Las Cruces cooling stations open through Saturday as triple-digit temperatures persist

Most city-run centers will close for Thursday’s Juneteenth holiday — except Meerscheidt — and reopen Friday and Saturday

Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - With daytime highs forecast to remain in the triple digits, the City of Las Cruces will continue operating public cooling stations through Saturday, June 21 — though access will be limited on Thursday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday.

Cooling stations provide short-term shelter from the heat for elderly residents, medically vulnerable individuals and those without access to air conditioning. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to confirm hours.

Due to the holiday, most City-run facilities will be closed Thursday — with one exception.

Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth holiday):
• Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave. — 575-541-2563 — open 1 to 5 p.m.

Friday, June 20:
• Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave. — 575-528-2455 — open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Henry R. Benavidez Community Center, 1045 McClure Road — 575-541-2006 — open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave. — 575-541-2563 — open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St. — 575-541-3000 — open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sage Café, 6121 Reynolds Drive — 575-528-3151 — open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave. — 575-528-4000 — open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, June 21:
• Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave. — 575-528-4000 — open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave. — 575-541-2563 — open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Officials urge residents to drink water, stay indoors during peak hours and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, nausea and moist skin. Heat stroke may cause confusion, loss of consciousness or hot, dry skin — and requires immediate emergency care. Call 911 if you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke.