Extreme heat/hot weather

Hot weather significantly increases the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for people working outside or participating in outdoor activities, people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, and people without access to air conditioning.

Local spots to cool off

Please be aware that these locations are not official cooling centers and no additional resources outside of normal service offerings will be available. A full list of cooling locations is available and regularly updated on CRESA.

City buildings, pools and water features

Marshall/Luepke Community Center

  • 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98663
  • Monday – Thursday – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m; Saturday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday – Closed
  • The swimming pool is open to members and single-day, drop-in visits for scheduled public swims. 

Firstenburg Community Center

  • 700 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684
  • Firstenburg is not fully air conditioned due to LEED certification, but it is an option for respite from the extreme heat.
  • Monday – Thursday – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday – Closed
  • The swimming pool is open to monthly passholders and single-day, drop-in visits for scheduled public swims.

Water Resources Education Center

  • 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
  • Monday through Friday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday – Closed; Sunday – Closed

Water features

  • Water features are generally turned on from 8 a.m. to dusk during the summer season, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • Columbia River Water Feature at Vancouver Waterfront Park (115 S.E. Columbia Way)
  • Esther Short Park Water Feature (605 Esther St.)
  • Hours and rules

Local libraries

Cascade Park Library

  • 600 NE 136th Ave.
  • Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: Closed

Three Creeks Community Library

  • 800-C NE Tenney Rd.
  • Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: Closed

Vancouver Community Library

  • 901 C St.
  • Sunday – Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vancouver Mall Library

  • Vancouver Mall, Suite 285
  • Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

C-TRAN bus service

During extreme heat, C-TRAN will not turn away anyone riding to a cooling center. Passengers should tell the operator as they board that they’re heading to a cooling center, and fares will not be enforced. We also encourage anyone to plan and stay hydrated if they expect to be out traveling. All C-TRAN buses also have air conditioning.

City programming/event impacts

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services programs and activities

  • Volunteer Events: We closely monitor conditions and keep volunteers safe by providing water, shade, regular breaks, heat-appropriate clothing guidance, and adjusting schedules as needed. If a volunteer event is canceled, registered participants will receive a notification email.
  • Summer Playgrounds Camp: Camp at Evergreen Park will end after lunch when temperatures are over 95 degrees. Other Summer Playgrounds Camp locations have access to indoor air conditioning during excessive heat, so those programs are not impacted.