Beat the Heat in Portland Neighborhoods

Beat the heat with these tips from Portland Parks...

Portlanders can find relief from the extended forecast of hot temperatures arriving this weekend by taking refuge in their city's parks and pools. From a shady walk in Forest Park to a movie or concert in your neighborhood park, from a dip in a community pool to a splash in a spray fountain, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) offers many free or inexpensive opportunities to escape from the heat.

To help the public beat the summer heat, in addition to PP&R's thirteen public pools, there are free spray features in several city parks to help children have a safe and cool summer. For those that prefer parks and trails to pools, there are also thousands of shade-providing trees and over 10,000 acres of parks and natural areas where Portlanders can catch a breeze.

In addition, PP&R is offering free summer entertainment in many Portland neighborhood parks this week, including Movies in the Park and the Summer Concert series, where you can join your neighbors in the refreshing cool of your local park while enjoying family entertainment. The full schedule of free movies and concerts is available online at portlandparks.org.

For members of the public participating in sports and other strenuous activities during extreme hot weather, Parks officials advise them to follow these guidelines:

•  Drink plenty of fluids. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Aside from water, you may want to look into a sport drink with electrolytes to assist your body in regulating fluids. Caffeinated drinks are diuretics and will work against you. Drinking ice cold drinks causes the body to work harder than if you drink cool, but not iced drinks.

• Eat light. Bananas are a good choice as they have potassium. This also supports your body in maintaining our normal electrolyte balance and reduces the likelihood of muscle cramps.

• Shade. Get in the shade when possible. Minimize time in the direct sun. Wear hats with big brims, or use an umbrella if you are going to be somewhere w/o trees or other cover. Some PP&R facilities, such as skateparks, offer limited shade cover and the sun reflection off surfaces is increased.

• Reschedule sports activities. Plan your outdoor games and activities early in the day or in the evening to avoid the most intense hours of sun exposure.

• Sunscreen. Protect your skin from the nasty UV rays. Long term damage from short term sun exposure have been linked to skin cancer. Oregon has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in our nation.

In the event of heat-related emergencies, especially fainting, extraordinary dehydration, inability to catch your breath, or an irregular heartbeat, dial 911. Dial 211 if you need free help to identify or access health and social services.


Places to Cool Down in Portland Parks
Indoor and Outdoor Pools (call for hours)

Buckman Pool - Indoor
320 SE 16th Avenue, 503.823.3668

Columbia Pool - Indoor
7701 N Chautauqua Blvd., 503.823.3669

Creston Pool - Outdoor
SE 44th Avenue & Powell Blvd., 503.823.3672

East Portland Pool - Indoor
740 SE 106th Avenue, 503.823.3450

Grant Pool - Outdoor
NE 33rd Avenue & US Grant Place, 503.823.3674

Matt Dishman Pool - Indoor
77 NE Knott Street, 503.823.3673

Montavilla Pool - Outdoor
8219 NE Glisan Street, 503.823.4101

Mt. Scott Pool - Indoor
5530 SE 72nd Avenue, 503.823.3183

Peninsula Pool - Outdoor
700 N Rosa Parks Way, 503.823.3620

Pier Pool - Outdoor
N Seneca St & St Johns Avenue, 503.823.3678

Sellwood Pool - Outdoor
7951 SE 7th Avenue, 503.823.3679

Southwest Pool - Indoor
6820 SW 45th Avenue, 503.823.2840

Wilson Pool - Outdoor
1151 SW Vermont Street, 503.823.3680


Spray features in neighborhood parks (available all regular park hours)

Columbia Park, N. Lombard Street and Woolsey Avenue
Essex Park, SE 79th Avenue & Center Street
Earl Boyles Park, SE 112th Avenue & Boise Street
Grant Park, NE 33rd Avenue & US Grant Place
Kenton Park, 8417 N. Brandon Avenue
McCoy Park, N Trenton Street & Newman Avenue
Northgate Park, N Geneva Avenue & Fessenden Street
Peninsula Park, N. 700 Rosa Parks Way
Pier Park, N Lombard Street & Bruce Avenue
Raymond Park, SE 118th Avenue & Raymond Street
Woodlawn Park, NE 13th Avenue & Dekum Street