Misting centers 'very helpful' during extreme heat

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- With 100-degree weather on the docket for this weekend, many people in the area will be looking for a place to cool down.

That's why several places are opening their doors to offer what can even be a life-saving reprieve.

There are dozens of spots to cool off around the metro right now, including libraries and community centers. But there are also misting centers at local parks for those who have to be outside.

The misting stations, which return for the second straight year around the city of Portland, provide water, and a spot to stay cool for parkgoers and those living on the streets.

Many families were enjoying birthday parties and picnics outside at parks on Friday, despite the hot weather.

"The misting station definitely was very helpful in staying cool, especially since it was so hot and we were able to keep hydrated," said Portland resident Carlene Woodward.

Neighbors say that this wasn't available a few years ago and that it was hard to stay cool.

"It's a good spot to be because I'm not going to travel all the way downtown just go to a splash pad or all the way to Troutdale or Gresham," said Portland resident Jessica Dunn. "There's the people who are able to come over and get a drink at like two or three in the morning when they have nowhere else to go. Or when it's really really hot in 85 degrees at 9 p.m.

Local organizations like Thrive East PDX are also trying new ways to get people out of the heat.

The Centennial Community Association, the local area in Centennial, is piloting a program to offer free cinema cards so that people can go in and have a monthly pass to the cinema for heat relief," said Gayle Palmer with Thrive East PDX.

Thrive East PDX is also working with Day One Tech to offer another cooling space where there are activities for families this weekend.

All the misting center locations can be found below.

• East Portland Community Center: 740 S.E. 106th Ave. 
• Glenhaven Park, near skate park: 7900 N.E. Siskiyou St.
• Harney Park, near restroom: S.E. 67th Ave. and S.E. Harney Street.
• Knott Park, west restroom: N.E. 112th Ave. and N.E. Russell Street.
• Lents Park, at Walker Stadium: 4808 S.E. 92nd Ave.
• Mt. Scott Community Center, near playgrounds: 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave.