Beat the Heat

Posted On: August 8, 2012

Local residents looking to beat the summer heat are welcome to enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of City of Whittier community facilities.

Whittier offers a variety of programs, activities or places to relax and get cool at its many facilities. There is something for all tastes and all ages.

Take a cooling swim at the Palm Park Pool, either by signing up for a swimming class or coming for recreational swim.  As the temperature drops toward the end of the day, residents may also enjoy playing tennis in the evening.  Palm Park is located at 5703 Palm Avenue.

Seniors seeking to beat the heat can enjoy classes, programs or just relaxing in the lounges at the two Senior Centers.  There is always something new and interesting going on to suit every taste. The Uptown Senior Center is located at 13225 Walnut Street, and the Parnell Park Senior Center is at 15390 Lambert Road.

A variety of classes and programs are offered at the two Community Centers, and residents may spend some time learning a new skill or working off that banana split – consumed in a moment of heat-induced weakness - in air-conditioned comfort.  The Whittier Community Center is located at 7630 Washington Avenue, and the Parnell Park Community Center is located at 15390 Lambert Road.

The Whittier Historic Depot, 7333 Greenleaf Avenue, will offer a cooling place to relax.  Tables and chairs will be set up in the meeting room, and residents may settle down with a good book or visit with friends.

After the sun goes down, residents may enjoy a picnic supper under the stars and a delightful selection of musical entertainment for the last of the Summer 2012 Concerts in the Parks.  Bring lawn chairs or blankets, and a variety of food and beverages is available for purchase from vendors at the concerts, so residents do not even have to worry about cooking.

The final concerts of the season will be held Thursday, August 9 at Parnell Park; Monday, August 13 at Central Park; and Thursday, August 16 at Parnell Park.  All concerts are held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Those preferring to cool off in the great outdoors have their choice of many City parks, where they can side in the shade on the cool grass and enjoy a stray breeze.  City parks are generally open from dawn to dusk.

Spend a hot afternoon with a good book or a stack of current magazines at Whittier Main Library, or enjoy one of their many summer programs.  The Main Library is located at 7344 Washington Avenue.

Most City facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, residents may call Palm Park, 562-908-3666; Uptown Senior Center, 562-567-9470; Parnell Community and Senior Center, 562-567-9450; Whittier Community Center, 562-567-9430; Whittier Historic Depot, 562-567-9480; Whittier Main Library, 562-567-9900; or the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, 562-567-9400.