Summer starts with record-tying heat

Published Date Written by David Carkhuff

Summer began Wednesday with a record-tying high temperature in Portland.
The high was 93 degrees, tying a record set in 1964, according to Michael Cempa, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray. Bangor hit 92, and Concord, N.H., reached 96, just shy of that city's record of 98 degrees, Cempa said.
"It looks like a front comes through on Friday," he said. "The weekend should be more pleasant, I guess closer to what we would normally expect this time of year, with highs probably in the 70s."
The city of Portland issued a reminder that the public can duck the heat at Deering Oaks Ravine, newly refurbished with underground fountains and a wading pool. It opened for the summer Wednesday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through the summer.
Splash pads at Stone Street Playground and Payson Park Playground are free to the public.   Stone Street Playground is at Oxford Street and Myrtle Street. Payson Park Playground is located near Baxter Boulevard.
The Kiwanis pool, the city's only outdoor public pool, is located at 165 Douglass St., behind West School. Open swim hours are seven days a week, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Monday-Friday 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pool access fees for residents are $4.50 for adults and $1 for children. Swim lessons are available and offered by Portland's Recreation and Facilities Management Department for ages 3 and older. People can register for classes at the pool this week or at the Riverton Pool office.  For more detailed information about the city's Aquatic Program visit www.portlandmaine.gov/rec/rec.asp  or call 874-8456.
For information about Maine state parks and historic sites, go to www.parksandlands.com.