Lawrence Parks and Recreation urges the community to take precautions as the city faces an extreme heat warning for the remainder of the week.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning through 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4 with heat index values near 104 degrees this week. High temperatures in the mid-90s are in the forecast through the remainder of the week and into next week.
The Community Building, 115 W. 11th St., is available free of charge and is generally open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays; however, it will be closed Saturday, July 4 for the holiday.
Visitors can obtain a free pass at the front desk, according to a social media post from Parks and Rec.
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Lawrence Transit buses remain fare-free and air-conditioned, allowing riders to board at any stop and stay cool while traveling through the city.
City splash pads are free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lyons Park, 700 Lyon St., and Burroughs Creek Park, 900 E. 15th St.
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The Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., is usually open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, but the library will be closed Saturday and Sunday, July 4 and 5, for the holiday weekend.
The Homeless Resource Center, 944 Kentucky St., is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays except for Wednesdays, when it’s open from 3 to 5 p.m.
The Lawrence Community Shelter, 3655 E. 25th St., is available for residents who need a place to stay overnight.
City pools offer another way to beat the heat. Daily admission to the aquatic centers is $7 for ages 3-17 and 60 and older, and $8 for ages 18-59.
The Lawrence Aquatic Center, 727 Kentucky St., is open 1 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, including on the July 4 holiday.
The Indoor Aquatic Center, at 4706 Overland Drive, is open from 6:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 4 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, but it will be closed Saturday, July 4.
Watch for heat-related illness
Community members should also be on the lookout for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
According to the Mayo Clinic, heat exhaustion symptoms can include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps.
Heat stroke, a more severe form of heat illness, may cause confusion, a rapid pulse or loss of consciousness and requires immediate medical attention. A key warning sign of heat stroke is a core body temperature of 104 degrees or higher.
Pet owners should also take precautions during extreme heat. Animals can quickly suffer from heat-related illnesses, especially when left outdoors or in vehicles. Ensure pets have constant access to fresh water and shade, avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day and never leave animals in parked cars, where temperatures can rise quickly.
Lawrence residents should plan ahead, stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat. Checking on neighbors, especially older adults and others at high risk, can also help prevent heat-related illnesses.
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Courtney Lane (she/her), staff reporter, has worked with The Lawrence Times since April 2026. She can be reached at [email protected].
Read her complete bio here. Read her work for the Times at this link, and see her photography for the Times at this link.
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Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
