North Potomac Recreation Center: Plan Your Visit
Need the gym, a free resident fitness pass, a basketball session, senior activities or a room for a family gathering? The North Potomac Community Center is officially named the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center. This guide puts its location, opening hours, facilities, costs and booking rules in one place.
Hours, Phone Number & Location
The building has longer hours Monday through Thursday. Activity schedules, special events and holidays can affect the use of individual rooms or gymnasiums.
| Day | Published Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM – 3 PM |
| Sunday | 12 PM – 5 PM |
Contact the Right Team
Main center:
240-773-4800
Recreation Specialist:
William Bartlett
240-773-4808
Recreation Coordinator:
Cory Bucy
240-773-4807
Senior center:
240-773-4805
Program staff assignments can change. Call the main desk if you cannot reach a listed contact.
Is North Potomac Community Center Free?
Montgomery County residents can receive a free RecFit pass for eligible recreation-center fitness rooms, scheduled open-gym activities and game rooms. This does not automatically make all classes, facility rentals or swimming free.
Free RecFit Pass
Ages 16 and older: $0
Bring the required residency documents to a community recreation center and have a membership photo taken.
Paid RecFit Pass
1 month: $20
6 months: $80
1 year: $150
Published county pricing for ages 16 and older.
Youth Pass
Resident ages 15 and under: Free.
Nonresident youth ages 17 and under: $25.
A parent or guardian must complete required youth authorization.
How to Obtain Your Free Resident Pass
- Check residency.You must qualify as a Montgomery County resident to receive the free pass.
- Prepare identification.Bring a photo ID showing your residential address, or a photo ID plus a current utility bill.
- Visit the front desk.Go to the center at 13850 Travilah Road during its published operating hours.
- Request the correct membership.Adults 16 and older request a RecFit pass. Younger children request the applicable youth pass.
- Complete registration.Staff will process the application and ensure your membership photo is on file.
- Check activity access.Ask which fitness or open-gym sessions are available before going to a specific room.
The RecFit pass does not provide access to aquatic centers. Organized classes and certain activities may have separate registration or fees.
Official county fitness pass eligibility and prices ↗ · Official youth pass requirements ↗
Gym, Fitness Room & Indoor Facilities
North Potomac is a multipurpose recreation center, not just a basketball gym. Its spaces support fitness, art, recreation, community events and organized programs.
Fitness Room
A dedicated workout room is available for eligible members. On-site showers and lockers are provided.
Bring your own lock. Fitness-room access follows pass eligibility and available operating periods.
Gymnasium & Auxiliary Gym
Gym spaces support scheduled sports and drop-in recreation. Basketball, pickleball and other activities may be offered depending on the current calendar.
Important: Open-gym hours are not necessarily the same as building hours.
Creative Activity Spaces
The building includes an art room, pottery room, studio and activity rooms. Classes and instructor-led activities may require separate registration.
Social & Recreation Areas
Other facilities include a game room, community lounge, conference rooms, social hall, solarium, kitchen and lobby.
Choose the Right Visit
| Your Goal | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Use fitness equipment | Get an eligible RecFit pass and ask about fitness-room access. |
| Play basketball | Confirm the next open-gym basketball session before visiting. |
| Play pickleball | Ask staff for scheduled pickleball times and court rules. |
| Take a class | Locate the class in the current county recreation guide and register if required. |
| Bring young children | Ask about suitable youth activities, age requirements and supervision. |
| Attend a community meeting | Confirm whether the meeting is public or requires preregistration. |
Register for a Class or Activity
- Choose a program.Decide between fitness, sports, arts, recreation, youth activities or senior programming.
- Review the current guide.Use the Montgomery County Recreation digital or printable program guide.
- Check the details.Read the location, age group, start date, number of sessions and listed fee.
- Register through the county system.Use the official recreation registration process for activities requiring a place.
- Keep your confirmation.Check for equipment instructions, session dates and any changes before attending.
Montgomery County’s registration guidance states that non-county residents generally pay an additional $15 per participant per activity, where applicable. This is separate from nonresident fitness-pass pricing.
View the current recreation program guide ↗ · Registration instructions and fee rules ↗
North Potomac Senior Center: Activities & Hours
The North Potomac Senior Center operates within the Nancy H. Dacek recreation-center building. It has its own contact number and schedule.
The senior center offers exercise, wellness, arts and educational activities; workshops and demonstrations; social recreation; seminars; community services; and selected sports and games. It also provides information about a congregate meal program, transportation and scheduled trips.
For First-Time Senior Visitors
- Call the senior desk and ask for the current activity calendar.
- Confirm the age and registration requirements of the chosen activity.
- Ask whether the program has a charge or requires advance booking.
- For lunch programs, verify reservation requirements and eligibility.
- For transportation, ask about service areas and available arrangements.
Popular Activity Categories
- Exercise and wellness sessions
- Educational and technology programs
- Social gatherings and games
- Arts, creative programs and cultural events
- Lectures, workshops and community support
- Volunteer and travel opportunities
Official North Potomac Senior Center programs and calendar ↗
Room Rentals, Event Space & Capacity
North Potomac has rooms for small meetings, classes, birthday gatherings and larger private events. Montgomery County publishes the following capacities as a guide to choosing a space.
| Rental Space | Listed Capacity | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Room A | 25 | Meetings |
| Activity Room B | 25 | Small social events |
| Activity Room C | 20 | Small meetings and activities |
| Art Room | 40 | Creative or social activities |
| Community Lounge | 60 | Family or community gatherings |
| Social Hall | 200 | Larger social events |
| Studio | 20 | Classes and small activities |
These are county-listed capacity figures. The actual permitted attendance depends on the approved arrangement, event type, room and county fire/safety rules.
What Will a Rental Cost?
There is no single rental price for the entire center. Charges depend on the room, booking duration, residency or nonprofit status, and event requirements.
Activity Room C
$20/hour: Listed qualifying nonprofit standard charge.
$25/hour: Listed nonresident standard hourly charge.
The reservation-system listing also shows a $100 nonresident reservation charge. Confirm how all charges apply to your booking before payment.
Example only; not a universal rate for every room or applicant.
Typical Event Deposits
$100: Published security deposit for events without food or beverages.
$200: Published security deposit for events with food or beverages.
Additional fees or requirements may apply based on event type and current policy.
How to Reserve a Room
- Estimate attendance.Count guests, organizers, children and anyone else occupying the reserved space.
- Select a suitable room.Use the capacity table to narrow your options. Consider seating arrangement, accessibility, food and equipment.
- Ask about availability.Call 240-773-4800 or email rec.bookings@montgomerycountymd.gov with the date, time, expected attendance and activity.
- Confirm eligibility.The county generally requires the responsible applicant to be at least 21, with applicable proof of residency or nonprofit status.
- Review the permit terms.Read the county rental policy, complete the required permit or online reservation information and disclose the planned event accurately.
- Pay the booking amount.The county generally requires half of the rental fee at booking. Confirm the full total, deposit and payment method before completing the reservation.
- Pay the balance on time.The county’s published rental policy requires the balance and security deposit 30 days before the event.
- Check in and clean up.Arrive at the center’s front desk, follow the approved permit, set up within your reserved period and complete staff checkout at the end.
Rental Rules That Can Affect Your Event
- Insurance: The county’s August 2024 rental agreement specifies commercial general liability insurance requirements for covered rentals, including a $500,000 coverage amount. Confirm which documentation applies to your specific event.
- Youth events: The published policy requires adult chaperones age 21 or older at a 1:10 adult-to-youth ratio for teen events, with applicable security requirements.
- Music: A DJ or live music may be permitted, but the renter is responsible for required music licensing and compliance.
- Cancellation: The published policy distinguishes written cancellation at least 30 days before an event from late cancellation, which can result in forfeiture of half the rental fee. Special nonprofit provisions may apply.
- Setup and cleanup: The renter is responsible for arranging and restoring tables and chairs and following cleaning and checkout rules.
- Deposits: The county generally processes eligible deposit refunds three to five weeks after an event, subject to deductions or unresolved charges.
Official room capacities and reservation options ↗
County rental FAQs, deposits and booking information ↗
Parking, Directions & Nearby Recreation
Find the Center
Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center
13850 Travilah Road
Rockville, MD 20850
Despite the North Potomac name, the county lists a Rockville mailing address. Use the street address when navigating.
Map provided for orientation. Entrances and on-site traffic arrangements may change.
Big Pines Local Park Next Door
The recreation center is adjacent to Big Pines Local Park, an approximately 11-acre park with a playground, basketball court, two tennis courts and picnic space. Families can combine a center activity with outdoor recreation when weather and park conditions allow.
Park amenities, court availability and outdoor schedules are separate from the recreation-center membership and room rental process.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Montgomery County’s public fueling-site listing identifies one publicly available EV charging station at this recreation-center address. Confirm charger operation and any payment or usage conditions before relying on it.
Before You Go: 2-Minute Checklist
For Fitness or Open Gym
- Confirm your activity time.
- Bring your valid pass or residency documents for a new pass.
- Wear suitable workout clothing and shoes.
- Bring a lock for the fitness lockers.
- Check the relevant age and supervision rules.
For Events or Room Rentals
- Check room capacity before inviting guests.
- Confirm the reservation date and time.
- Bring the required permit and identification.
- Verify payment, deposit and event restrictions.
- Include setup and cleanup in your plan.
For Senior Activities
- Call the dedicated senior desk.
- Ask for the current calendar.
- Check program eligibility and registration.
- Confirm lunch or transportation arrangements if needed.
- Verify the correct room inside the building.
For Family Visits
- Check family-friendly session times.
- Bring youth-pass documents if needed.
- Plan supervision for younger children.
- Consider the adjacent park.
- Allow time to check in at the front desk.
Common Mix-Ups to Avoid
- North Potomac vs. Potomac Recreation Center: These are different facilities. North Potomac is at 13850 Travilah Road; Potomac Community Recreation Center is at 11315 Falls Road in Potomac, MD 20854.
- Senior Center vs. Recreation Center: They share the North Potomac location but use different program calendars and operating hours.
- Free pass vs. free classes: A resident RecFit pass covers eligible drop-in access, not every instructor-led class or rental.
- Building open vs. court available: Gyms may be booked for programs during general building hours.
- Room capacity vs. available reservation: A room appearing in the county facilities list does not mean it is available for your requested date.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is North Potomac Community Center located?
It is at 13850 Travilah Road, Rockville, MD 20850. Its official name is Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center.
2. What are the North Potomac Community Center hours?
Monday–Thursday 9 AM–9 PM, Friday 9 AM–6 PM, Saturday 9 AM–3 PM and Sunday noon–5 PM. Holiday and program schedules can differ.
3. Is North Potomac Community Center free for Montgomery County residents?
Eligible county residents ages 16 and older can obtain a free RecFit pass for fitness rooms, scheduled open gym and game rooms. Separate activity and rental charges may apply.
4. How much does a nonresident fitness pass cost?
The county publishes RecFit rates of $20 for one month, $80 for six months and $150 for one year for nonresidents ages 16 and older.
5. Does North Potomac Community Center have a gym?
Yes. It has a gymnasium, auxiliary gymnasium and fitness room. Check scheduled access before visiting. The fitness room includes showers and lockers; bring your own lock.
6. Can children use the recreation center?
Yes. County residents ages 15 and under can obtain a free youth pass. Special age and supervision requirements apply, particularly to fitness equipment.
7. Does the center have programs for seniors?
Yes. North Potomac Senior Center operates inside the facility, generally Monday–Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Call 240-773-4805 for current programs.
8. Can I rent a room for a birthday or meeting?
Yes. The center lists activity rooms, a studio, community lounge, art room and a social hall with a listed capacity of up to 200. Rental approval, fees and policies apply.
9. Is parking free at the center?
Yes. County recreation parking guidance identifies this as a free-parking location. Drivers must use designated spaces and comply with posted restrictions.
10. How can I contact the North Potomac Community Center?
Call 240-773-4800 for general recreation-center inquiries. For senior programs, call 240-773-4805. Room rental inquiries can also be emailed to rec.bookings@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Official Sources & Verification
Facility information and program rules were compiled from Montgomery County Recreation’s published pages and county documents. Hours, fees, available programs and rental policies can change. For an actual booking or paid registration, follow the county’s current instructions.
- Montgomery County: North Potomac facility profile
- Montgomery County: Recreation membership fees
- Montgomery County: Facility reservations
- Montgomery County: North Potomac Senior Center
- Montgomery County rental-policy document (August 2024)
Information reviewed: October 2026. This is an independent visitor guide, not the official Montgomery County Recreation website.