Brookline residents can walk into any of five air-conditioned cooling centers free of charge Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, after the town's Public Health department declared a heat emergency with the heat index forecast to reach 95°F to 101°F.
The declaration, published Monday, July 13, on brooklinema.gov, is the second heat emergency Brookline has issued this month. The town also declared a heat emergency July 1–4, according to town social media posts.
The department urged residents to use air conditioning on days above 95°F and to check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to heat.
Where to go
The Public Safety Building Community Room is the only 24-hour option during the emergency. The town's three library branches and the Senior Center will also serve as cooling centers on both days:
- Brookline Village Library — 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15
- Coolidge Corner Library — 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday
- Putterham Library — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday
- COA & Senior Center, 93 Winchester St. — 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
Free pool access
The shallow pool and diving well at the Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center, 60 Tappan St., are free to residents during the declared emergency. Lap pools still require a day pass or membership; reduced rates are available for seniors, students, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Town splash pads at parks and playgrounds are open dawn to dusk. The Juniper Street Splash Pad is out of service.
Summer Eats moves indoors
The Summer Eats children's meal program, which normally operates at 575 Brookline Ave. Playground, has been relocated to the Denny Room at the Public Health Building, 11 Pierce St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. The program serves free breakfast and lunch to kids, teens, and adults with no ID or registration required.
Utility help
Residents who cannot afford to run their air conditioner may qualify for a discount rate through Eversource. Details are available at BrooklineMA.gov/Heat.
The declaration was issued by the town's Public Health department, led by Director John Kleschinsky. The emergency is set to expire at the end of Wednesday, July 15, and additional heat safety resources are posted at the Mass.gov Extreme Heat Resource page.
