THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 21, 2025 Page 7 Community cooling project launched in Everett to combat urban heat T Special to The Advocate he City of Everett is one of the most densely populated communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. With over 90% of the land covered in asphalt or buildings, Everett suffers from higher temperatures during the summer months than other communities. That is why Mayor Carlo DeMaria has made it a priority to mitigate this heat island effect by increasing green spaces, tree canopy and shaded play areas. The Mayor recently announced the launch of a community cooling project aimed at combating rising temperatures at the Everett Recreation Center (located at 47 Elm St.). The City worked with the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA), the Everett Recreation and Enrichment Department and the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) to upgrade an underutilized space outside the Recreation Center with cooling infrastructure and engaging enhancements. DCR planted four trees to provide essential shade, improve air quality and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the area. A new greenhouse will be constructed to grow native plants and trees, fruits and vegetables to address food insecurity and promote educational programs around sustainable food-growing practices. This greenhouse will serve as a valuable resource for the community, offering handson learning opportunities and enhancing access to fresh produce. As part of the cooling initiative, the City will also install several water fountains and a misting station in front of the Recreation Center using state Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program funding to help with mitigating and adaptation to climate change impacts from extreme weather, sea level rise, inland and coastal flooding, severe heat and other climate impacts. Public access to drinking water is vital, as cities are dealing with increasingly warmer temperatures each year. The heart of the project features a vibrant mural installed by lead artist Ashley Fitzgerald, who worked with Everett High School students to envision, create and paint the mural. Two of the students were Wicked Cool Mystic Ambassadors Thalia Patino Molano and Juan Soler-Ramos, who assisted in this innovative installation using heat-reflective paint. This vibrant artwork not only beautifies our communiThe mural painted on the wall outside of the Everett Recreation Center. ty but also serves a functional purpose by reducing heat absorption. For the past two years, Everett residents Juan and Thalia have served as Ambassadors for the Wicked Cool Mystic program, engaging their community to learn about how fellow residents experience and adapt to heat as our climate warms. As young organizers in Everett, Thalia and Juan have worked hard to build relationships within their community and have served as vital conduits for community voices. They have circulated surveys, attended many community events and organized workshops about extreme heat, all of which serve to elevate stories and ideas directly from residents. PROJECT | SEE PAGE 10 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $11.00 Price includes Roller Skates 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required Private Parties Private Parties 4-8 p.m. $10.00 8:30-11 p.m. $11. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required 12-9 p.m. $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional The trees planted at the Everett Recreation Center. (Photos courtesy of the City of Everett) BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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