Parramatta the coolest place to be when the temperature rises

Parramatta residents are being encouraged to explore ‘cool’ ways to escape the heat this summer with the launch of the Cool Parramatta campaign.

During the 2015-16 summer season, Cool Parramatta will provide information and advice on cool places to go, special offers and events for the community, as well as tips for beating the heat.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Paul Garrard says the campaign is one of number of initiatives designed to raise awareness and reduce the impact of extreme heat on the people of Parramatta.

“On average, Parramatta experiences around thirteen days per year which are 35 degrees and over, compared to Sydney which averages around four,” Cr Garrard said.

“Being away from the coast, Parramatta does not receive the benefit of a cooling sea breeze and trends show that the city is getting hotter. That’s why it is important to inform people about the many different ways they can keep cool.

“Cool Parramatta is about starting a conversation with the community around the issue of heat in our city. We want to make people aware of the impacts, but also give them practical advice on how to cool down in a fun and interactive way.”

As part of the initiative, Council has created a new website with a host of information, initiatives and tips on where people can go when the temperature rises.

www.coolparramatta.com.au provides information about cool places like Lake Parramatta, local swimming pools, libraries and water play parks, and tips on how people can protect their health and home during hot weather.

It also allows people to explore interactive Parramatta heat maps where they can learn how heat impacts their local area. The heat maps are one of Council’s latest Smart City initiatives and they are based on thermal imaging of Parramatta taken over an extreme heat period

“We know that older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to the heat, however extreme summer temperatures impact everyone.  That is why the heat maps are such a valuable open data tool which helps to make Parramatta a smarter city,” Cr Garrard said.

“Council is also encouraging people to sign up for our “heat buddy” SMS service which will remind people to check on their buddy on hot days, send tips for keeping cool at home, and provide information on cool offers and events.”

Local businesses are taking part in the campaign by promoting cool offers that people can take advantage of when the mercury hits 35 and above.

Council’s Cool Cycle will also be out and about over summer distributing Cool Parramatta merchandise like handheld fans and reusable water bottles, and providing people with information on how to cool down.

The Cool Parramatta campaign will be launched at the opening of the new Philip Ruddock Water Playground at Dundas Park on Sunday 29 November, from 10am to 2pm.

People can find out more and get involved at www.coolparramatta.com.au when the site goes live on Sunday 29 November.

Images of the Parramatta heat maps can be downloaded here

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

WHAT: The official launch of Cool Parramatta and opening of the new Philip Ruddock Water Playground at Dundas Park. The Lord Mayor Paul Garrard will be joined by The Hon Philip Ruddock MP, Cr Jean Pierre Abood, Cr Pierre Esber and Cr Lorraine Wearne, as well as local families.

WHEN: Sunday 29 November, 10am to 2pm.

WHERE: Philip Ruddock Water Playground at Dundas Park (Curtis Oval) 42a Yates Avenue, DUNDAS