As temperatures rise, Albuquerque families have more options to help beat the heat. The city has opened its newest splash pad at the brand-new Westgate Community Center and is adding another one at the Alamosa Community Center, expanding Albuquerque’s network of aquatic facilities.
“Our splash pads are an active and convenient way to stay cool with the entire family as temperatures rise,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “With all of the new investments made for Albuquerque families in recent years, we’ve got you covered in all quadrants across the city.”
Albuquerque has already hit 100 degrees five times this summer, reaching these triple digits a month earlier than last year. According to the National Weather Service, here’s how many days it has reached at least 100 degrees in Albuquerque over the past few years:
2018 – 3 days
2019 – 2 days
2020 – 5 days
2021 – 5 days
2023 – 17 days
According to the Environmental Health Department, over 60,000 emergency room visits are made each year in the metro due to heat-related illnesses. The department recommends several tools to help keep residents safe this summer:
Heat Stroke: Body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, nausea, dizziness, and a fast, strong pulse.
Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, clammy skin, and a fast, weak pulse.
The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App can alert users to potentially hazardous conditions and provide suggestions for staying safe while outlining signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. Additionally, residents can download and print the City’s Beat the Heat flyer.
The city has activated “Operation Cooldown 2024” twice this year on days where high temperatures were predicted to reach at least 100 degrees. During these activations, sprinklers are turned on in selected parks across each quadrant of Albuquerque. This initiative provides families with a fun and no-cost way to cool off.
“More splash pads mean more family fun,” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon. “City pools are also open and offer great options for recreational swim, lap swim and swim lessons. We’re also watching the forecast and will activate Operation Cooldown sprinklers in parks if the mercury hits 100.”
Albuquerque’s splash pads are open for the season with varying hours (excluding holidays):
Cesar Chavez – free
7505 Kathryn SE
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays
-Dynamic play zones for various ages
-50-gallon dump bucket
-Spray rings
Civic Plaza – free
7521 Carmel NE
7 days a week; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-Several lighted geysers
Manzano Mesa – $20 annual multi-gen membership required
501 Elizabeth SE
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays
-Several dump buckets
-Spray rings
-Deck jets
North Domingo Baca – free
7521 Carmel NE
10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week
-Three rows of spray jets that vary in heights
Wells Park – Closed until park construction is complete in 2025
500 Mountain NW
Westgate – free
10001 De Vargas SW
10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday;
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