parks
How metro Detroiters are staying cool during this week's heat wave
By Faraz Javed at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
For many people, this heat is an inconvenience. For others, it's part of the job.I was at the Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center in Highland Park, one of two cooling centers opening today from 10 a.m. as the city braces for dangerous heat. Highland Park is even closing city hall today as a precauti...
Key takeaway Ford Recreation Center in Highland Park, one of two cooling centers opening today from 10 a.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The heat wave's impact on outdoor workers is a pressing concern in Detroit , where construction and infrastructure projects are ongoing. The Michigan Department of Transportation's Bill Urban notes the extreme heat reflected off asphalt, posing a significant risk to workers' health. This is particularly relevant in Detroit, where road construction is a common sight. The city's efforts to open cooling centers, such as the Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center in Highland Park, are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to support workers who cannot escape the heat. Local businesses, like the Stellantis plant where Kitra and Delorice work, must also prioritize worker safety and provide adequate measures to keep employees cool. As the heat wave continues, it is crucial for Detroiters to check on vulnerable neighbors and for city officials to ensure that outdoor workers have access to necessary resources to stay safe.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For many people, this heat is an inconvenience. For others, it's part of the job.I was at the Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center in Highland Park, one of two cooling centers opening today from 10 a.m. as the city braces for dangerous heat. Highland Park is even closing city hall today as a precauti...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Faraz Javed at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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