South End Guides | Beat the Heat: A Cool-Off Guide for the South End
by Patheresa Wells, with updates by Mark Van Streefkerk
Updated for summer 2024.
Well, it's finally here, the time a lot of us have been waiting for — summer in Seattle.Now, whether we signed up for 90-plus-degree weather is another thing.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning for Western Washington, predicting temperatures of 100 degrees in some parts. While the highest temperatures are supposed to be today, we have about a week ahead of solid 80-degree weather (or higher) where you'll probably be tempted to stick your sheets in the freezer before sleeping. (Yes, you can! Just fold and put in a bag before freezing.)
Seattle is notoriously unprepared for warmer weather. A lot of homes were made without air conditioning, and heat problems are further compounded for unhoused people. As the heat turns up, the City of Seattle has been working on expanding its emergency heat resources. Check those out at the City's official website, and read on for more about avoiding heat sickness, South End spray parks, pools, cooling centers, and more.
Use these links to navigate through the guide:
Know of a place that should be on our list? Let us know at Community@SeattleEmerald.org. This info will be updated, so keep checking back.
Safety
According to Public Health — Seattle & King County, some tips to keep safe in extreme heat include:
- Check on those at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
- Do outdoor activities in the morning and evening, when it's cooler.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
- Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
- Know and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical care immediately if you experience symptoms. Symptoms include:
- High body temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea
- Check the local weather forecast for heat advisory information.
For more about monitoring for heat-related illness, check out the CDC's guidelines. They encourage learning the symptoms to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Where to Cool Off: Beaches, Pools, and Spray Parks
There are a number of options for beaches, pools, and spray parks. A full list can be found on the Seattle Parks and Recreation website.
Below beaches are lifeguarded through Aug. 25, weekdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Because beaches are sometimes closed because of higher bacteria count, it's a good idea to check the water quality at King County's website before you go.
Pritchard Island Beach
8400 55th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118
Open daily from noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends
Madrona Beach
853 Lake Washington Blvd., Seattle, WA 98122
4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Mount Baker Park Beach
2521 Lake Park Dr. S., Seattle, WA 98144
6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wading Pools
These are open when the temperature is forecast to be above 70 degrees. Call the Wading Pool Hotline at 206-684-7796 to verify hours and open/closed status the day of your visit, or follow the SPR Wading Pool Facebook page.
Beacon Hill Playfield
1902 13th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144
Van Asselt Community Center
2820 S. Myrtle St., Seattle, WA 98108
206-386-1921
Pools
Rainier Beach Pool
8825 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118
Check its schedule for hours.
Matt Griffin YMCA Pool
3595 S. 188th St., SeaTac, WA 98188
Call 206-244-5880 to confirm hours.
Tukwila Pool
4414 S. 144th St., Tukwila, WA 98168
Admission is first come, first served. Call 206-267-2350 to determine availability.
Colman Pool (West Seattle)
8603 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle, WA 98136
Check the schedule on the Seattle Parks and Recreation website.
Open daily through Sept. 2. These spray parks will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the week.
Highland Park Playground
1100 SW Cloverdale St., Seattle, WA 98106
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the week
Georgetown Playfield
750 S. Homer St., Seattle, WA 98108
Jefferson Park
3801 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98108
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the week
Judkins Park and Playfield
2150 S. Norman St., Seattle, WA 98144
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the week
Pratt Park
201 20th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42nd Ave. S., Tukwila, WA 98168
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for the 2024 season
Yesler Terrace Park
917 E. Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104
Libraries and Indoor Locations
International District/Chinatown Community Center
719 8th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104
Call to confirm hours, 206-233-0042
Rainier Beach Community Center
8825 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118
Call to confirm hours, 206-386-1925
SeaTac Community Center
13735 24th Ave. S., SeaTac, WA 98168
Call to confirm hours and that AC is working, 206-973-4680
Monday—Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Closed Sunday
The Seattle Public Library South Park Branch
8604 8th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98108
Here is a list of 20 Seattle air conditioned libraries, which include Beacon Hill, International District/Chinatown, and Rainier Beach Branches.
For South King County, check out the KCLS list of air conditioned libraries and their hours.
Other Options
Visit the King County Regional Homelessness Authority website for its guide on severe weather resources for houseless people. See below for current KCRHA info on cooling centers.
There is also a community-sourced Google Map that lists local cooling spots. (This map was made in 2022, so it's a good idea to call ahead first to confirm these spots are still open.) In addition to these locations, check out air-conditioned small businesses within your area. Many coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and bars with air conditioning are comfortable places to hang out during the heat wave. In these instances, it's best to call ahead to confirm!
Patheresa Wells is a queer poet, writer, and storyteller who lives in SeaTac, Washington. Born to a Black mother and Persian father, her experiences as a multicultural child shaped her desire to advocate for and amplify her community. She is currently pursuing a B.A. in creative writing. Follow her on Twitter @PatheresaWells.
Mark Van Streefkerk is a South Seattle-based journalist, freelance writer, and the Emerald's Arts, Culture, & Community editor. He often writes about restaurants, LGBTQ+ topics, and more. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter at @VanStreefkerk.
Featured Image: A group of kids take advantage of the cool water at Beacon Mountain Spray Park at Beacon Hill's Jefferson Park on Saturday, July 30, 2022. (Photo: Susan Fried)
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