Updated July 29, 2025 – Heat Advisory Extended Through Wednesday
With dangerous heat dome conditions affecting NYC and feels-like temperatures reaching 107°F, finding cool spaces in the Bronx can be life-saving. This comprehensive guide covers all available cooling resources, from public facilities to outdoor water features, specifically for Bronx residents and visitors.
Official NYC Cooling Centers in the Bronx
Active cooling centers are open during heat emergencies. Call 311 or visit maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center/ for current status.
BronxWorks Community Centers
Open During Code Red Alerts (July 1 – August 24):
BronxWorks Betances Cornerstone Community Center
- 547 E 146th St, Bronx, NY 10455
- Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 11 PM; Weekends: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Full air conditioning, accessible
BronxWorks Classic Cornerstone Community Center
- 286 E 156th St, Bronx, NY 10451
- Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 11 PM; Weekends: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Community programming, multilingual staff
BronxWorks St. Mary’s Park Cornerstone Community Center
- 595 Trinity Ave, Bronx, NY 10455
- Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 11 PM; Weekends: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Near St. Mary’s Park spray showers
BronxWorks Carolyn McLaughlin Older Adult Center
- 1130 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456
- Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM; Saturday: 8 AM – 3 PM
- (718) 508-3203
- Specialized services for seniors
BronxWorks Sedgwick/Heights Older Adult Center
- Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Senior-focused cooling space
New York Public Library Branches
All NYPL Bronx locations serve as cooling centers with free WiFi, restrooms, and programs:
Bronx Library Center (Flagship Location)
- 310 E Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx, NY 10458
- Largest library in the Bronx (78,000 sq ft)
- LEED Silver-certified with advanced climate control
- Accessible via B, D trains (Kingsbridge Rd) and Bx1, Bx2, Bx12 buses
- Free computer and internet access
- Extensive Spanish-language collections
Other Major Bronx Library Branches:
- Concourse: 610 Melrose Ave
- Fordham: 2556 Bainbridge Ave
- Hunt’s Point: 877 Southern Blvd
- Morrisania: 610 Melrose Ave
- Tremont: 1866 Washington Ave
Visit nypl.org for complete branch listing and current hours
Additional Cooling Centers
Bronx House Community Center
- 990 Pelham Parkway S, Bronx, NY 10461
- Jewish community center welcoming all people
- Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 10 PM; Weekends: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Fitness facilities, programming, air-conditioned spaces
Public Swimming Pools and Water Recreation
Free NYC Public Pools
Open daily 11 AM – 7 PM (cleaning break 3-4 PM)
Crotona Pool (Largest in Bronx)
- 1700 Fulton Ave at E 173rd St
- Olympic-sized pool (330 x 120 ft)
- Built 1936, fully renovated
- Bathrooms, lockers, nearby spray showers
- Accessible facilities
Van Cortlandt Pool
- 205 W 242nd St at Broadway
- Surrounded by Van Cortlandt Park’s green space
- Bathrooms and showers available
- Less crowded alternative
Mullaly Pool
- E 164th St & Jerome Ave (Concourse Village)
- Central Bronx location
- Near multiple subway lines
Haffen Park Pool
- Ely Ave & E 229th St (Baychester)
- Next to new playground
- Neighborhood favorite with family amenities
Roberto Clemente State Park Pool
- Harlem River at W 150th St
- Olympic-size pool complex
- Waterfront location with river breezes
- $8 entrance fee for out-of-state visitors
- Multiple pools including children’s area
Unique Water Features
Barretto Point Floating Pool
- Tiffany St & Viele Ave, Hunts Point
- NYC’s only floating pool on the East River
- Small but scenic with waterfront views
- Free admission
- Peaceful alternative to crowded pools
Orchard Beach (“Bronx Riviera”)
- Orchard Beach Rd, Pelham Bay Park
- 1.1-mile sandy beach
- NYC’s only public beach in the Bronx
- Concession stands, picnic areas
- Take 6 train to Pelham Bay Park, then Bx12 bus
Splash Pads and Spray Showers
Major Spray Shower Locations
St. Mary’s Park
- E 149th St & St. Ann’s Ave (Mott Haven)
- Large spray shower area beloved by kids
- Shaded playground areas
- Recreation center with programming
Crotona Park Splash Area
- E 173rd St & Fulton Ave
- Multiple water features near playground
- Complements the main pool facility
- Central Bronx location
Tremont Park
- E Tremont Ave & Arthur Ave
- Renovated water play area with footbridge
- Water sprays from multiple angles
- Secondary spray shower at corner location
Van Cortlandt Park Playground
- W 242nd St & Broadway
- Tree-shaded splash pad
- Picnic tables for families
- Less crowded than central Bronx locations
Williamsbridge Oval
- 3225 Reservoir Oval East, Norwood
- $14 million in recent upgrades
- Modern water features
- Accessible design
Starlight Park
- Bronx River between 172nd-174th Streets
- Large spray shower between two playgrounds
- Reopened in 2013 with modern features
- Ball fields and basketball courts nearby
Neighborhood Spray Showers
The Bronx features 102 parks with spray showers. Use the Cool It! NYC map at nycgovparks.org to find the closest one to your location.
Air-Conditioned Public Spaces
Shopping and Retail
The Hub (Major Shopping District)
- 3rd Ave & E 149th St area
- Multiple stores with AC including Target, Rainbow, Foot Locker
- Accessible via 2, 5, 6 trains
- Food court options
Concourse Plaza Multiplex
- 200 Concourse Plaza W
- Full air conditioning, restrooms
- Near Yankee Stadium (161st St subway)
Bronx Terminal Market
- 610 Melrose Ave
- Large shopping complex with multiple stores
- Home Depot, Target, Best Buy all offer extended AC relief
- Ample parking available
Cultural Institutions
Bronx Zoo
- 2300 Southern Blvd
- Multiple air-conditioned buildings and exhibits
- Admission required but many indoor spaces
- Take 2, 5 train to E Tremont Ave
New York Botanical Garden
- 2900 Southern Blvd
- Conservatory and visitor center are fully air-conditioned
- Beautiful alternative to traditional cooling centers
- Seasonal admission rates
Yankee Stadium
- 1 E 161st St
- Public areas and team store are air-conditioned
- Game day offers extended indoor relief
- 4, B, D trains to 161st St-Yankee Stadium
Community Resources and Support
Senior Centers
Many Bronx senior centers provide cooling relief:
- Carolyn McLaughlin Center: 1130 Grand Concourse
- Various DFTA Centers: Call (212) 442-1000 for locations
Religious Institutions
Many churches, mosques, and synagogues open their doors during heat emergencies:
- Contact local religious communities
- Often provide water and light refreshments
- Multilingual welcome in many cases
Recreation Centers
Free membership for children under 18, reduced rates for seniors:
- St. Mary’s Recreation Center: 595 Trinity Ave
- Mullaly Recreation Center: 1035 River Ave
- Williamsbridge Recreation Center: 3225 Reservoir Oval E
Transportation Tips During Heat Waves
Subway Considerations
- Air-conditioned stations: 161st St-Yankee Stadium, Fordham Rd (4,5,6), Concourse-Grand Concourse
- Avoid underground platforms during peak heat hours when possible
- Carry water and seek AC train cars
Bus Routes with AC
All MTA buses are air-conditioned:
- Bx1, Bx2: Grand Concourse routes serving multiple cooling centers
- Bx12: Connects to major pools and libraries
- Bx19: Hub area service
- Bx41-SBS: Limited stops, faster cooling relief
Citi Bike Considerations
- Avoid biking during peak heat (10 AM – 6 PM)
- Plan routes between air-conditioned stops
- Carry extra water
Hydration and Supply Resources
Free Water Sources
NYC Parks Drinking Fountains:
- 950+ fountains citywide, many in Bronx parks
- Bottle-filling stations at major parks
- Cool It! NYC map shows locations
Fire Hydrant Spray Caps:
- Free spray caps available at any FDNY firehouse
- Must be 18+ with valid ID
- Creates neighborhood cooling relief
Emergency Food and Water
During Code Red alerts:
- Red Cross: May activate emergency distribution
- Local Community Organizations: Check with neighborhood groups
- 311: Information on emergency resource locations
Special Considerations
Pet Safety
- Roberto Clemente State Park: Dog-friendly areas with shade
- Van Cortlandt Park: Large dog run with some shaded areas
- Emergency vet clinics: Have AC for pet heat emergencies
Accessibility
Most cooling centers offer:
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Accessible restrooms
- Some ASL interpretation (call ahead)
- Elevators where needed
Language Services
Many Bronx cooling centers provide services in:
- Spanish (most locations)
- Arabic (some community centers)
- Other languages upon request
Emergency Preparedness
Power Outages
If your home loses power during heat waves:
- Go immediately to nearest cooling center
- Don’t use generators indoors
- Check on elderly neighbors
- Call 311 for Con Edison updates
Stay Connected
- Notify NYC: Emergency text alerts
- 311: General information and cooling center status
- Local news: NY1, ABC7, CBS2 for updates
- Social media: @NotifyNYC, @BronxBorough for real-time updates
Community Support Networks
Neighborhood Watch
- Check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors
- Share cooling center information
- Organize carpools to cooling centers
- Exchange contact information for emergencies
Local Organizations
- BronxWorks: Community outreach and support
- Bronx Community Health Network: Health resources
- Local block associations: Neighborhood-specific support
The Bronx community has always looked out for each other. During this dangerous heat wave, that spirit can save lives. Use these resources, share this information with neighbors, and don’t hesitate to seek cool spaces when you need them.
Remember: Spending just 2-3 hours in air conditioning daily can prevent heat-related illness. Plan your cooling center visits, stay hydrated, and check on your community.
For real-time cooling center status, call 311 or visit maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center/. This list represents available resources as of July 29, 2025.
