Stay Cool, Columbus!

City Council and Gateway Film Center Partner Up to Provide Free Family Movies During Heat Wave

With extreme heat forecasted this week, Columbus City Council and Gateway Film Center want to help families stay cool while catching a movie for free! City Council and Gateway Film Center will provide two days of free movie showings to families looking to escape the heat wave. Popcorn and soda are included in the ticket.

“Extreme weather events are becoming more common; from this week’s potentially record-breaking heat to the tornados and severe storms we have been experiencing, says Councilmember Christopher Wyche. “That’s why Council is working with City Departments and community partners to support our residents through multiple channels during this heat wave.”

When:

Wednesday, June 19

Thursday, June 20

1:00-6:00 PM



Where: 

Gateway Film Center

1550 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201

Moviegoers can choose from the following films:

Tuesday (2024)

The Bad Guys (2022)

Jurassic Park (1993) 4K Restoration

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Matilda (1996)

The Fall Guy (2024)

Shrek (2001)

The Grab (2024) - Wednesday Only

Resistance: They Fought Back (2024) - Wednesday Only

Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Centers, Pools, and Spraygrounds

The following Columbus Recreation and Parks community centers will be open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM beginning Wednesday, June 19, until the extreme weather subsides:

• Dodge Community Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., 43215
• Driving Park Community Center, 1100 Rhoads Ave., 43206
• Glenwood Community Center, 1888 Fairmont Ave., 43223
• Linden Community Center, 1350 Briarwood Ave., 43211
• Marion Franklin Community Center, 2801 Lockbourne Road, 43207

Pools and spraygrounds will be open for extended hours beginning Wednesday, June 19, until the extreme weather subsides.

• All outdoor pools will be open daily starting Wednesday from 1-8 p.m. The $1 admission will be waived. A free Leisure Card is still required for admission and can be picked up at any community center or pool. Proper swim attire is required.

The Blackburn, Linden, North Bank, and Scioto Southland spraygrounds will be open daily from noon-8 p.m. All spraygrounds are free.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at our recreation centers and pools for working through this extreme weather to ensure our residents have opportunities to cool down this week," says Councilmember Nancy Day-Achauer. "In times of intense heat, we urge our community members to look in on the older adults and vulnerable individuals in their neighborhoods and share resources where needed.”

Visit the Columbus Recreation and Parks website for updates.

Columbus Metropolitan Library

You can visit any Columbus Metropolitan Library locations during regular business hours this week to stay cool. Locations can be found here. Of note: Due to the Juneteenth Holiday, CML will have four locations open as cooling centers on Wednesday from 12:00-8:00 PM. During these times, customers will be welcomed into library meeting rooms and will have access to public Wi-Fi, restrooms, and water fountains.

• Main Library, 96 S. Grant Ave.
• Barnett Temporary Branch, 3227 E. Livingston Ave.
• Hilltop Branch, 511 S. Hague Ave.
• Northern Lights Branch, 4093 Cleveland Ave.

CML will also extend hours until 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Staying Safe and Prepared

“During this week’s heat wave, staying cool isn’t just a comfort – it’s a necessity," says Councilmember Melissa Green. "Take care of yourself and check on vulnerable neighbors to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.” 

• Do not leave pets in cars or outside without access to shade and water.
• Stay hydrated
• Wear Sunscreen
• When possible, stay indoors
• Learn the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion
• Avoid strenuous activity
• Wear light-colored clothing
• Check on your loved ones and neighbors
• Have a plan in case of a power outage
• Develop an emergency plan and emergency kit for you and your family.
• Reach out to your neighbors who may be elderly

Energy-saving Tips from AEP

• Set thermostats just a few degrees higher, especially when you aren't home.
• Avoid using heat-producing appliances such as ovens or dryers during the hottest parts of the day.
• Keep windows covered during the day, especially those facing south, to save on cooling costs.
• Ensure ceiling fans are spinning counterclockwise to push cooler air down.
• Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use.
• Watch this video to learn more!

Community Shelter Board

• Emergency Shelters: All emergency shelters are welcoming clients to remain inside during these dangerous weather conditions.
• Street Outreach: Outreach teams are actively engaging with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, providing them with information, supplies, and assistance with accessing resources.

We want to give a huge thank you to all of our partners working together to keep our residents cool and safe this week!

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