Minneapolis Park Board Addresses Closure of Non-Air-Conditioned Rec Centers Amid Heatwave Concerns

Minneapolis Rec centers Close as Heat and Water Quality Concerns Rise

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Sweltering heat and concerning water quality have prompted the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to take decisive action, closing multiple recreational facilities and beaches across the city. The closures impact access to vital cooling centers and popular summer destinations as temperatures soar.Five Minneapolis recreation centers – 40th Street,Hiawatha School,Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., peavey, and Morris – were shuttered Friday afternoon as indoor temperatures climbed above 93 degrees. The board utilizes a computer tracking system linked to heat sensors in each center,automatically triggering closures to ensure participant safety.

“It’s too hot for programs, it’s too hot to be in here,” explained board representative Thompson, adding that notifications are issued when the heat index reaches 90 degrees to alert scheduled users.

The closures highlight a long-standing challenge: many of Minneapolis’ older rec centers lack air conditioning. Retrofitting these buildings is a critically important financial undertaking, ranging from $250,000 to $400,000 per facility, depending on size. While the board aims to install AC in at least one rec center annually, officials hope to expedite the process. McRae Rec Center received an upgrade last year, with Stewart Rec Center currently undergoing installation, and 40th Street slated for next year.

“A place to keep cool, a place to be safe, to breathe clean air,” stated Minneapolis resident Shuknecht, whose children suffer from asthma, emphasizing the critical need for climate-controlled spaces, especially during periods of poor air quality. Last week, the city experienced five consecutive days with high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.

Beyond the heat, water quality issues are impacting access to Minneapolis lakes. At least five beaches are currently closed, including the 32nd Street beach at Lake Maka Ska, due to algae or bacteria pollution. the board is implementing strategies to manage stormwater runoff, diverting it into gardens and basins, but no timeline for reopening the beaches has been announced.

“We were so surprised when we got here,” said Kaitlyn Willett, a visitor from St. Louis Park, reflecting the disappointment of many hoping to enjoy the city’s lakes.

Understanding the Growing Challenge: Heat and Recreation

These closures underscore a growing trend nationwide: the increasing strain on public recreational resources due to climate change.Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense, demanding proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations.

The Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities tend to experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the concentration of concrete and asphalt, exacerbating the impact of heat waves.
Equity Concerns: Lack of access to cooling centers disproportionately affects low-income communities and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.* Long-Term Solutions: Investing in resilient infrastructure, such as air conditioning and improved stormwater management, is crucial for ensuring the continued viability of public recreation spaces in a changing climate.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s response – while reactive in the short term – demonstrates a commitment to addressing these challenges. Continued investment in upgrades and proactive planning will be essential to safeguarding public health and ensuring equitable access to recreational opportunities for all Minneapolis residents.

What specific criteria led the MPRB too decide to close recreation centers, rather than implement other cooling measures?

Understanding the Recent Rec Center Closures

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has proactively closed several of its recreation centers lacking air conditioning due to the ongoing and forecasted extreme heatwave. This decision, announced August 8th, 2025, impacts access to vital community resources, particularly for vulnerable populations. The closures prioritize public safety, acknowledging the dangers of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially for seniors, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.This isn’t the first time extreme heat has prompted such measures; similar considerations where made during the summer of 2023, highlighting a recurring challenge.

Which Minneapolis Rec centers Are Affected?

Currently,the following Minneapolis recreation centers are closed to the public until further notice:

Longfellow Recreation Center: Located in the Longfellow neighborhood.

Northeast Recreation center: Serving the Northeast Minneapolis community.

Waite Park Recreation Center: Situated in the Waite Park area.

Hiawatha Recreation Center: Providing services to the Hiawatha neighborhood.

The MPRB website (https://www.minneapolisparks.org/) provides the most up-to-date list of closures and reopening information. Residents are encouraged to check the site frequently for updates as the heat advisory continues.

Why Non-Air-conditioned Centers Pose a Risk

Non-air-conditioned buildings can quickly become dangerously hot during prolonged heatwaves.Indoor temperatures can rise to levels that significantly increase the risk of:

Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and muscle cramps.

Heatstroke: A life-threatening condition characterized by high body temperature,confusion,seizures,and loss of consciousness.

Exacerbation of Existing Conditions: individuals with heart disease, respiratory problems, or other health issues are particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.

The MPRB’s decision reflects a commitment to preventative measures and prioritizing the well-being of Minneapolis residents. Heat safety is paramount.

Choice Cooling Centers and Resources

The MPRB is actively working to mitigate the impact of thes closures by directing residents to alternative cooling locations:

1. Open Minneapolis Recreation Centers: Centers with air conditioning remain open and are offering extended hours where possible. A full list is available on the MPRB website.
2. Minneapolis Public libraries: All Minneapolis Public Library locations are open during regular hours and provide a cool, air-conditioned surroundings.
3. Cooling Stations: The City of Minneapolis has activated several cooling stations throughout the city. Locations and hours can be found on the city’s emergency preparedness website.
4. Community Centers: Some community centers, independent of the MPRB, may also offer cooling spaces. Check with local organizations for availability.

The Long-Term Solution: Funding for Air Conditioning

The recurring need to close rec centers during heatwaves highlights a critical infrastructure gap. The MPRB has been advocating for increased funding to retrofit existing facilities with air conditioning systems.

Capital Enhancement Plan: The MPRB’s Capital Improvement Plan includes proposals for air conditioning upgrades, but funding approval is subject to city council and mayoral approval.

Grant Opportunities: The board is actively pursuing state and federal grant opportunities to secure funding for these projects.

Community Advocacy: Local community groups are organizing to raise awareness and advocate for increased investment in recreation center improvements.

Impact on Minneapolis Parks Programs

The closures are impacting a range of summer programs typically held at the affected recreation centers, including:

Youth Programs: Summer camps, sports leagues, and other youth activities have been temporarily suspended or relocated.

Senior Programs: Senior lunches, fitness classes, and social gatherings have been affected.

Community Events: Scheduled events at the closed centers have been postponed or canceled.

The MPRB is working to reschedule programs and events whenever possible and is providing refunds for canceled activities. Parks and recreation are vital to community wellbeing.

First-Hand Accounts & Community Response

Local residents have expressed mixed reactions to the closures. while acknowledging the necessity of prioritizing safety, some have voiced concerns about the disruption to their routines and the loss of access to valuable programs. “It’s frustrating, but I understand they’re doing what’s best for everyone,” said Maria Sanchez, a Longfellow resident who regularly attends senior fitness classes at the Longfellow Recreation Center. “I just hope they can get air conditioning installed soon.”

Staying Safe During the Heatwave: Practical Tips

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Seek Shade: Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10 am – 4 pm).

Wear Lightweight clothing: choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Ensure that elderly or disabled neighbors are safe and have access to cooling resources.

Recognize the Signs of Heat Illness: Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and seek medical