WORCESTER—With temperatures expected soaring into the 90s, the city has opened multiple cooling centers for residents seeking relief from the heat on Monday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 29.
The Worcester Public Library (Main Branch) at 3 Salem Square and the Worcester Senior Center at 128 Providence St. are both open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Main Library extends its hours until 7 p.m., while the Senior Center remains open until 5 p.m. both days. The Worcester 311 Customer Service Center at 799 Main St. also serves as a cooling location on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All sites will have water available for residents, and all are accessible via the fare-free WRTA bus system. Residents requiring ADA transportation or information on bus routes can contact the WRTA directly at 508-791-9782.
City officials urge residents to take precautions during the heat, including avoiding strenuous activity, drinking plenty of water, and checking in on neighbors—especially seniors or those without air conditioning.
More information on heat safety is available on the City of Worcester’s Summer Safety webpage.
More ways to cool off in Worcester
For residents looking to beat the heat all summer long, the city also offers several free or low-cost options:
Spray Parks (open daily, noon to 7 p.m. through Sept. 1):
- University Park (Crystal Park) – 965 Main St.
- East Park – 143 Shrewsbury St.
- Greenwood Park – 14 Forsberg St.
Public Beaches (open daily, noon to 7 p.m. through Aug. 23):
- Bell Pond – 239 Belmont St.
- Coes Pond – 200 Mill St.
- Indian Lake – 500 Salisbury St.
- Shore Park – 115 Shore Dr.
All beach locations are staffed by lifeguards, thanks to a partnership with the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.
Swimming pools:
- Crompton Park Pool – 50 Canton St. (city-run)
- Dennis F. Shine Memorial Pool – 184 Providence St. (state-run)
- Veterans Memorial Pool (Bennett Field) – 1260 Main St. (state-run)
Indoor options:
- Greendale Family Branch YMCA – Offers lap swim and fitness programs
- Worcester JCC – Features both indoor and outdoor pools
The city’s aquatics program runs through Labor Day, offering a wide range of ways to cool off—no road trip required.
