As part of the Recreation Center Reopening Plan, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) recreation center memberships are currently being offered for sale in-person and online. Recreation center membership is free to Denver students, ages 5-18, through the MY Denver Card. Membership is also free for residents 60 and up through MY Denver Prime. In addition, all residents within the 80216 zip code are eligible to receive a 90% discount on registrations and memberships. Annual membership to all 30 Denver recreation centers for 80216 residents will cost only $36.90.
Residents can register for the 80216 discount at one of the three 80216 recreation centers: Johnson, Swansea, or 5090 Broadway. Residents need to provide proof of address for all household members at the time of registration (e.g., driver’s license or utility bill).
As of November 1st, all three recreation centers have once again adopted their pre-COVID hours of operation:
- Swansea – Mon-Thu 10:00am-8:00pm, Fri 10:00am-7:00pm, and Sat 10:00am-2:00pm
- Johnson – Mon-Thu 10:00am-8:00pm, Fri 10:00am-7:00pm, and Sat 10:00am-2:00pm
- 5090 Broadway – Mon-Fri 9:30am-7:00pm and Sat 10:00am-2:30pm
“Swansea, Johnson and 5090 Broadway Recreation Centers provide greatly needed recreation opportunities for the Globeville, Elyria and Swansea communities and surrounding areas,” said Happy Haynes, Executive Director of Denver Parks and Recreation. “In addition to numerous opportunities for neighbors to engage in a healthy lifestyle through fitness and educational activities, these recreation centers provide a community gathering space where programs and resources can be more easily accessed.“
Swansea Recreation Center includes weight and cardio rooms, a gym with a full-size basketball court, a craft room, a game room with billiards and foosball tables and locker rooms.
As part of the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond Program, the aging outdoor pool at Swansea Recreation Center will be replaced with a new indoor pool that will extend recreation possibilities for the community through all seasons. The building addition will include support services associated with the expanded programming such as office space, dressing rooms, and storage rooms. This new pool will also address a significant aquatic service gap, as the closest recreation center indoor pool is nearly four miles away. The design, construction, and project completion schedule are yet to be determined.
5090 Broadway Recreation Center includes weight and cardio rooms, a gym, a game room with billiards and foosball tables, a teen room, a crafts room/kitchen, locker rooms, an outdoor basketball court, an outdoor fitness zone and a new playground.
Johnson Recreation Center includes weight and cardio rooms, a full-court gym used for basketball and volleyball, a full-service kitchen, an aerobics room, and locker rooms.
All three recreation centers also offer substantial community programming. For starters, the MY Denver program offers free after-school activities at all three centers. Activities range from arts and crafts, homework help, gym games, airbrushing, and more.
The Tasty Food program at all three centers offers free food for Denver youth to fuel their school year and summer. Youth ages 1-18 can enjoy breakfast, lunch, a nutritious snack, or a supper meal that includes up to five food groups. Meals are low in fat, preservative free, and served with fresh fruit on the side. Registration and sign-in are not required. Youth can simply show up and eat up – and they can bring a friend.
Family Cooking is an activity that gives families an opportunity to learn to cook together using healthy ingredients. All ingredients and supplies are provided. Youth ages 6-17 are free with a MY Denver Card. Adults pay $15.50.
MY Denver Karate is facilitated by Sensei Manuel, who has been a positive male figure in Globeville and Elyria-Swansea (G.E.S.) for more than 40 years. This class offers a fun, effective, and nonaggressive way for youth ages 5-18 to improve their concentration, self-confidence, health, and self-defense skills.
Other activities offered include bingo, pickleball, and fitness classes, as well as seasonal youth sports, such as baseball, basketball, coach pitch, flag football, soccer, softball, t-ball, and volleyball. During the winter season, outdoor recreation trips are also available. The Learn to Ski and Ride program provides an opportunity for youth to visit Winter Park and try skiing or snowboarding. In addition, the centers host a Summer Day Camp during the summer season.
DPR continues to work with DPR program areas and program partners to offer new fitness classes and programming to the community. DPR welcomes feedback and interests from the community, and they currently have a volunteer program. Volunteers must be background checked and vaccinated against COVID-19. All DPR programs follow COVID-safe protocols as outlined by the CDC and State and local orders.
Swansea Recreation Center is located at 2650 E 49th Avenue. Johnson Recreation Center is located at 4809 Race Street. 5090 Broadway Recreation Center is located at 5090 Broadway. Visit the front desk at any of these recreation centers to see if you’re eligible for the 80216 discount and to learn more about services, programs, and volunteer opportunities. Additional information on membership options, activities, programming, and other resources is also available at denvergov.org/Recreation.
Swansea resident Carolyn Daughters runs CarolynDaughters.com, a woman-owned business that offers online marketing and writing courses and corporate brand strategy workshops. She also teaches persuasive writing for corporations, the Pentagon, and Air Force bases nationwide. She has a M.A. in Literature from the University of Virginia. You can contact her at carolyn@carolyndaughters.com or check out her website.
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