EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso reached triple digits for the first time this year on Monday, hitting 100 degrees today as families across the Borderland looked for ways to cool down.

Some families headed to the West Side Community Spray Park, where children splashed and played to get relief from the heat. One parent said, “We got to get out of the house… so we have to find something that has water.”

Another visitor said the spray park has become a go-to spot over the years. “We love the splash pad. We have used it for years. It’s our number one place to come. It’s really nice. It’s free. And we appreciate it very much,” the person said.

Others chose to cool off inside. One parent pointed to libraries as an option, saying, “Libraries are great too. There’s a ton of really great libraries around here and obviously that’s inside.”

At the library, families said they were able to escape the heat while finding things to do. “It’s nice and cool and quiet, and we get to look at books and maybe check out a movie or two,” one visitor said.

Jordan Salas reports on triple digit heat (Credit: KFOX4)

RECOMMENDED: El Paso, Las Cruces open cooling centers citywide as summer heat builds across the region

The city of El Paso activated cooling centers across the Borderland this week, including some public libraries and recreation centers. The Dorris Van Doren Library in West El Paso is one of the locations listed by the city.

“It’s too hot to be outside and there’s great adventures that await at the library. So we love to come in where it’s nice and cool, find a great book, and just kind of hang out,” one person said.

Another added, “Not only is it a good place to cool off. They have activities here. Things to keep the kids engaged while they’re on summer vacation.”

For some, staying cool meant making multiple stops throughout the day. “I’m using an umbrella. And we went to the mall for the air conditioning, and we’re watching movies inside,” one El Pasoan said.

RECOMMENDED: Weather Warn Wednesday/Thursday: Heat

The City of El Paso is reminding people to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and take advantage of cooling centers when needed.

The following recreation centers are available as cooling centers Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are closed on Sundays:

Valle Bajo Recreation Center, 7380 Alameda Ave.Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11600 Vista Del Sol Dr.Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg Dr.Nations Tobin Recreation Center, 8831 Railroad Dr.

Several El Paso Public Library branches are also serving as cooling centers with extended operating hours throughout the week.

The following Public Libraries will be available Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m. (Main Library only):

Armijo Library (620 E. 7th)Clardy Fox (5515 Robert Alva)Dorris Van Doren (551 Redd)Esperanza Moreno (12480 Pebble Hills)Irving Schwartz (1865 Dean Martin)Jose Cisneros/Cielo Vista (1300 Hawkins)Judge Marquez (610 N. Yarbrough)Main Library (501 N. Oregon)Memorial Park (3200 Copper)Richard Burges (9600 Dyer Ste. C)Sergio Troncoso (9321 Alameda)Westside (125 Belvidere)

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