Allentown and Bethlehem offer residents free admission to local pools as temperatures hit record highs in the Lehigh Valley.
From 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 23, and Tuesday, June 24, Bethlehem residents can access any of the city’s four neighborhood pools — Clearview, Stark, Westside, and Yosko — without an admission fee. Proof of residency is required for entry.
Bethlehem joins several Lehigh Valley municipalities in implementing heat safety measures this week. Cooling centers and hydration stations are also expected to be available throughout the city.
Allentown will offer firetruck “water curtains” at Roosevelt, Jordan, Fountain, and Union Terrace parks from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Wednesday. Spray park zones at Bucky Boyle, Old Fairgrounds, and Valania parks will also be active from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are free for public use.
Allentown residents can swim free at Cedar Beach, Mack, and Irving pools from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
Easton has only two pools in the city (Heil & Eddyside), both managed by the River Crossing YMCA, and does not currently offer free swim days during this heatwave.
In a June 22 Facebook post, Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone stated that residents have raised concerns about overcrowding and staffing shortages preventing the pools from operating at full capacity. Pintabone said he will bring these issues to the mayor and recreation director on June 23.
The announcements come as the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region, warning of dangerous heat index values expected to exceed 100 degrees both days. The advisory urges residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible.
The free swim hours aim to provide residents with a safe and accessible way to cool off in the heat.
The heat advisory in effect for Bethlehem and the wider Lehigh Valley is historic. It marks the first time since July 2011 that temperatures are expected to reach triple digits in the region.
Heat index values could climb between 100 and 108 degrees through Wednesday. The National Weather Service has upgraded the advisory to an excessive heat warning, citing persistent daytime highs in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees, with overnight lows staying in the mid-70s to low 80s.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from city officials and the National Weather Service.
