In Extreme Heat Warning, Cooling Options Available for Residents

Published on June 23, 2025

With a multi-day heat wave upon us, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the City of Syracuse will open cooling centers for extended hours at two city community centers. The Cecile Community Center at 174 W. Seneca Turnpike and the Magnarelli Community Center at 2308 Grant Boulevard will be open for cooling from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday.

The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning beginning today through Wednesday. Governor Hochul also declared a State of Emergency for Onondaga County and 9 other New York counties.

In addition to the Cecile and Magnarelli centers, a list of other cooling centers is available online at the New York State Health Department website. Sites include Onondaga County Public Library branches in neighborhoods around the city. Users should call ahead to confirm hours and availability. The air-conditioned facilities are available for residents from any city neighborhood who need relief from the anticipated record-breaking temperatures.

In addition to cooling centers, city pools have opened at Upper Onondaga Park, Kirk Park, McKinley Park, Burnet Park, Lincoln Park and Wilson Park. The pools will operate from 3 to 6 p.m.  During the heat emergency, 3 pools will open early. McKinley and Burnet Park pools will open at Noon. Wilson Park pool will open at 1p.m.

“With temperatures climbing into the dangerous 90s and an Extreme Heat Warning in effect for our region, the safety of Syracuse residents is our top priority. We are opening cooling centers to provide relief for our community members, including seniors, families with young children, and those without access to adequate air conditioning,” said Mayor Walsh. “As advised by the National Weather Service, people should drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun as much as possible and check on friends and relatives regularly.”

Non-profit agencies who provide services to the homeless report they are focusing field outreach on conducting wellness checks, distributing water and encouraging housing vulnerable people to take advantage of available indoor shelter services.

Older adults needing information on Senior Cooling Centers may contact the Onondaga County Office of Adult and Long-Term Care at 315-435-2362.  If you are experiencing a health emergency, call 9-1-1.

The City also offers spray features at parks around the city for cooling off. See below for a full list of sites.

City of Syracuse Spray Features

• Burnet Park Spray Mister (self-activated), located on the playground.
• Comfort Tyler Park Spray Feature, located next to the playground.
• Frazer School Mister Pole, located behind the school.
• Lewis Park Spray Block (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), located on the playground.
• Onondaga Park – Lower, Spray Feature (self-activated), located by the playground.
• Onondaga Park – Upper, Spray Feature located near the playground
• McKinley Park Spray Area, located just outside of the pool.
• Schiller Park Spray Feature, located next to the pool.
• Skiddy Park Spray Mister, located near the playground.
• Sunnycrest Park Spray Mister (self-activated), located on the playground.
• Thornden Park Spray Feature, located just outside the pool.
• Union Park Spray Feature, located next to the playground.
• Washington Square Park Spray Feature (self-activated), located next to the pavilion.
• Wilson Park Spray Block, located near the pool.

Burnet Park and Sunnycrest Park Golf Courses will be open today and tomorrow from 7 am to 12 p.m. All outdoor fitness classes are cancelled for today and tomorrow, including tonight's Walk with the Commissioners.