Cooling Centers

Updated on June 29, 2026

Cuyahoga County

The following cooling centers will be open during the heat wave from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.

  • Zelma George Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center, 3155 Martin Luther King Blvd.
  • Collinwood Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center, 16300 Lakeshore Blvd.
  • Gunning Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center, 16700 Puritas Ave.
  • Kovacic Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center, 6250 St. Clair Ave.
  • Michael Zone Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center, 6301 Lorain Ave.
  • Frederick Douglass Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center, 15401 Miles Ave.

 

Lorain County

  • Elyria: The City of Elyria frequently opens its recreation centers during heat waves.
    • South Rec Center: 101 South Park Drive
    • East Rec Center: 1101 Prospect Street
  • Libraries: All Lorain Public Library System branches serve as excellent air-conditioned spaces.
    • Main Branch: 351 W. 6th St., Lorain
    • Avon Branch: 37485 Harvest Drive, Avon
    • Domonkas Branch: 4125 E. Lake Road, Sheffield Lake
    • North Ridgeville Branch: 35700 Bainbridge Road, North Ridgeville
    • Columbia Branch: 13824 W. River Road North, Columbia Station
  • Oberlin Area:
    • Oberlin Public Library: 65 S. Main St., Oberlin
    • First Church: 106 N. Main St., Oberlin
    • OEAC Seniors: 90 N. Professor St., Oberlin

 

Lake County

During periods of extreme heat in Lake County, Ohio, cooling centers are typically set up at local libraries, senior centers, and community centers

Operating hours and activations vary, so it is highly recommended to call ahead or dial 2-1-1 (via Lifeline, Inc.) to confirm availability and locations. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Specific public facilities that serve as designated cooling sites during heat advisories include:

Municipal Community Centers

  • Concord Community Center: 7671 Auburn Road, Concord
  • Mentor-on-the-Lake City Hall: 5860 Andrews Road, Mentor-on-the-Lake
  • Willowick Community Center: 321 E. 314th Street, Willowick
  • Wickliffe Community Center: 900 Worden Road, Wickliffe [1]

Local Senior Centers

  • Mentor Senior Center: 8484 Munson Road, Mentor
  • Willoughby Senior Center: 36939 Ridge Road, Willoughby
  • Eastlake Senior Center: 600 E. 349th Street, Eastlake
  • Madison Senior Center: 2938 Hubbard Road, Madison [1]

Public Libraries

  • Mentor Public Library (Main Branch): 8215 Mentor Avenue, Mentor
  • Eastlake Public Library: 36706 Lake Shore Boulevard, Eastlake
  • Willowick Library: 263 E. 305th Street, Willowick
  • Perry Public Library: 3753 Main Street, Perry
  • Fairport Harbor Public Library: 335 Vine Street, Fairport Harbor

 

Geauga County

In Geauga County, residents seeking relief from extreme temperatures can visit designated public facilities, including 

county library branches and senior centers

These spaces are free, air-conditioned, and open to the public during normal operating hours. [1, 2]

Designated Cooling Locations

  • Geauga County Senior Centers: Open for anyone needing heat relief, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Chardon Senior Center: 12555 Ravenwood Dr, Chardon, OH 44024
    • Middlefield Senior Center: 15820 Ridgewood Dr, Middlefield, OH 44062
    • Bainbridge Senior Center: 17222 Snyder Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  • Geauga County Public Library: All branches have air conditioning and offer free public seating and Wi-Fi.
    • Chardon Branch: 110 E Park St, Chardon, OH 44024
    • Bainbridge Branch: 17222 Snyder Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
    • Geauga West Branch: 13455 Chillicothe Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026
    • Middlefield Branch: 16167 E High St, Middlefield, OH 44062
    • Thompson Branch: 6645 Madison Rd, Thompson, OH 44086 [1, 2]

Community Resources & Assistance

  • Geauga Family YMCA: Located at 12460 Bass Lake Rd, Chardon, OH 44024, the YMCA is heavily air-conditioned and may offer showers, device charging, and water during severe heat events. [1, 2, 3]
  • Geauga County Department on Aging: Assists seniors (age 60+) with cooling resources and heat emergency plans. Call (440) 279-2130. [1, 2, 3]
  • Summer Crisis Program: Low-income households and those with medical conditions aggravated by the heat may qualify for electric bill assistance, fans, or air conditioners through Geauga County Job and Family Services (Call 440-285-9141 to schedule an appointment). [1, 2]

 

Medina County

In Medina County, Ohio, temporary cooling centers are activated during excessive heat events. Key designated relief locations include the 

Medina Community Recreation Center and The Salvation Army of Medina

Year-round, Medina County District Library branches operate as free public cooling locations during regular business hours. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The most reliable places to cool down in the area include:

  • Medina Community Recreation Center
    • Address: 855 Weymouth Road, Medina, OH 44256
    • Details: During extreme heat advisories, the city often opens a designated community room for residents. Restrooms and water fountains are accessible. [1]
  • The Salvation Army of Medina
    • Address: 425 W. Liberty St., Medina, OH 44256
    • Details: Typically opens its doors as a temporary cooling center during heatwaves, supplying cold refreshments. [1, 2, 3]
  • Medina County District Library (Medina Library)
    • Address: 210 S. Broadway St., Medina, OH 44256
    • Details: Open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Branches also located in Brunswick, Lodi, and Wadsworth). [1, 2]