Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - With heat advisories going into effect for potentially record-breaking high temperatures coming to Western New York, some folks have already taken advantage of certain outdoor pool and splash pad facilities operating early to help the community beat the heat.
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"It's hot," said Jad Fares on Monday at the Lincoln Pool in Tonawanda. "We have to take a dip in the pool so we can freshen up a little bit."
Fares came with his sons and their friend on the first "pre-season" day of the Lincoln Pool on Parker Boulevard, which decided to open their pool early, free to residents and those who don't live in the Village of Kenmore or Town of Tonawanda this week.
Tonawanda Councilman Carl Szarek says the town is happy to provide their services to the public as they were able to quickly find an adequate amount of lifeguards coming out of college classes to fully staff both the Lincoln Pool and the pools in Kenmore on Mang Ave, which will open this Wednesday, April 19.
"We're hoping that once they get a taste of this, they'll come back for the rest of the summer activities. We'll be doing swimming lessons this summer, different activities for the kids and some training for lifeguards, but it's a great kickoff for the summer season for us."
Szarek, who serves as the chair of the town's Parks & Recreation Committee, notes the pools are free for the time being. On Friday, they will evaluate attendance and weather to see if they will continue to operate for free or a small fee like previous years.
Fares, who mentions he is a resident of the City of Buffalo, notes that it's important for certain citizens to be able to access ways to beat the heat.
"A lot of kids are going to really struggle with this [heat], older people as well. So we're grateful for the pool, the [town] and what it does for us."
Luke Peters, a young man from Tonawanda tells WBEN he loves coming to the Lincoln pool every year and plans to make a few return trips this week to beat the heat.
"It's a big pool, there's a fun waterslide, basketball, a lot of people come here so you can make new friends, it's a good opportunity."
Lincoln Pool will be open Monday through Friday (June 17-21), from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Kenmore and Mang Pools will open Wednesday through Friday (June 19-21) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
The City of Buffalo won't be opening their outdoor public pools until July. However, the splash pad hours have been extended, now open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET (instead of 2-7 p.m. ET) until further notice.
The splash pads are located in the following places:
- Ralph Wilson Park - foot of Porter Ave.
- Allison Park - Reese St., adjacent to Asarese-Matters Community Center
- MLK Jr. Park Basin - Best St. and Fillmore Ave.
- Lanigan Park - South Park Ave., West of Louisiana St.
- Lincoln Park - foot of Quincy St.
- Cazenovia Park - behind the park casino
- Houghton Park - foot of Spahn St.
- Schiller Park - Sprenger St. side of park
- Roosevelt Park - foot of Roosevelt Ave.
- Kensington Pool and Splash Pad - 665 Kensington Ave
The City of Buffalo also announced their list of cooling centers, you find the list here.
The following locations in the town of Tonawanda will operate as cooling centers:
- Town of Tonawanda Senior Citizen Center (291 Ensminger Road) — Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET
- Kenmore Library (160 Delaware Road) — Monday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET; Friday and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET
- Kenilworth Library (318 Montrose Ave.) — Monday and Friday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET