In anticipation of the upcoming heat wave, the City of Glendale Community Services & Parks Dept. is activating four community centers throughout the city as cooling centers from Friday, July 5 through Saturday, July 6.

The City of Glendale is highly encouraging those who do not have a cool place to be during the hottest time of the day to come to one of four community centers located throughout the city to beat the heat and cool off. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. For more information and translations on how to beat the heat, visit GlendaleCA.gov/BeatTheHeat.

There are also various options to keep cool through water play. The splash pad at Cerritos Park is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; wading pools are open to the public on alternating days at Dunsmore Park, 4700 Dunsmore Ave. in Glendale/La Crescenta, Brand Park, 1601 W. Mountain St. in Glendale, Glenoaks Park, 2531 E Glenoaks Blvd. in Glendale, and Palmer Park, 620 E. Palmer Ave. in Glendale. The Pacific community pool is open daily for recreation swim. Learn more about each of these options and the hours of operation by going to the aquatics’ website GlendaleAquatics.org. 

Cooling Center Dates, Hours of Operation, and Locations – Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6:

Adult Recreation Center, 201 E. Colorado St. in Glendale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sparr Heights Community Center, 1613 Glencoe Way in Glendale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Maple Park Community Center, 820 E. Maple St. in Glendale; and Pacific Community Center, 501 S. Pacific Ave. in Glendale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.   

The County of Los Angeles is also opening the Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd. in Lake View Terrace, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Monday, July 8. 

Those who plan to be outdoors should take precautions to protect themselves from the sun and heat.

• Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.
• Reduce physical activity.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.
• Avoid hot, heavy meals that include proteins.
• Set your air conditioner between 75° to 80°. Those who don’t have air-conditioning should take a cool shower twice a day.
• Drink plenty of fluids, even if not feeling thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 if exposed to the sun.
• Stay in shade whenever working outdoors.
• Don’t forget about pets; they need plenty of water and shade.

Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps and increased thirst. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 9-1-1.

The County of Los Angeles also reminds residents of the Summer Beach Bus to Santa Monica Beach. It is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It leaves Two Strike Park (at 5107 Rosemont Ave. in La Crescenta) at 9:15 a.m.; the County Library (at 2809 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta) at 9:25 a.m.; at the southeast corner of Montrose Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard at 9:35 a.m.; at the northwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and La Cañada Boulevard at 9:45 a.m.

The return bus to Two Strike Park arrives at 4:30 p.m.; arrives at the County Library at 4:35 p.m.; arrives at the southeast corner of Montrose Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard at 4:45 p.m.; arrives at the northwest corner of Foothill Boulevard and La Cañada at 4:55 p.m.

This program is coordinated by Los Angeles County Public Works. Make a reservation at www.LAGoBus.com up to 10 days in advance, but no later than 10: a.m. one day prior to traveling. Senior citizens ages 60 and over and individuals with disabilities pay only $1.50 per round-trip; children and adults pay $3 round-trip.