The Hudson Valley has entered the dog days of summer, when alliterative harbingers hot and humid become all too familiar visitors. It can be a dangerous time when the temperatures rise, particularly for those who don’t have the means to keep cool. County and municipal leaders across the region want their neighbors to know they are there for them when summer becomes too intense.
Ulster County operates numerous community cooling centers, where local residents can find respite during heatwaves when the air feels as thick as a wool blanket. Most are open during intense heat lasting at least three straight days, like the weather that hit the Hudson Valley in mid-June. A few stay open day and night to ensure people have an option to stay safe all hours.
“Our first tier response is to remind people that the town hall (4 High Street in Saugerties) lobby is available 24/7 as a cooling center,” said Town of Saugerties Supervisor Fred Costello. “If we or a neighboring community has more need, we can set up the senior center (207 Market Street in Saugerties) as a shelter with as many as 100 cots. We have also set up shelters at fire houses.”
Other county-operated cooling centers include the 2nda Iglesia la Mission Church (80 Elmendorf Street in Kingston); the Trudy Farber Building (50 Center Street in Ellenville); Elting Memorial Library (93 Main Street in New Paltz); Rosendale Recreation Center (1055 Route 32 in Rosendale); Highland Public Library (14 Elting Place in Highland); and New Paltz Church of the Nazarene (170 Route 32 in New Paltz).
Many of these locations are easily accessible on UCAT bus routes. For hours and dates of operation, visit: https://ulstercountyny.gov/emergency-services/cooling-centers.
Many local communities not on the county’s list may also open their doors in extreme weather. In New Paltz, the village hall meeting room (25 Plattekill Avenue) and Family of New Paltz (51 North Chestnut Street) were open during the June heatwave. Woodstock Town Hall (45 Comeau Drive) has also opened as a cooling center in the past.
Lakes, ponds and swimming holes abound in the Hudson Valley, some with lifeguard hours. The village beach on South Partition Street in Saugerties has lifeguards from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. seven days a week through August.
Ulster County also provides lifeguards at its swimming area at Sojourner Truth/Ulster Landing Park (916 Ulster Landing Road in Saugerties), operating daily from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
There are also lifeguards at the Ulster County Pool Complex (241 Libertyville Road in New Paltz), though the pool has been closed since Wednesday, June 26 due to a significant loss of water.
In an interview with Hudson Valley One, assistant deputy county executive Amberly Jane Campbell said the department of public works believed the issue was related to a check/relief valve built into the bottom of the pool.
“They think that’s because of the high water table in the area,” Campbell said.
On Thursday, June 27, a scuba diver from an outside vendor investigated the pool and repaired three damaged check/relief valves. As of press time, there are still issues with the pool, though county officials said they hoped other will reopen this week. For up to date info on pool closure, and lifeguard hours when it reopens, visit: https://ulstercountyny.gov/public-works/ulster-county-pool-complex.
Campbell said she understood that even with the recent heatwave having broken, the pool’s closure might have disappointed local swimmers.
“I know if I wanted to swim, I would be upset,” Campbell said.
In the City of Kingston, Kingston Point Beach in Kingston Point Park recently extended its hours, with lifeguards on duty Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.
Kingston has also opened its Andretta Pool and splash pad (76 North Front Street), free to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, with various open swimming hours. The pool is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays for summer camp swim days. For Andretta Pool schedule information, visit: https://www.kingston-ny.gov/filestorage/8401/55623/Andretta_Pool_Schedule_2024.pdf.
“We are excited to open the beach and pool for our residents this summer, and once again we are able to open both free of charge,” said mayor Steve Noble in a press release.
Whether you’re planning to visit a cooling center or swimming area or not, Campbell offered a series of heat safety tips:
• Check the forecast near you, wear light clothing and sunscreen when outdoors
• Drink more water than normal, even if you’re not thirsty, especially if working outside
• Limit or avoid outside activity/exercise, specifically between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Stay cool and find an air-conditioned space, cooling shelter, or local pool
• Check in on people who are at higher risk — specifically adults 60+, pregnant people, children and people with disabilities
• Keep an eye on pets and provide them with ample shade and water
Learn more about the risks of extreme heat, and how to recognize the signs of heat illness and exhaustion at: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/hot.
If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Stay cool, Hudson Valley.
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