As bitter cold approaches, City of Lawrence to open recreation centers as drop-in warming spots

photo by: Nick Gerik

The Community Building, 115 W. 11th St., is pictured June 22, 2019.

With bitterly cold weather forecast for this weekend and next week, the City of Lawrence will be opening its recreation centers and other facilities for use as drop-in warming spots.

As the Journal-World has reported, temperatures are expected to be in single digits with subzero wind chills in coming days.

The city is funding an overnight cold-weather shelter at local hotels and helping operate a campsite with heated tents in Woody Park, and it stated in a news release Friday that the warming centers would continue the city’s work to provide safety and shelter for all residents.

The release says those currently residing at Woody Park will be temporarily moved to a motel, and those receiving overnight shelter at the hotels will be able to stay there throughout the day during the extreme cold period.

The release says it is important for everyone to be prepared and plan for the extremely cold weather and to understand the signs and effects of frostbite and hypothermia. A cold-weather safety page on the city’s website provides tips to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Pets should be moved indoors and provided shelter from the elements during the extreme cold.

Parks and Rec centers and other facilities will be open the following hours for drop-in warming:

Community Building, 115 W. 11th St., 785-832-7920

10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

1-4 p.m. Sunday

Because of construction, entry at the Community Building will be on the southwest side of the building, using the elevator.

East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E. 15th St., 785-832-7950

9 a.m.-noon and 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday

1-4 p.m. Sunday

Public showers are available from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Friday

Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St., 785-832-7940

Noon-7 p.m. Monday-Friday

1-4 p.m. Sunday

Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Lane, 785-330-7355

9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper St., 785-832-7980

9 a.m.-noon Tuesday-Friday

1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Drive, 785-832-7946

6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday