City expands indoor shelter and services while air quality remains hazardous
The City of Cleveland is keeping a number of neighborhood recreation facilities open for longer hours through Friday as thick wildfire smoke drifting from Canada pushed air pollution into the region and prompted an advisory from regional air-quality officials.
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency issued a Code Maroon Air Quality Alert for the area Thursday as smoke created hazardous conditions. In response, the Cleveland Department of Parks and Recreation announced extended hours at several Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Centers so residents can access indoor, air-conditioned spaces while outdoor air remains unsafe.
"Code Maroon Air Quality Alert"
The city also announced operational changes while the alert remains in effect: outdoor pools will be closed and playground programs and youth outdoor sports are canceled. Indoor pools that are available will remain open from noon to 7 p.m.
- Six centers will be open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Multiple other centers will operate 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Breakfast service will be provided at selected centers beginning at 10 a.m., and lunch remains available for youth 18 and younger.
City Hall and Public Auditorium will be closed to the public on Friday, per the announcement.
Which centers are open and when
Officials listed addresses for each center to help residents find indoor shelter and services.
| Hours | Center (address) |
|---|---|
| 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Zelma George, 3155 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Collinwood, 16300 Lakeshore Blvd. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Gunning, 16700 Puritas Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Kovacic, 6250 St. Clair Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Frederick Douglass, 15401 Miles Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Michael Zone, 6301 Lorain Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Lonnie Burten, 2511 E. 46th St. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Clark, 5706 Clark Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Cory, 10510 Drexel Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Cudell, 1910 West Blvd. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Estabrook, 4125 Fulton Rd. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Fairfax, 2335 E. 82nd St. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Hamilton, 13200 Kinsman Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Glenville, 680 E. 113th St. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Thurgood Marshall, 8611 Hough Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Sterling, 1380 E. 32nd St. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Earle B. Turner, 11300 Miles Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Stella Walsh, 7345 Broadway Ave. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Woodland, 9206 Woodland Ave. |
Public-health and service implications
Smoke events that trigger a Code Maroon alert pose elevated short-term health risks for all residents, and especially for people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, older adults and children. The city's decision to keep indoor facilities open and to suspend outdoor programming aims to reduce exposure and maintain meal service for youth while the advisory remains in place.
Residents should monitor NOACA updates and follow guidance from health officials. The city’s modified schedule is temporary and tied to the air-quality alert; officials will adjust operations as conditions change.
