Monique Gaskins

Portlanders experienced extreme temperatures this summer. During the last week of June, local temperatures hit 112 degrees, the highest temperature recorded. In mid- August, another heat wave rolled through the city pushing temperatures higher than usual. Along with the heat, this has also been a dry summer. As of this writing, the warm temperatures and sparse rainfall haven’t retreated yet.

However, the city has options to help keep Portlanders cool this summer. Eliot residents are primed to take advantage without having to leave the neighborhood. During designated heat warnings, all libraries have bottled water on hand to distribute. Albina Library is participating and scheduled to fully open on August 24th. Throughout the summer, the interactive fountain / splash pad is open at Dawson Park. For residents looking to exercise or play in a pool, Portland’s public pools, including Matt Dishman Pool, are open. 

Portland Parks & Recreation opened its eleven pools on June 22. The pools are dispersed around the city and include indoor and outdoor options. Eliot is home to one of the indoor pools at the Matt Dishman Center at 77 North Knott Street. The pools do not all share the same schedule. Availability of lap swim, aqua fitness, and play periods also vary by pool and by day, so be sure to check the schedule by calling ahead or looking online before planning a visit. The outdoor pools are scheduled to close for the summer at the end of August. Indoor pools should remain open.

At the time of writing, face coverings are required within city facilities to help curb the spread of Covid. The drop-in price for Adults age 18-59 is $4. For seniors and youth, the drop-in price is $3, and children 2 and under get in free. 20 visit punch passes and “Pay what you can” discounts are also available. Check https://www.portland.gov/parks/matt-dishman-indoor-pool for more details and current schedule or call 503-823-3166.