BETHLEHEM, Pa. – In response to an excessive heat warning and dangerously high temperatures expected over the coming days, the City of Bethlehem is offering free pool admission for City residents at four neighborhood pools.
In a press release from the City, officials encourage residents to:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
Check in on family members, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance.
Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing confusion, loss of consciousness, a body temperature above 103 degrees, or other signs of heat stroke.
Residents are also advised to exercise caution around natural bodies of water.
The City says recent rainfall and changing water conditions can create strong, unpredictable currents and obstructions in the Lehigh River. Swimming, wading, or entering the river is strongly discouraged.
Residents seeking relief from the heat are encouraged to visit air-conditioned public facilities during regular operating hours, including:
Bethlehem Area Public Library at 11 W. Church Street
Bethlehem City Hall at 10 E. Church Street
Other public buildings open during normal business hours
To help residents beat the heat, the City will offer free admission for City of Bethlehem residents at the following neighborhood pools on Wednesday July 1st, Thursday July 2nd, and Friday July 3rd from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.:
Clearview Pool – 2246 Pinehurst Rd.
Stark Pool – 2410 Siegfried St.
Westside Pool – 244 13th Ave.
Yosko Pool – 617 Atlantic St.
Officials say residents must present proof of City of Bethlehem residency upon entry. Non-resident paid entry will not be permitted after 4 p.m.
Capacity limits will remain in effect at each facility to ensure a safe environment. City officials say admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and entry may be denied once a pool reaches capacity.
Director of Recreation for the City, Jodi Evans, said: “Stark, West Side, Clearview, and Yosko collectively have space for 1,210 swimmers and those four neighborhood pools will have free admission during these designated hours until and if they reach capacity. Memorial will remain open but free admission is, unfortunately, not possible because the popularity of the pool places it at its 450 swimmer capacity most days already. Going beyond capacity at any pool does not allow us to maintain the necessary level of safety for our swimmers and their families. As a reminder, our splash pads at Yosko and Friendship Park are free and open.”
City officials say season pass holders, including non-resident pass holders, will continue to be permitted entry after 4:00 p.m. at all City pools, subject to capacity limitations. Season pass holders are encouraged to visit any City pool before 4:00 p.m. for the best opportunity to gain entry.
Residents can also cool off at the City’s free splash pads:
Residents are encouraged to follow the City of Bethlehem’s Recreation Bureau on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates regarding pool capacity, operating hours, weather-related schedule changes, and other heat-related announcements.
Additional information about City pools, splash pads, and recreation programs is available on the City of Bethlehem Recreation Department website: Recreation | City of Bethlehem – City of Bethlehem.