The city of Calgary is under a heat warning for the first time this year, but it certainly won’t be the last. Heat warnings are issued when there’s a forecast of two more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius or higher, and nighttime minimum temperatures staying about 14°C.
With extended heat waves and below-normal rainfall projected for summer, it’s time to start thinking of ways to beat the heat. Along with taking frequent breaks from the heat (easier said than done if you don’t have air conditioning) and drinking plenty of water, there are a few fun options to keep your body temperature on the cool side.
Calgary has plenty of spray parks open to the public as of Father’s Day weekend. Here are a few options you can check this summer to beat the heat.
This newly redeveloped spray park pulls out all the stops and is a refreshing treat for all ages. Who doesn’t want a gallon of cool water dumped on them amidst the heat?
Where: 999 Somerset Dr. SW
Located right downtown next to the C-Train station, this small area sprays to fill a small concrete wading pool, which then drains and refills. It’s less of a park and more of a practical integration into the modern architecture of central Calgary, allowing working adults and other passersby to cool off on the go.
Where: 826 8th Ave. SW
This massive spraying fountain may be run by the McKenzie Towne community, but don’t worry — it’s open to everyone! And like Century Gardens, it being more of a fountain than a playground makes you feel less self-conscious being there as an adult.
Where: 27 Prestwick Common SE
Good for kids big and small, the spray features at Rotary Park may not be the flashiest, but the simple structures get the job done.
Where: 617 1st St. NE
South Glenmore Park is home to the Variety Children’s Park, which is a playground and waterpark designed to be accessible to children with disabilities. Or adults with disabilities, because doesn’t everyone want to cool off this summer?
Where: 90th Avenue & 24th Street SW
Good news: the wading pool and spray park at Prairie Winds Park underwent renovations to make them better than ever. Bad news: Repairs must be done to fix leaks in the system, which means they won’t be open until early July.
Where: 223 Castleridge Blvd. NE
Prefer a swim? There are also plenty of outdoor pools across Calgary to check out, opening at roughly the same time as the spray parks. And if you’re out and about and in desperate need of a cool-off, this interactive map courtesy of the City of Calgary shows places where you can access air conditioning, water fountains, and other helpful tools.
Stay cool!
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Here is when Calgarians can make a splash in an outdoor pool this year
