New Yorkers Stay Cool in the Summer Heat

High-pitched laughter and the sound of splashing cuts through the dense heat wave at Madison Square Park, as young children gallop through the sprinklers, all in the effort to beat the heat. Adults and kids alike are covered with a sheet of sweat, and the air is filled with the smells of summer.

For some New Yorkers, summer weather is a reason to rejoice, while others prefer to escape the stifling temperatures.

“I like the hot weather, just not when it’s too humid,” said Alicia Bryan, who works for the city’s Parks Department. “You cant breathe.”

The city’s public pools and park’s spray sprinklers are one way residents can catch a break.

“I’m here with my son. We’re usually here during the day so that I can let him run around and cool off,” said 27-year-old Margaret McCloskey, from Manhattan, who was enjoying the spray fountains at Augustus Saint Gaudens Park.

Another place locals go to keep out of the heat is the sanctuary of air-conditioned movie theaters.

“I can’t take it,” Mique Sultan, 54, moaned, with sweat poured down his face, as he waited on line to buy a ticket. “It’s too hot.”

For some, rising temperatures present a business opportunity. Sitting in a broken chair by the Union Square No. 6 train, Maria Roberta, 46, endures the daily grind despite the recent heat waves, carting around coolers filled with soda, water and Gatorades.

“One dollar soda, one dollar water. One dollar, one dollar,” shouted Roberta, as she tried to attract customers.

At Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices on 24th Street, locals have been lining up for refreshing and cool desserts and drinks.

“Business has been very good, very busy. Summertime is usually the best time for ices,” said Tyrone Banks, 21, an employee at Ralph’s.

Out-of-towners, visiting from even warmer climates, say New York’s summer can’t compare to temperatures in their home turf.

“This is nothing to us, we’re from Arizona,” said Lisa Akien, who was enjoying a milkshake with her family under the shade of a large tree in Union Square Park.

Even some locals say they don’t mind the warmer weather.

“I like sunshine. I think people complain too much,” said Maggie Dale, 24, from Spanish Harlem. “I love walking this wonderful city, enjoying the weather.”