Cooled down: City launches second iteration of Operation Cooldown

Jun. 13—As thermometers around Albuquerque edged above 100 degrees on Thursday afternoon, dozens of families gathered at Quigley Park in the northeast part of the city. Armed with pool toys and wearing their swimsuits, the children anxiously waited for the clock to strike 1.

When the moment finally arrived, sprinkler heads placed around the park sprung to life and unleashed streams of cool water. Much like a starter pistol at a track meet, the blasts of fluid signaled it was time for the fun to begin.

Swarming from every corner of the park, kids and their families raced into the arching streams. The scene played out Thursday at four parks around Albuquerque and was the second iteration of Operation Cooldown.

Announced last week by city officials, Operation Cooldown provides families with the opportunity to cool down on days when the temperatures reach 100 degrees or more by playing in and being drenched by sprinklers at various parks around the city.

The city's first Operation Cooldown took place a week earlier.

"Running through the sprinklers is good, old-fashioned fun," said Dave Simon, Parks and Recreation Department director.

Many families took advantage of this opportunity.

"We've received a lot of positive community feedback after launching Operation Cooldown 2024 last week," Mayor Tim Keller said in a news release. "Relief from the heat is a very real need and this simple step can help families stay cool while enjoying our parks."

Each day when temperatures are projected to reach 100 degrees, the city will select four parks where Operation Cooldown will take place. A full list of parks participating in this initiative can be found on the Parks and Recreation webpage, www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation.