Local organizations to provide cooling centers and hydration stations during this week’s heat wave

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – With the National Weather Service issuing an Extreme Heat Warning this week, Kalamazoo area officials are gearing up to provide resources for those who might not normally have a spot to stay cool.

The most current forecast calls for the actual temperatures to reach the low to mid 90’s every day through Friday. In combination with these high actual temperatures, the humidity is also predicted to be high, causing the heat index to reach 100 to 105 degrees each day. Temperatures are expected to drop during the evening hours, but remain in the 70’s.

For individuals who do not have access to a cool location, the following cooling shelters and cooling centers will be available next week during their listed hours of operation.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome. A valid state-issued ID or Kalamazoo County identification showing residency within the Kalamazoo metropolitan area is required for shelter utilization. For additional information, call (269) 345-2974.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 4 PM.
No identification or residency requirements for cooling center use. Guests may remain and transition directly into dinner service.

Ministry with Community
500 N. Edwards St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcomed between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is no identification or residency requirement for cooling center use. Pets are permitted if they remain under their owner’s immediate control and are not aggressive.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Central Library
315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays, Closed on Sunday

Kalamazoo Public Library – Washington Square Branch
1244 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Eastwood Branch
1112 Gayle Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 1 PM – 8 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Alma Powell Branch
308 W. North St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Tuesdays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Oshtemo Branch
7265 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Open 10 AM – 8 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

The Salvation Army Kalamazoo
1700 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 9 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday (closed from 12 PM – 1 PM each day)
Service animals permitted; no other pets allowed.

Portage District Library
300 Library Ln., Portage, MI 49002
Open 9 AM – 9 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays,
Closed on Sundays.

Portage Zhang Senior Center
203 E. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002
Open 8 AM – 5 PM Mondays and Fridays, 7 AM – 7:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 2 PM – 5 PM on Sundays. Closed on Saturdays.
*Service dogs permitted; no other pets allowed.

Comstock Community Center
6330 King Hwy., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 8 AM – 4 PM Monday through Thursday. Open 8 AM – 12 PM on Fridays. Closed on
Saturdays and Sundays.
May close during severe weather if staff safety becomes a concern.

Free Public Hydration Stations

Residents can access free drinking water at the following public hydration stations:

Dr. Martin Luther King Park
507 N Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Bronson Park
200 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Southside Park
2156 Race St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Fire Hydrants Open for Cooling

When the heat index reaches 100 degrees, the City of Kalamazoo strategically opens twelve designated fire hydrants to provide additional relief for residents.

• Fox Ridge Apartments
• Interfaith Apartments
• Norway Ave. at Princeton Ave.
• Burrell Ave. at Lawrence St.
• Krom St. at E Clay St.
• N Church St. at Norway Ave.
• Fairbanks Ave. at Center St.
• Charlotte Ave. at Sherwood Ave.
• Clarence St. at Jackson St.
• Washington Ave. at March St.
• Hays Park Ave. at James St.
• Hays Park Ave. at March St.

Public Water Recreation Areas

Residents may also cool off at these public water recreation facilities:

Kik Pool
1018 Walter St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1:30 PM – 6 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 PM– 8 PM, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:30 PM – 7 PM.

La Crone Park Splash Pad
535 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Florence Street Splash Pad
534 Florence St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007