Where to stay cool during the hot spell

With the temperatures finally rising here in Bellevue, staying cool is a number one safety issue during hot summer days. The city of Bellevue has a number of designated cooling centers equipped with air conditioning that are open to the public during the hottest days.

July 8, 2010 12:56 pm

With the temperatures finally rising here in Bellevue, staying cool is a number one safety issue during hot summer days. The city of Bellevue has a number of designated cooling centers equipped with air conditioning that are open to the public during the hottest days.

Crossroads Community Center: 16000 NE 10th St., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Highland Community Center: 14224 Bel-Red Road, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

North Bellevue Community Center: 4063 148th Ave. NE, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

South Bellevue Community Center: 14509 SE Newport Way, Mon – Thurs, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents can reach the Bellevue Parks & Community Services from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 425-452-6885 with any additional questions.

Bonus Tips

Spray Play

For the kids, enjoy the Water Spray Playground at Crossroads International Park. This playground is open all year, spraying water from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. There is no standing water; the water is potable and low volume. The playground provides for all levels of physical abilities.

Pool Side

The Bellevue Aquatic Center features an open swim from 1-4 p.m. on most days of the week. For a complete schedule, visit the website at http://bellevuewa.gov/aquatic_center.htm. The Bellevue Aquatic Center is located at 601 143rd Ave. NE. Contact Julie Byers at 425.452.4444 for more information.

Beach Time

Enatai Beach Park at 3519 108th Ave. SE offers swimming, a picnic area, canoe and kayak rentals and more. A lifeguard is on duty through Labor Day from noon to 7 p.m. To make picnic reservations, call 425.452.6914.

Summer Reads

Enjoy the latest summer read while staying cool in the Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. NE, www.kcls.org. Call 425.450.1765 for more information.

Shop and Sip

Cool off while checking out the latest shops at The Bellevue Collection at NE 8th Street and Bellevue Way. The air conditioned shopping center includes retail shops, restaurants, a movie theater, bowling alley and arcades at Lucky Strike Lanes and PowerPlay. For the whole scoop, visit http://bellevuesquare.com/.

Other shops and stores throughout the Bellevue area likely are air-conditioned, too.