City's Annual Cool Sweep

"I thought I wasn't going to get wet today and I stand corrected," said 10-year-old Fernando Malave.

Fernando Malave is just one of many kids who are loving the City's Cool Sweep.

A Cool Sweep operation takes place when the forecast calls for a day to reach 85 degrees or higher.

Nona Cheney uses the Mayor's Cool Sweep for an opportunity to take her family to different parks and playgrounds in the city.

"It's great because a lot of kids might not be able to get to the beach. It's a nice way to have access to water and keep cool. Not everyone has a swimming pool," said Cheney.

During the sweep, the city's spray parks are open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. City pools and Durand Eastman Beach are also open longer. Fire hydrants spray cool water.

On Monday, teacher Margaret Stenzel took her students to Carter Street Community Center. It's one of the spray parks included in the sweep.

"This is our last week of school with students, so we just wanted to try to keep them calm and cool, and it's really hot in our building and at the end of the year it can get kind of hectic so beinging them to a place like this gives them an incentive to behave, have fun and also stay cool," said Stenzel of School 39.

The Cool Sweep is designed for city residents who do not have air conditioning, but it's also a way for kids and families to enjoy the summer.

"I like going swimming and I like going to the beach and going to Darien Lake and Sea Breeze," said 11-year-old Izabell Morales.

The City's Cool Sweep season officially begins next Monday. If the temperatures exceed 90 degrees, city libraries open their doors for residents to keep cool in the air conditioning.

To find out more about the city's spray parks by clicking here.