Las Cruces opens cooling centers amid heat wave, but splash pads still closed

LAS CRUCES, NEW Mexico - Vulnerable Las Cruces residents can seek shelter from the extreme heat in cooling centers, but splash pads and outdoor pools will be closed for another week.

The city of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Director told ABC-7 that aquatic facilities must pass inspection by the New Mexico Environment Department. She said the state did not start inspections until June 1st.

"Las Cruces pushed to get inspections done as quickly as possible," said Sonya Delgado, the director of the department.

A spokeswoman for the New Mexico Department said inspectors have been "100% responsive" to all inspection requests, which she said began in March.

Cooling centers:

Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

• Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave.
• Henry R. Benavidez Community Center, 1045 McClure Road
• Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave.
• Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St.
• Sage Café, 6121 Reynolds Drive
• Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave

 Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave
• Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave.