11 Ideas to Help Your Residents Beat the Heat

Sweat was pouring down my face, stinging my eyes.

My shirt—it was a miscalculation wearing black—clung uncomfortably to my back.

I desperately needed water soon or I would’ve passed out.

Why did I bother getting the mail today?

It’s been a HOT summer. And don’t forget, we still have all of August! It really just makes you want to bunker down in the AC. But, sometimes we do have to emerge and go outside. So, as a property manager, now is a great time to plan some activities to help your residents cool down. Here are some suggestions.

• Host a pool party: Duh. No better time to make use of the community pool.
• Stock up on water toys for the young and young at heart: Any ’90s kid would love to run, slide, hit the bump and take a dive or have a water fight with their Super Soakers.
• Run your sprinklers: Remember how much fun it was running through the sprinklers when you were a child? It might not be as whimsical now, but it is a lifesaver if you’re walking around in the heat.
• Set up splash pads: These are great for kids to play on, and they can be easily stored after.
• Give out ice pops or popsicles: So refreshing! Just avoid the ones in the plastic tubes that have the edges that cut your lips.
• Hire an ice cream truck: Soft serve, Chipwiches, SpongeBob pops with a wonky eye…I’m feeling cooler already!
• Hire a shaved ice truck: Or even get a machine for the community to have!
• Put out cut-up watermelon: See, not all my suggestions are unhealthy. Set up a table with freshly cut fruit for your residents and team.
• Set up hydration stations: Have areas around the property—inside and out—where people can get cups of water. They can pretend they’re running a marathon and grab a cup as they run by! (Or, they can be normal and just walk up and take one.)
• Host night activities: It’s usually much cooler at night, and you might get more people to attend. For example, you can try a movie night.
• Install frozen margarita machines: Another duh.

How else are you helping your residents beat the heat? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send a tweet to @MHNOnline, or send me a message on LinkedIn.