Macon-Bibb County offers cooling centers amid rising temperatures

Local recreation centers provide free water, relief from heat

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — With temperatures set to climb in the days and weeks ahead, Macon-Bibb county and local organizations are teaming up to offer more options for cooling and hydration to those in the community.

The Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department is opening four of its centers to those who are struggling outdoors: L.H. Williams, Memorial Park, Frank Johnson and Rosa Jackson recreation centers.

“Anybody that’s feeling like they are suffering from the extreme heat while passing through our community, they’ll be able to come into our facility and get a bottle of water,” recreation department director Robert Walker said. “They’ll be able to have a seat in our lobby, cool down, use the restroom if need be, and if they decide to leave, that’s on them, as long as it’s during our regular operating hours.”

The Macon-Bibb Emergency Management Agency says that with temperatures so high, it’s not enough to consider just your own health. Director Spencer Hawkins says residents should do all they can to help those who are most vulnerable in the community.

“They still need water, they still need to stay cool, so make a plan for them,” Hawkins said.  “Are you going to bring them into the garage? Is there a shade area you can move them to? And make sure they have plenty of water to drink.”

Click here for hours for each participating recreation center.