Mayor Brett Smiley Announces Expanded Cooling Activities Throughout Providence for Fourth of July Weekend and Beyond
City partners with Providence Children’s Museum, Roger Williams Parks Zoo and local institutions to help residents and visitors stay safe during historic heat wave
PROVIDENCE, RI — Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Executive Director of Providence Children’s Museum, Caroline Payson today announced expanded cooling activities and spaces across Providence ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, as extreme heat is expected to impact Providence. City departments, community partners local organizations and businesses are working together to provide additional air-
“We are taking every action possible to protect our neighbors from this extreme heat,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “The City is working tirelessly to provide support during these unprecedented conditions for our community, especially our most vulnerable neighbors, including children, older adults and residents without reliable access to air conditioning. By expanding cooling resources, extending access to pools and waterparks and partnering with local institutions to offer free and family-friendly options, we are making sure Providence residents have safe places to go and cool down during this Fourth of July weekend during this extreme heat wave.”
Residents are encouraged to spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, drink water frequently and check on older adults, neighbors and anyone living alone. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency related to the heat should call 911 immediately.
“The Providence Children’s Museum has always been a sanctuary for play, and during a severe weather event like this, we want to ensure we are a sanctuary for health and community safety as well,” said Executive Director of Providence Children’s Museum, Caroline Payson. “By opening our doors for free in partnership with Mayor Smiley and the City, we hope to relieve some of the stress local families face during severe heat waves.”
To support Providence’s most vulnerable neighbors, the City has also awarded $75,000 through an expedited process to expand cooling resources and shelters through the summer season. Awards include $15,000 to support 30 additional weather-
Cooling resources available this week include:
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Cooling Centers: There are several cooling centers open across the City of Providence. Please be sure to check the hours of operations before visiting. Need transportation to a cooling center? Call the Providence Police non-emergency line at 401-272-3121.
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Pools & Water Parks: The City’s pools and water parks will have extended hours this week. For a full list of pool and waterpark locations, visit the Eat, Play, Learn PVD website.
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Providence Children’s Museum: Sponsored by Mayor Brett Smiley, the Providence Children’s Museum will be free of charge Thursday 7/2, Friday 7/3 and Sunday 7/5 for Providence families. Please note that the museum will be closed on Saturday, July 4th in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
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Roger Williams Park Zoo: Due to the extreme heat forecast, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is free for admission Thursday 7/2 and Friday 7/3 with water play, misting stations and indoor exhibits. Saturday 7/4 is the first Saturday of the month and free to Providence neighbors with proof of residency.
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Providence Place Mall: Providence Place Mall is currently home to the RI Small Business Village presented by Skills for Rhode Island’s Future where more than 40 local makers, artisans and small businesses have created a local shopping experience in the heart of Downtown.
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Cultural Institutions: Take a break from the heat while exploring Providence’s cultural institutions.
*Admission fees may apply and hours may be impacted by the holiday.
Heat Safety Tips
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Drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
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Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces.
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Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
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Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
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Check on older adults, neighbors and anyone living alone.
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Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
For more information, please visit the City’s website. Stay informed on upcoming weather events or possible storms by following City of Providence, PEMA, and Providence Recreation Department social media platforms.
Need Help?
For non-emergency heat-related assistance, including transportation to a cooling center or other heat-related concerns, call 401-272-3121.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
