City of Richmond Offers Cooling Options During Hot Weather
As temperatures climb this summer and heat waves impact the region, the City of Richmond is offering several resources and cooling options to help residents stay safe and beat the heat.
Beginning May 19, 2026 through Labor Day, the City of Richmond will offer walk-up cooling centers in neighborhoods across the City that includes Richmond Public Library locations, Parks and Recreation outdoor pools, and Southside Plaza.
Offering accessible water and brief relief from the heat.
Southside Plaza
4100 Hull Street Road
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Community Resource and Training Center
1900 Chamberlayne Parkway
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Richmond Public Library
Various locations offer air-conditioned spaces. Operating hours vary by branch. To find individual library hours, visit: https://rvalibrary.org/about/hours/
|
Location |
Address |
| Main Library | 101 E. Franklin Street |
| Belmont | 3100 Ellwood Avenue |
| Broad Rock | 4820 Old Warwick Road |
| East End | 1200 N. 25th Street |
| Ginter Park | 1200 W. Brook Avenue |
| Hull Street | 1400 Hull Street |
| North Avenue | 2901 North Avenue |
| West End | 5420 Patterson Avenue |
| Westover Hills | 1408 Westover Hills Boulevard |
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Outdoor Pools
Open for public use to cool off.
Parks and Recreation will begin the 2026 outdoor pool season on Saturday, May 23 though Monday, September 7. Please note that the department will be opening pools in two phases, outlined below.
|
Operation Dates |
Operation Times |
Locations |
|
May 23 - May 25 |
1 - 7 p.m. |
Battery Park, Blackwell, Randolph, and Fairmont Pools |
|
May 26 - May 29 |
4 - 7 p.m. |
Battery Park, Blackwell, Randolph, and Fairmont Pools |
| May 30 - September 7 |
Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday Holidays (Juneteenth, July 4, and Labor Day) |
All outdoor locations |
|
Pool Location |
Address |
| Battery Park | 2719 Dupont Circle |
| Blackwell | 238 E. 14th Street |
| Fairmont | 2000 U Street |
| Hotchkiss Field | 701 E. Brookland Park Boulevard |
| Powhatan | 1000 Apperson Street |
| Randolph | 1507 Grayland Avenue |
| Woodville | 230 Fairfield Avenue |
Salvation Army Extreme Heat and Weather Shelter
If the temperature is expected to reach 92°F for two or more consecutive hours during the day, the Salvation Army Extreme Heat and Weather Shelter will open. This space is located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue would be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and guests will be served water and snacks while in this cooling center. The site will remain open overnight if temperatures are predicted to be 92°F or higher at 9 p.m.
Communication of the opening of the the Salvation Army Extreme Heat and Weather Shelter will be done through RVA 311 and Richmond Ready.
Pets, except for service animals, are not permitted at any location.
