Kansas City, Missouri – As summer temperatures soar, the Kansas City community is encouraged to take advantage of local community centers and libraries serving as cooling centers. These facilities are open to the public free of charge during regular operating hours, offering a safe refuge from the heat.
North Kansas City Cooling Centers
Kansas City North Community Center
Located at 3930 N.E. Antioch Road, the Kansas City North Community Center provides a variety of amenities, including a full-sized gymnasium, cardio and weight room, auditorium, kitchen, meeting rooms, pottery studio, exercise room, and adjacent tennis courts. It is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Line Creek Community Center
The Line Creek Community Center and Ice Arena, located at 5940 N.W. Waukomis Drive, offers extensive recreational facilities within its 34,000 square feet. Surrounded by Frank Vaydik Park, the center features baseball diamonds, a soccer field, and the popular KC Northern Miniature Railroad. Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Central Kansas City Cooling Centers
Garrison Community Center
Situated at 1124 E. Fifth Street, the Garrison Community Center is a historic landmark offering a range of activities and clubs. It operates Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., remaining closed on Sundays.
Read also: Kansas City crackdown targets aggressive drivers amid rising fatalities
Gregg/Klice Community Center
Located at 1600 John Buck O’Neil Way, the Gregg/Klice Community Center is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a variety of programs and activities.
Mary Williams-Neal Community Center
At 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., the Mary Williams-Neal Community Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing a range of community services.
Tony Aguirre Community Center
The Tony Aguirre Community Center, located at 2050 W Pennway St, offers various events and classes, including aquatics. Its hours are Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., remaining closed on weekends.
Westport Roanoke Community Center
Recently renovated, the Westport Roanoke Community Center at 3601 Roanoke Road offers updated facilities, including a pottery room, reception area, and security system. It is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The center is also available for rentals for various events.
South Kansas City Cooling Centers
Hillcrest Community Center
Located at 10401 Hillcrest Road, the Hillcrest Community Center offers numerous programs and events in south Kansas City. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Marlborough Community Center
The Marlborough Community Center at 8200 The Paseo Boulevard is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., remaining closed on Sundays.
Southeast Community Center
At 4201 E. 63rd Street, the Southeast Community Center offers various amenities, including Wi-Fi, a full-sized basketball court, meeting rooms, a game room, a craft room, and a fitness area. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional Cooling Options and Safety Tips
Kansas City also provides free rides on buses and the streetcar, which are air-conditioned. Many shelters for the unhoused will be open during the day as cooling centers, with outreach teams ensuring that those in need are aware of these resources.
Read also: Kansas City developer eyes Plaza Corporate Centre conversion into residential apartments
Safety Tips for Hot Weather
To stay safe during extreme heat, follow these guidelines:
- Do not use a fan as the primary cooling source on extremely hot days. Visit an air-conditioned location if your home does not have air conditioning.
- Check on neighbors, friends, and relatives at least twice a day (morning and night). If a welfare check is needed, call (816) 234-5111.
- Never leave children, pets, or others alone in closed vehicles; temperatures inside can rapidly reach fatal levels.
- If you must work outside or in a non-air-conditioned environment, take frequent breaks, rest in the shade, and drink plenty of water. Avoid excessive sun exposure and postpone outdoor activities if possible.
For more information and tips on handling hot weather, visit KCMO.gov/heat. To receive extreme weather alerts via text or email, sign up at KCMO.gov.alertkc.
Read also: Hundreds of infrastructural upgrades planned as Kansas City aims to eliminate traffic fatalities
By utilizing these resources and following safety tips, Kansas City residents can stay cool and safe during the hot summer months.
