Wisconsin extreme heat; Urban Ecology Center offers way to keep cool
Wisconsin extreme heat; Urban Ecology Center offers way to keep cool
The Urban Ecology Center offers a completely free way for families to stay cool and entertain kids from Tuesday through Saturday.
MILWAUKEE - If you are struggling to stay cool and keep children occupied during this extreme heat wave, you have options. In fact, there is a completely free way to cool off in southeast Wisconsin every Tuesday through Saturday.
Keeping cool
What we know:
The Urban Ecology Center locations at Riverside Park, Washington Park and the Menomonee Valley are open to the public.
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From Tuesdays through Fridays, they are open from noon through the early evening. On Saturdays, the Urban Ecology Center is open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Urban Ecology Center
All three locations offer games to borrow and plenty of space to relax and cool off.
What they're saying:
"We’re happy to be a third space for families that need to get out and do something a little different from their day-to-day routine, break up those hot summer days where they might be stuck at home in air conditioning or at home in uncomfortable situations," said Cassie Bauer of the Urban Ecology Center. "A lot of people are surprised that we’re here and we’re free and open to the public."
When the weather cools off, there is plenty of room outside to explore, including trails under the shade of trees.
"I think it’s important for people in the city to have green spaces, where they can connect with nature, connect with other people and really find that there’s peace in the city, when it seems like we’re bustling, especially in the summer," added Bauer.
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Cassie Bauer
Children's Wisconsin says young children are vulnerable as their bodies heat up faster and may not recognize early signs of overheating.
"We often see an uptick in cases of dehydration and heat-related illness during extreme weather events. The good news is that these conditions are largely preventable with proper hydration, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and ensuring access to cool environments. And as always, do not leave children unattended in a vehicle," Children's Wisconsin shared in a statement.
The Source: Information in this post was gathered by a visit to the Urban Ecology Center Riverside Park location, and through an interview with center staff.