The city is launching more than 30 locations under its Cool Down! initiative.
Extreme heat is becoming a regular part of life in Bratislava. The city warns that climate change is bringing increasingly frequent heatwaves, which can be particularly dangerous for people who are ill, elderly or living alone. In response, it is launching a pilot network of more than 30 cooling centres called Cool Down! (Ochlaď sa!), developed by the Bratislava Climate Office.
The scheme is being introduced in cooperation with city boroughs, municipal organisations and private-sector partners.
“The individual locations may differ, but each will offer an air-conditioned space, seating, drinking water and access to a toilet,” the city said as cited by the SITA newswire.
Some will provide additional facilities, including Wi-Fi, books, board games and children’s corners. Drinking fountains are also available at several locations. A map of the centres has been published on the city’s website. Blue locations are open fewer than seven days a week, while green ones are open seven days a week.
