Central Recreation Center
Aurora, CO 80013 United States Get Directions
Venue Overview
The Central Recreation Center is one of the City of Aurora’s newest recreation centers, a 62,000 square foot, aquatic-themed facility on East Vassar Place in central Aurora. A wave pool, lazy river and waterslide with interactive video make it a family destination, while the gymnasium hosts indoor pickleball open play on three courts and an elevated indoor track circles above the fitness floor. Two fitness studios, teaching kitchens, meeting rooms, party rooms, an escape room and a patio with grills give it more event space than most rec centers in the metro area. That mix suits everything from a morning pickleball round robin to a team banquet or a youth swim party.
About the Facility
- About 62,000 square feet, owned and operated by the City of Aurora
- Natatorium with a wave pool, lazy river and waterslide with interactive video
- Gymnasium with three indoor pickleball courts on a wood floor with permanent lines
- Elevated indoor track
- Fitness floor, two fitness studios and an outdoor fitness balcony
- Cooking and catering kitchen, two community meeting rooms and party rooms
- Escape room and a rentable outdoor patio with grills
History
Central Recreation Center opened in May 2019. CBS Colorado reported that the project was funded with Aurora’s retail marijuana sales tax revenue, which the city set aside each year and bonded against to build the center. Populous designed the building for the City of Aurora.
Indoor Pickleball in Aurora
Pickleball open play runs in the gymnasium in early morning blocks, with sessions rated by skill level from beginner to advanced. The three courts have permanent lines, and players bring their own net. Membership or paid admission is required, so this is a structured option for regulars rather than a free park court.
Events Held Here
- Pickleball open play: early morning sessions in the gym, sorted by skill level.
- Open swim: in the natatorium with its wave pool and lazy river.
- Group exercise: classes in two fitness studios.
- Parties and community events: in the party rooms, meeting rooms and patio.
Upcoming events at this venue are listed below.
Lessons, Coaching & Programs
The center was built with group exercise studios and teaching kitchens, and the City of Aurora publishes its classes, aquatics and youth programs in its seasonal activity guide (as of 2026). Pickleball lesson listings for this center show several independent coaches; the city does not publish instructor names.
Food, Drink & Amenities
- Teaching and catering kitchen
- Outdoor patio with grills
- Escape room
- Party rooms and community meeting rooms
Private Events & Groups
Party rooms, two community meeting rooms, a catering kitchen and a rentable patio make the Central Recreation Center a strong choice for birthday parties, team banquets and club meetings. Pair a pool party or pickleball session with a room rental for a full event.
Membership or Access
Admission requires a day pass or membership, and Aurora sells passes valid across its recreation centers.
Contact & Links
Questions About the Central Recreation Center
Does the Central Recreation Center in Aurora have pickleball?
Yes, the gym has three indoor pickleball courts with permanent lines. Open play runs in early morning sessions.
Does the Central Recreation Center have a wave pool?
Yes, the natatorium includes a wave pool, a lazy river and a waterslide with interactive video.
Is there an indoor track?
Yes, an elevated indoor track runs above the fitness area. Two fitness studios host group classes.
When did the Central Recreation Center open?
The center opened in May 2019. It was funded with Aurora’s retail marijuana sales tax revenue.
Do I need a membership?
You need a day pass or membership to use the center. Aurora’s passes cover its recreation centers.
Can I host an event at the Central Recreation Center?
Yes, the center has party rooms, meeting rooms, a catering kitchen and a rentable patio with grills.
How do I list my event?
Submit your Central Recreation Center tournament, round robin or social for free at coloradounderpar.com/submit-event. Once approved, it appears in the upcoming events on this page.
Planning Your Event Here
Three pickleball courts fit a small round robin, and the meeting rooms and patio handle check-in, food and awards. Plan around early morning open play when booking gym time. Contact the venue for current pricing and availability.
Hosting an Event at the Central Recreation Center? List It on Colorado Under Par
If you’re organizing a tournament, league night, round robin or social at the Central Recreation Center, you can list your event for free on Colorado Under Par, Colorado’s dedicated platform for discovering and promoting golf, pickleball, and sporting events. Getting your event in front of Colorado’s active sports community takes less than five minutes.
List your event here: coloradounderpar.com/submit-event
Do you manage Central Recreation Center?
Update your contact details, photos and booking link for free, or become a Featured Venue for top placement, a homepage spot, a photo gallery and organizer referrals.