How to stay cool for free in Las Cruces

With temperatures climbing faster than the demand for electric fans, the city of Las Cruces has activated multiple cooling centers across town.

That means you can stay cool in Las Cruces for free.

“It’s really hot,” said Daniella Sanchez. “I get headaches sometimes with the heat.”

With school out for summer, Sanchez said she would rather play basketball inside at the Meerscheidt Center than outside in the triple digit heat.

“Outside, it’s hot and like, you can’t get a lot of energy,” Sanchez said.

Across town, many seniors sought shelter or a nice lunch at the Benavidez Center.

“If I stay in the heat too long, it starts to affect me,” said Hipolito Sanchez (unrelated to Daniella).

“I advise him every day, ‘Do not go outside and do any yard work!'” said Hipolito’s wife. “He wants to do things and he just can’t do them… He will die!”

If you don’t have air conditioning or if you want access to electric cooling, you can visit any of these cooling centers from noon to 8 p.m.:

Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell St. (575/528-3000) Henry R. Benavidez Community Center ,1045 McClure Rd. (575/541-2005) Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave. (575/541-2563) Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St. (575/541-3000) Sage Cafe, 6121 Reynolds Dr. (575/528-3151)