Beat the heat – enjoy one of Iowa City’s many public spaces to cool off.

Hot and humid weather with heat index values near and above 100 degrees are in the forecast for the Iowa City area for the next few days and a heat advisory is in effect. The City of Iowa City reminds residents and visitors that several City facilities are available for the public to enjoy while staying cool. 

Recreation Center

The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert St., offers air-conditioned space and a variety of indoor opportunities. Note that open gym time is limited due to summer programming. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Mercer Park Aquatic Center/Scanlon Gym, 2701 Bradford Drive, offers similar amenities as Robert A. Lee, including a pool. The facility is open Monday through Friday 6:15 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 6:15 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

City Pools

The City's three pools provide opportunities to escape the heat. The drop-in swim fee is $4 per person. Swim passes are also available. View the pool schedule online. 

• City Park Pool,  200 Park Rd. (Twilight swims held from 5-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri. for $2.)
• Robert A. Lee Pool, 220 S. Gilbert St.
• Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Dr. 

Splash and Spray Pads

Splash and spray pads are open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and require no fee.

• Wetherby Park, 2400 Taylor Dr.
• Fairmeadows Park, 2500 Miami Dr.
• Tower Court Park, 1124 Tower Ct.

Public Library

The Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., is available for people to cool off while starting a new book or browsing a variety of materials for check out. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6  p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The ICPL Bookmobile may pause services during extreme weather. Learn more about the Bookmobile's operational hours at ICPL.org/Services/Bookmobile.

 Senior Center

The Senior Center, 28 S. Linn St., is open to the public between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Visitors can learn about the many programs available for all ages or grab a book from the Center’s library.