West Hartford Offers Options for Residents to 'Beat the Heat'

Wednesday marked the fourth day of the fourth heatwave of the summer, and with several more sweltering days forecast, the Town of West Hartford issued a press release to let residents know what they can and should do when temperatures soar.

Take Care of Others

Residents should check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and friends who may not have air-conditioning or be able to tolerate heat and humidity to ensure that they are safe during this prolonged period of extreme heat.

Cool Off by Swimming

Spray decks are located at Wolcott, Kennedy, and Fernridge parks, and are free and open daily from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. for children ages 8 and under. 

Pools are located at Kennedy, Fernridge, Eisenhower, and Beachland, and are open Monday through Friday 1-4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Evening swim hours are vary at each pool, visit www.westhartford.org/leisureservices to find out more.

Daily admission rates are $3.25 for West Hartford children and seniors; $4.00 for West Hartford adults; $5.50 for non-resident children; and $6.50 for non-resident adults and senior citizens. Evening rates are $3.00 for West Hartford children and seniors; $3.50 for West Hartford adults; $5.00 for non-resident children; $6.00 for non-resident adults and senior citizens.

Ice Skating

The Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink, which includes a snack bar and game room, has frosty-cold air even in the summer.

Public Skating, for all ages and abilities is available on Monday through Friday, 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Friday night from 7:15-8:45 p.m., and Saturday from 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Adult Only Skating is available June 24-July 19 and August 19-23 for adults 18+ (no freestyle) on Monday through Friday, 9:15-11:15 a.m..

Admission to Veteran's Memorial Rink is $5.25 for West Hartford children (age 12 and younger) and senior citizens (age 65+); $5.75 for West Hartford adults; $6.75 for non-resident children and adults. Skate rentals are $4. For more information, call 521-1573 or visit www.skatevmsr.com.

Cooling Center for Seniors

The Elmwood Senior Center, located within the Elmwood Community Center at 1106 New Britain Avenue, is air-conditioned and a desirable alternative to homes or apartments without AC or sufficient air circulation. The facility is offering free lemonade, bottled water, iced tea and popsicles to help area seniors stay hydrated and keep body temperatures within normal range during this heatwave. Please call the Elmwood Senior Center if assistance is needed at 860-561-8180. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

The West Hartford Senior Center at 15 Starkel Road in Bishop’s Corner also offers an air-conditioned facility with bottled water and coffee. If assistance is needed call 860-561-7583. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Libraries Are an Ideal Place to Beat the Heat

West Hartford's main library and two branches are air conditioned, and full of plenty of activities to keep residents entertained. The following are the hours that each branch is open:

Noah Webster Library (Main Library), 20 South Main St., open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 860-561-6950 with any questions.

Faxon Branch, 1073 New Britain Ave., open Monday and Wednesday from 1 to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 860-561-8200 with questions.

Bishops Corner Branch (adjacent to West Hartford Senior Center), 15 Starkel Rd., open Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday 1 to 9 p.m.; Thursday 1 to 5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 860-561-8210 with any questions.