Massachusetts Opens Multiple Spray Decks to Combat Early Season Heat

Over a dozen spray decks across Massachusetts have opened as the region faces record-breaking temperatures, with more sites scheduled to start operating throughout May and June.

Editorial Team · May 19, 2026 · 2 min read · Source: boston.com

In response to an intense heatwave pushing temperatures into the mid-90s, Massachusetts authorities opened several spray decks—also known as splash pads—to provide relief to residents. Among these, 14 spray decks managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) began operating on Monday across cities including Boston, Cambridge, and Revere.

Boston surpassed a previous temperature record just before noon on Tuesday, reaching 90 degrees, with forecasts predicting highs near 94 degrees. The heat advisory announced spans from late morning Tuesday through Wednesday evening, highlighting the urgency of public cooling resources.

DCR oversees a total of 22 spray decks statewide. While 14 are currently open, additional locations are set to welcome visitors later in May and through June. Most spray decks will operate until mid-September, though a few will close slightly earlier in August. Beyond spray decks, DCR also plans to open ocean and inland beaches coinciding with the Memorial Day weekend, expanding public access to aquatic relief.

Alongside the spray decks and beaches, numerous public swimming pools throughout Massachusetts will open in mid-June. These staggered openings aim to accommodate growing demand for cooling options amid persistent warm weather trends.

The spray decks that are currently open include sites in Boston’s Mission Hill and Hyde Park neighborhoods, Cambridge parks, as well as locations in Belmont, Holyoke, Revere, and Roxbury. Additional sites in Cambridge, Fall River, and Freetown are scheduled to open this week, while others in Springfield, Everett, Malden, and Somerville will begin welcoming visitors in June.

Currently open: Beaver Brook (Belmont), Artesani and Alfond Lee (Boston), Mission Hill spray deck (Boston), McKinnon Park and McCrehan Memorial (Cambridge), Neponset (Dorchester), Holyoke Heritage (Holyoke), Moynihan and Olsen (Hyde Park), Johnson and Stony Brook (Jamaica Plain), Sullivan (Revere), Cass (Roxbury).
Opening May 23: Magazine (Cambridge), Veteran’s Memorial (Fall River), Freetown State Forest (Freetown).
Opening June 13: Bradley Palmer (Topsfield).
Opening June 20: Springfield (Springfield), Allied Veterans (Everett), Holland (Malden), Latta (Somerville).

This coordinated opening of spray decks and swimming facilities addresses growing concerns over early and sustained heat waves in southern New England, aiming to safeguard public health and provide accessible cooling options across the state.