Local

City of Pittsburgh opens cooling centers in response to rising temperatures

PITTSBURGH — With the mercury rising to at least 90 degrees Wednesday, these temperatures are downright dangerous. The city has opened five cooling centers including one in the South Side Market House to help folks get some relief from the heat.

John Zavacky wants his neighbors to know the Market House is far more than your run of the mill cooling center. It’s a place for the community.

“Unfortunately we can’t get enough people here,” Zavacky tells Channel 11. “I hope those out there listening will come in for a coffee or a nice lunch.”

The center is jam-packed with activities for everyone.

“There is basketball upstairs, games downstairs, ceramics, painting,” Zavacky added. “There’s a lot of activities.”

As volunteers prepared a hot lunch (50 cents if you can afford it), Eileen Werthman led an exercise class. She worries about seniors in this extreme heat, especially those with walkers or canes who can’t get around as easily.

“I wish more people would come,” Werthman tells Channel 11. “Not everyone has AC and sometimes when you have it, it doesn’t always work.

Upstairs, the court was just as cool for a competitive game of pickleball or pick-up basketball. Here, everyone of all backgrounds and ages is welcome.

“Just come down here - you don’t have to know anybody, and everyone is so friendly,” Werthman added.

“All year round it’s wonderful. It’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer,” Zavacky said.

The city also opened 10 rec centers and seven healthy active living senior centers. They’re open until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

For a list, click here.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW