Albemarle County will open cooling centers on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26, to provide relief from extreme heat.

The cooling center locations are:

• Yancey Community Center at 7625 Porters Road in Esmont.
• Greenwood Community Center at 865 Greenwood Road in Crozet.

Operating hours at both cooling centers are 9 am to 6 pm. Each will provide air-conditioned spaces ideal for those seeking a cool environment to rest and hydrate. All cooling centers are ADA-compliant and accessible to individuals with disabilities.

In addition to the designated cooling centers, the lobbies of both County Office Buildings (401 McIntire Road and 1600 5th Street) are also open to the public. Please note that the McIntire County Office Building will be closed on Saturday, but the County 5th Street Building, County Libraries, and City of Charlottesville's Cooling Centers will be open.

Additionally, Albemarle County is waiving fees for public swimming beaches through Friday and Saturday. Cool off at Chris Greene Lake Park, Mint Springs Valley Park, or Walnut Creek Park from 10 am to 6 pm.

Read more about extreme heat safety and preparedness here.

Cooling Center FAQs

Q: Are pets allowed in the cooling centers?
A: Only service animals are permitted.

Q: Will I be able to charge a cellphone or laptop at these locations?
A: Limited charging outlets are offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Q: Do all locations have access to Wi-Fi?
A: Yes.

Q: Do all locations have public bathrooms?
A: Yes.

Q: Will there be any restrictions on who can use the cooling centers?
A: No, the public is welcome to use the cooling centers within the set locations and hours.

Q: What is the capacity of each location?
A: At Yancey Community Center, capacity is 328 between the cafeteria and gymnasium. At Greenwood Community Center, capacity is 426 between both the upper and lower floors.