Extreme heat prompts Lexington officials to open cooling center, cut pool admission costs

With temperatures expected to rise to 100 degrees this week and weekend, Lexington officials will open a cooling center downtown and cut pool admission prices for the next five days.
 

The Dunbar Community Center at 545 N. Upper St. will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and residents without air conditioning are invited to come there to cool off, said Jerry Hancock, director of the city’s Division of Parks and Recreation. The center will be open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
 

Lexington residents who need a ride to the center can use LexTran for free, said Jill Barnett, a spokesperson for LexTran. Officials suggest if you are coming to the center, bring a blanket, pillows and bottled water.
 

Meanwhile, the city’s pools and aquatic centers are offering reduced admission through Monday, Hancock said.
 

“All pools will be available at half-price,” he said. Admission to the aquatic centers will be $2 for children ages 15 and under and $2.50 for youth and adults ages 16 and up. At Lexington’s regular pools, admission will be $1.50 for those 15 and under and $2 for adults 16 and up.
 

For information on locations of the pools and aquatic centers, go to www.lexingtonky.gov/parks or call LexCall at 311 or 859-425-2255.
 

Meanwhile, the city’s fire marshal issued a county wide ban on open burning Wednesday. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning until significant rainfall has been received At this time, fireworks are not covered under the burn ban. However, the situation is being evaluated daily and the status of fireworks restrictions is subject to change.
 

From LFUCG