What’s New at the South Boulder Recreation Center?

By Matt Pilger, Recreation Center Supervisor, City of Boulder Parks and Recreation

The South Boulder Recreation Center has been a vital part of the Boulder community since 1974. While beloved by members, the facility is showing its age. Over the last two years it underwent multiple repairs on the pool and HVAC systems, and a year-long closure was necessary for the basketball gym, racquetball court, and Pilates Studio after a boiler failure flooded the rooms. Through this adversity Boulder Parks and Recreation staff found opportunity and reimagined how the Recreation Center could serve the youth of South Boulder and the neighboring Fairview High School and Southern Hills Middle School students. While the basketball gym gained a new floor, the two adjacent rooms would change completely, and a new $2 school-day pass was implemented to provide affordable access to the new spaces.

Formerly a Pilates Studio, the new Community Lounge provides cafe seating, foosball & ping pong tables, foam axe throwing, a television with retro game console, and an Expresso virtual bike. The space immediately became a favorite hangout spot for students during lunch and after school - inquiries about birthday parties were quick to follow.

The Center’s underutilized racquetball court was given new life as a ninja obstacle studio. Lined with acoustic paneling to minimize echo in the room, the Ninja Studio is equipped with popular obstacles such as slanted steps and cargo nets - with a 10ft warped wall accessible just outside the room in the gym. The highlight of the room is an obstacle rig with interchangeable aerial obstacles; options such as cheese walls, floating discs, and ninja rings can be quickly switched to adapt to different ages and skill levels.

Utilizing these reimagined spaces BPR will be introducing new Youth & Teen programs throughout 2023 and maintain a focus on supporting the social and physical wellbeing of Boulder’s youth.

For more information the Center’s projects and repairs can be found here: https://bouldercolorado.gov/projects/south-boulderrecreation-center-facility-repairs