Unofficial cooling center opens at Belfield Hall for Landers area residents

Belfield Hall is the unofficial cooling center for the Landers Homestead Valley and surrounding areas and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on days when the temperatures are forecast to be 105 degrees and higher. Unofficial because this large community center is not cooled by air conditioning, which is a prerequisite for being named as an official cooling center in San Bernardino County. Instead, the Hall is chilled by three evaporative coolers and several powerful fans, all contributing to a very pleasant temperature.

The drapes are drawn and bright lights are off, any outside light coming into the building has been shaded. Water and delicious snacks are provided, wi-fi is free; board games are set up ready to play while a jigsaw puzzle awaits. A chilly winter scene plays on a big screen with accompanying calm music while a stellar light show dances on the ceiling. Everything is geared towards staying cool and calm; it works. I spent several pleasant afternoons at Belfield Hall unofficial cooling center and can highly recommend it as a social gathering place in a cool location.

As of Sunday only one person showed up to chill out, but Belfield Hall has not been widely publicized as a cooling center and it may take a minute to get the word out. A sign will now be visible from Reche road. We are certainly not done with the Summer heat so hopefully more locals and passersby will seek relief at this neighborhood cooling sanctuary. 

Belfield Hall is located at 58380 Reche Road in Landers, just East of the Post Office.