As the City of Columbus prepares for subzero temperatures mid-week, the Department of Recreation and Parks has plans in place to open its community centers as warming centers for those with limited heating resources.
Five community centers across the city will open to the public for extended hours 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Barnett Community Center, 1184 Barnett Rd.
- Beatty Community Center, 247 N. Ohio Ave.
- Marion Franklin Community Center, 2801 Lockbourne Rd.
- Westgate Community Center, 455 S. Westgate Ave.
- Whetstone Community Center, 3923 N. High St.
Kids over the age of 11 are allowed to use the centers unaccompanied by an adult. Children 10 and young must have a chaperone.
“The primary purpose really is to be a warming place for people to get out of the weather, said Brian Hoyt with the Columbus Department of Recs and Parks. “So, we’re not going to have programming or childcare that one might expect — it’s really about safety and just staying out of the biting cold that really can cause danger.”
For younger kids, daycares are proving to be a good option for families to turn to if schools are closed.
City Kid’s Daycare in the Arena district, and Mango’s Place in Powell are two centers taking drop-ins during the cold weather.
“If we can get them in, we will certainly take them,” said Juliet Blackenberry, director at City Kids Daycare. “We require the parents to fill out all of the required paperwork — phone numbers, health records, all of that has to be filled out in order for them to leave their child.”
Mangos Place operates on reservations, allowing parents to reserve childcare by the day and hour.
“We can make a two-hour reservation if they want. They can do an all-day thing if their school is closed,” said Olivia Febus, customer service manager for Mangos Place.
Both centers offer structured activities but ask parents to provide lunch for their child.
“We do provide snacks for some of the rooms and then as far as activities we are running on a schedule. So we always provide activities like sensory, math, music, circle time — lots of arts and craft throughout the day,” said Febus.
Rates range between $50 and $75 per child, per day.
Another great option for kids is the Columbus Public Libraries. Kids age 7 and older can attend libraries unaccompanied during business hours.
