Cool Sweep: Relief from summer heat
About
Cool Sweep is the City of Rochester’s seasonal public safety initiative designed to help residents stay safe and comfortable during periods of extreme summer heat.
When temperatures are forecasted to reach 85°F or higher, the City activates Cool Sweep to provide free access to cooling resources across Rochester. The program offers a variety of options for residents to beat the heat, including:
- Spray parks and features
- Swimming opportunities
- Air-conditioned facilities
Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with health conditions. Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, as temperatures can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.
The Cool Sweep season runs July 1 through September 2.
Cool Sweeps will be initiated only on Mondays through Fridays during that time period. Cool Sweeps will not be activated on weekends or on City-recognized holidays.
During a Cool Sweep, residents can escape the heat in City pools and spray parks, Durand Eastman Beach, R- Center Cooling Areas and library branches during the following schedules:
Spray parks
Open daily 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Carter Street R-Center, 500 Carter St.
- Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus St.
- David F. Gantt R-Center, 700 North St.
- Thomas P. Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Ave.
- Roxie Ann Sinkler R-Center, 75 Grover St.
- Tyshaun Caudwell Center for Hope, 524 Campbell St.
- Humboldt R-Center, 1045 Atlantic Ave.
Spray features (for children ages 6 and younger)
Open daily 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Fourth and Peck Playground, Corner of Fourth and Peck Streets
- Troup Street Park, Troup Street and Van Auker Street (between Reynolds Street and Ford Street)
- Currently closed for construction: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 353 Court St. at the play area
Swimming opportunities
- Durand Eastman Beach, 1342 Lakeshore Blvd., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; For daily water conditions and to ensure the beach is open for swimming, call the Monroe County Beach Information Line at (585) 753-5887. The hotline is updated each morning.
- Genesee Valley Park Sports Complex Pool, 131 Elmwood Ave.
- Adams St. R-Center pool, 85 Adams St.
- Trenton & Pamela Jackson R-Center pool, 485 Clinton Ave.
- Willie Lightfoot R-Center pool, 271 Flint St.
- Avenue D R-Center pool, 200 Avenue D
Learn more: City swimming pool hours
City branch libraries
- Arnett Branch, 310 Arnett Blvd., (585) 428-8214;
- Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., (585) 428-7300;
- Charlotte Branch, 3557 Lake Ave., (585) 428-8216;
- Frederick Douglass Community Library, 971 South Ave., (585) 428-8206;
- Lincoln Branch, 851 Joseph Ave., (585) 428-8210;
- Lyell Branch, 956 Lyell Ave., (585) 428-8218;
- Maplewood Community Library, 414 Lexington Ave. (Temporary Location), (585) 428-8220;
- Monroe Branch, 809 Monroe Ave., (585) 428-8202;
- Phillis Wheatley Community Library, 33 Dr, Samuel McCree Way, (585) 428-8212;
- Sully Branch, 530 Webster Ave., (585) 428-8208;
- Winton Branch, 611 N. Winton Rd., (585) 428-8204
Learn more: City library locations and hours
R-Center cooling areas
Monday to friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Adams Street R-Center, 85 Adams St.
- Avenue D R-Center, 200 Avenue D
- Carter Street R-Center, 500 Carter St.
- Trenton & Pamela Jackson R-Center, 485 N. Clinton Ave.
- David F. Gantt R-Center Gym, 700 North St.
- Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus St.
- Lightfoot R-Center, 271 Flint St.
- Roxie Ann Sinkler R-Center, 75 Grover St.
- Frederick Douglas R-Center, 999 South Ave.
- Rochester Community Sports Complex (RCSC), 460 Oak St.
- *Sports Complex hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday
During a heat advisory, the National Weather Service recommends residents observe the following precautions and preparations:
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true dur`ing hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
Families are reminded to take precautions during the hot weather to care for themselves and their families.
