County and CMEMO Activate Cooling Stations

Used for 2023 budget cover

As summer temperatures continue to rise, Mecklenburg County, in partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO) and homeless service providers, is working to provide refuge for residents from the extreme heat.

The plan will open cooling stations beginning today, July 28 through Friday, July 29 in which Mecklenburg County and community partner resources will be made available to help beat the heat. CATS will provide free transportation to anyone needing transport to the Roof Above Day Services Center location, any Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library location, the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, and spray ground and pool locations listed below, which are designated as cooling stations.

Some of the resources available include:

Cooling Stations:

In collaboration with Mecklenburg County, Roof Above will use its Day Services Center as a cooling station to anyone experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County. The Day Services Center is located on 945 North College Street. The Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Misting stations, fans, water fountains and chairs are also available. In addition, homeless outreach staff will visit homeless encampments to provide information about cooling station locations and to provide water if needed. 

Park and Recreation - Spray Grounds: 

The following Park and Recreation spray grounds are also available for use from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily:

  • Clarks Creek Community Park, 5435 Hucks Road

  • Captain Jack, Elizabeth Park, 1100 E. Trade St.

  • Cordelia Park, 600 E. 24th St.

  • First Ward Park, 309 E. Seventh St.

  • Latta Park, 601 E. Park Ave.

  • Nevin Park, 6100 Statesville Road

  • Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St.

  • West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2401 Kendall Drive

  • Veterans Park, 2136 Central Ave.

Park and Recreation - Pools:

The Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center is open 12 p.m. – 6 p.m; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cordelia Pool is open 12 p.m. – 6 p.m; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Double Oaks is located at 2014 Statesville Avenue in Charlotte. The Cordelia Pool is located at 2100 N. Davidson Street in Charlotte.

Park and Recreation - Centers:

The following Park and Recreation Centers and Senior Centers are open to the public seeking relief from the heat. Please visit here for all center locations and hours of operation: Recreation and Senior Centers (mecknc.gov).

  • Bette Rae Thomas, 2921 Tuckaseegee Road

  • David B. Waymer, 14008 Holbrooks Road

  • Eastway Regional, 3150 Eastway Park Drive

  • Mallard Creek, 2530 Johnston Oehler Road

  • Ivory/Baker, 1920 Stroud Park Court

  • Northern Regional Recreation Center 18121 Old Statesville Rd. Cornelius

  • Revolution Park Sports Academy, 1225 Remount Road

  • Tyvola Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road

 
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Libraries:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library locations are generally open to the public from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Click the following link for branch information Branches & Areas of Interest | Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (cmlibrary.org)

Mecklenburg County Fan Initiatives:

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is helping Mecklenburg County seniors and adults receiving disability income by offering free box fans at seven locations listed below. Call the recreation center location closest to you or pre-register online for a date and time to pick up a fan; no walk-ups allowed.  

  • Albemarle Road Recreation Center - 5027 Idlewild Road North, Mint Hill, NC 28227, 980-314-1101 

  • Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center - 2921 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28208, 980-314-1111 

  • David B Waymer Rec/Senior Center - 14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, NC  28079, 980-314-1127 

  • Eastway Regional Rec Center - 3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213, 980-314-3772 

  • Mallard Creek Recreation Center - 2530 Johnston-Oehler Road, Charlotte, NC 28269, 980-314-1121 

  • Southview Recreation Center - 1720 Vilma St., Charlotte, NC  28208, 980-314-1105 

  • Tyvola Senior Center - 2225 Tyvola Road, Charlotte, NC  28210, 980-314-1320 

Mecklenburg County residents 60 and up and adults 18 to 59 who receive disability income can register to pick up a fan while supplies last. Individuals are required to show a valid driver's license or state ID providing proof of age and a current Mecklenburg County address when picking up their fan. Limit one fan per person.  

Fans are provided through a grant from Duke Energy Carolinas.

Preregister for your fan here: ActiveNet - Online Recreation Activities (activecommunities.com) 

Energy Bill Assistance:

Individuals and families in Mecklenburg County who are experiencing a cooling (or heating) energy bill-related crisis, a life-threatening or health-related emergency, and have a past due or final notice can apply for energy bill assistance through the DSS Crisis Intervention Program. Details on the program, including criteria and applications, are available at MeckNC.gov/Energy or call 704-336-3000. Assistance is available year-round or until all funds are exhausted.

Members of the public may also call 211 to receive the latest information regarding home utility and rental assistance options.