The more than 1.8 million annual visitors to the award-winning Provo Recreation Center may not remember that just ten years ago, Provo was operating recreation in a part-time, shared facility with the Provo School District. What a difference a decade can make!
Citizens overwhelmingly supported the $39 million center to fulfill unmet community needs with its 162,000 square feet of recreation. This success was a key reason in Provo Parks and Recreation being named best in the nation. Provo City brought home the prestigious Grand Plaque after winning the 2021 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.
Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors local park and recreation agencies, military recreation programs, and state park systems in the United States who demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition.
The Provo Recreation Center was built to grow with the community while providing options for all. The center includes childcare and a well-attended senior center. The indoor swimming pools include a lazy river, a tree house fort for kids, both indoor and outdoor water slides, and a rock wall with cliff diving. Those using the expansive second floor fitness facility can view the action from the lower basketball and racquetball courts.
It’s gratifying to see the positive impact our health focus has had on our community. Ten years later, we continue protecting their investment by adding new amenities and preserving our existing facilities with a ‘New Forever’ maintenance attitude.
We are marking the 10th anniversary of Provo's Recreation Center and residents are encouraged to join in the celebration all week long!
Weeklong activities include:
Tuesday — Author meet and great at 2:30 p.m.; diamond dive at 4 p.m.
Wednesday — Free root beer floats in a Rec Center cup at 3 p.m.; Foam Spectacular at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday — Senior paint-along at 1:30 p.m.; free birthday cake from 5-7 p.m.; cake eating competition at 6 p.m.
Friday — Fitness extravaganza at 6 a.m.; free popcorn at 2 p.m.; cannonball competition at 4 p.m.
Saturday — Pickleball tournament at 8 a.m.; local vendor and children entrepreneur markets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Child Watch meet and greet from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
