at 190 Old Park Ave, Woodland Aquatic Center has two diving boards, a “Paradise Lagoon” play feature with activities, a looped slide, a climbing wall, a concession stand and a separate 25-meter lap pool.
The center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Aquatic Centers charge $7 for adult admission and $5 for children 15 years and under. Anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by someone 17 or older.
Aquatic Centers and Spraygrounds
Castlewood Aquatic Center & Sprayground
Located at 320 Park View Ave, Castlewood Aquatic Center and Sprayground has a diving board, an enclosed sprayground, a looped slide and a small concession stand.
Douglass Aquatic Center & Sprayground
Located at 701 Howard Street, Douglass Aquatic Center and Sprayground has a slide, shaded benches, covered areas, a basketball net and Kentucky’s first “Wet Bubble.”
Both locations are open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission fees are the same as all other aquatic centers in Lexington.