South Charleston Wv Community Center: Visitor Guide

South Charleston, West Virginia · 2026 Visitor Guide

Plan Your South Charleston Recreation Center Visit

South Charleston Community Center is a City-operated recreation facility at 601 Jefferson Road, South Charleston, WV 25309. It has an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, basketball gym, racquetball court, outdoor tennis courts, group exercise classes, recovery rooms and spaces available for private events.

Address601 Jefferson RdSouth Charleston, WV 25309
Phone304-744-4731Front desk and rentals
Health Club Hours5:30 AM–9 PMMonday–Friday
Adult Pool Entry$4 DailyChildren $3 · Seniors $2

Information reviewed October 27, 2026. Swimming, basketball, fitness, group classes and rentals have different operating schedules.

Operating Hours: Pool, Health Club & Gym

The center publishes separate schedules for each recreation area. Use the relevant row below rather than assuming the whole building has one opening time.

FacilityMonday–FridaySaturdaySunday
Health Club5:30 AM–9 PM9 AM–7 PM12–7 PM
Indoor Pool5:30 AM–7:45 PM9 AM–6:45 PM12–6:45 PM
Basketball Gym5:30 AM–7:45 PM9 AM–5:45 PM12–5:45 PM
Wet Areas / Recovery Rooms5:30 AM–8:45 PM9 AM–6:45 PM12–6:45 PM
Important schedule difference: the City’s recreation-center website lists pool closing at 7:45 PM on weekdays, while some RecDesk rental listings display later availability. Those reservation-calendar times should not be treated as guaranteed public swimming hours. Confirm the specific session at 304-744-4731.

Holiday Closures and Special Hours

EasterClosed
Memorial DayClosed
Independence DayClosed
Labor Day5:30 AM–1 PM
Thanksgiving & Following FridayClosed
Christmas Eve & Christmas DayClosed
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s DayClosed
Juneteenth, Veterans Day, Election Day, WV Day, Presidents Day, MLK Jr. Day and Columbus DayRegular posted hours

Holiday exceptions can change, especially during severe weather or facility maintenance.

For a general explanation of why community recreation centers use separate building, pool and activity schedules, read our community recreation center planning guide.

Daily Admission: Pool, Gym & Health Club

Indoor Pool

Adults age 16+: $4
Children age 15 and under: $3
Seniors age 62+: $2

Health Club

Adults: $5
Seniors: $2

Basketball Gym

Ages 12 and younger: Free
Ages 13 and older: $2

Combined daily option: the center lists a $6 pool and health-club combination admission. If you want to swim and work out on the same day, this is generally cheaper than paying two separate adult day fees.

Which Ticket Should You Buy?

Your VisitPractical Choice
One adult swim$4 pool admission
Senior swimming$2 pool admission
Fitness workout only$5 adult health-club admission
Adult pool plus gym workout$6 combination admission
Basketball for child age 12 or underFree open-gym entry under posted rules
Basketball for participant age 13+$2 open-gym admission

Paid instructional classes, private court reservations and event rentals have separate charges.

2026 Membership Pass Prices

The City separates passes by residency. To qualify for South Charleston resident rates, your address must be within the City’s corporate limits. Living elsewhere in Kanawha County does not automatically qualify.

Resident Passes

Pass3-Month Individual3-Month FamilyAnnual IndividualAnnual Family
Health Club$70$105$214$321
Pool$50$88$153$269
Combination$105$168$321$514

Nonresident Passes

Pass3-Month Individual3-Month FamilyAnnual IndividualAnnual Family
Health Club$91$137$278$418
Pool$65$114$199$350
Combination$137$218$418$668

Other Published Membership Options

Monthly Health Club$30
Monthly Pool$25
Monthly Combination$45
Monthly Group Fitness$40
3-Month Resident Gym$20
3-Month Nonresident Gym$70
MilitaryListed at $125 or $1 per visit; signup required. Confirm the applicable pass duration.

Membership Rules

  • You must be at least 16 to enter the weight room.
  • You must be at least 18 to use the wet/recovery areas.
  • Passes are nontransferable and can only be used by the named purchaser.
  • All pass sales are final, with no refunds.
  • Pass extensions are not offered for bad weather, illness or extended vacations.
  • A family generally means a married couple and children younger than 18.
  • A dependent child aged 26 or younger may qualify when attending school full-time and living at home; school proof is required.
Before purchasing: verify residency eligibility, the household definition and the exact pass validity period. An annual pass is not always the best choice if you visit infrequently.

Indoor Swimming Pool: Schedule & Family Rules

The South Charleston Community Center has an indoor 25-meter swimming pool used for lap swimming, family swimming, lessons and water exercise.

Published Open-Swim Hours

DayOpen / Family Swim
Monday–Friday1:00–4:30 PM and 6:30–7:45 PM
Saturday12:00–6:45 PM
Sunday12:00–6:45 PM

Adult Swim

Monday–Friday5:30 AM–1 PM and 4:30–6:30 PM
Saturday9 AM–12 PM
Lap swimmers: the Center says two lap lanes remain available during pool operating hours, subject to age restrictions and operational changes.

Lap Lane Age Restrictions

  • Age 16+: permitted in designated lap lanes.
  • Ages 12–15: a parent must be in the lap lane with the swimmer.
  • Age 11 or younger: not permitted in lap lanes.
  • Under age 16: not permitted in the pool area during adult class sessions.

Before Bringing Children

  1. Select the designated family/open-swim window.
  2. Check whether adult classes or private events affect availability.
  3. Bring appropriate swimwear and towels.
  4. Make sure an adult accompanies younger swimmers.
  5. Follow lifeguard instructions and posted pool rules.
  6. Call ahead for a large group or a special-access request.

For comparison with another public indoor aquatic facility offering lap swimming and family recreation, see our Newtown Community Center pool guide. Newtown, Connecticut uses separate reservations and pricing.

Health Club Equipment & Recovery Rooms

The Health Club includes cardio and strength-training equipment, with machines identified by the City from Hammer Strength, Arsenal Strength, Prime and Matrix.

Cardio Equipment

Treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bicycles and Arc Trainers.

Strength Equipment

Resistance and strength-training machines, with equipment choices suitable for different workout routines.

Recovery Rooms

Men’s and women’s recovery areas with sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, lockers and showers.

Fitness Classes

Bootcamp, Zumba, yoga/Pilates, aerobics and other group fitness sessions.

Recovery Room Hours

Monday–Friday5:30 AM–8:45 PM
Saturday9 AM–6:45 PM
Sunday12–6:45 PM

Minimum age: 18 to use the wet/recovery areas. Shirts and appropriate shoes are required in the Health Club.

Fitness Classes: Schedules & Prices

The City publishes group exercise options for different experience levels. Program availability and instructor schedules can change.

Selected 2026 Class Times

ClassPublished Schedule
Yoga PilatesMonday and Wednesday at 12 PM
BootcampMonday–Wednesday 5:30–6 PM; Saturday 9:30–10 AM
ZumbaMonday–Wednesday 6 PM; Saturday 10 AM
Zumba ToningThursday 6 PM
Morning Exercise ClassMonday and Wednesday 9 AM
Step AerobicsTuesday and Thursday 12 PM
Line DancingVarious Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday sessions

Group Fitness Prices

Pilates & Yoga Walk-In$5 per class
Senior Yoga/Pilates$2 per class
Step / Aerobics$5 per class
Zumba$3 per class
Bootcamp$5 per class
Monthly Group Fitness Pass$40
Fitness pass benefit: people with an active health-club or pool membership may qualify for reduced pricing on eligible exercise and aquatics classes.

How to Join a Class

Pick your class

Choose an activity and confirm that it matches your fitness level and age.

Review the class day

Use the City’s latest class schedule, especially if instructor availability changes.

Check the price

Compare the walk-in fee with a monthly pass or member discount.

Register in person

Visit the front desk at 601 Jefferson Road. Telephone registration is generally not accepted unless specifically authorized.

Bring suitable equipment

Yoga/Pilates participants should bring their own exercise mat.

Follow refund rules

Notify the office promptly if you cannot attend. Class refunds are generally unavailable once a class has been underway longer than one week.

Aqua Aerobics: Water Exercise Classes

Water aerobics offers low-impact group exercise for eligible participants aged 16 and older.

DaysTuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Time5:30–6:30 PM
Regular 6-Week, 2 Days/Week$32
Regular 6-Week, 3 Days/Week$46
Active Member, 2 Days/Week$24
Active Member, 3 Days/Week$30
Corporate / SilverSneakers, 2 Days/Week$16
Corporate / SilverSneakers, 3 Days/Week$23
Enrollment dates: the City’s detailed aquatics page includes an older session example. The prices are posted, but a new 2026 class session should be confirmed with the office rather than assuming the old dates remain active.

Ask whether the class has openings, whether your membership qualifies for discounts, and whether a new session begins soon.

Basketball Gym, Racquetball & Tennis

Basketball

Open play at $2 daily for ages 13+. Children 12 and younger can participate free during eligible open-gym sessions.

Racquetball

One reservable court at $4 per hour. Call ahead to reserve a time slot.

Outdoor Tennis

Two courts with published access from 6 AM to 11 PM, subject to conditions and special use.

Open Basketball Rules

  • Players must check in at the ticket booth.
  • No food, drinks, gum or tobacco in the gym.
  • Basketball shoes are required; turf and running shoes are not permitted.
  • Games are played to a maximum of 12 points.
  • Profane language and disruptive conduct are prohibited.

Racquetball Booking

  • One-hour reservation: $4.
  • Two consecutive time slots may be requested when available.
  • No black-soled shoes on the court.
  • If a player is 15 minutes late, the reservation can be reassigned.

Call 304-744-4731 before traveling specifically for racquetball.

Readers looking at other municipal recreation centers with separate sports, pool and fitness access can compare the Warren Community Center facilities guide. Warren is in Michigan and follows different admission policies.

Room, Gym & Pool Deck Rentals

The Community Center rents event spaces for approved meetings, birthday celebrations, organizations and other gatherings.

2026 Published Room Rates

SpaceCapacity / DetailRental Rate
Room 2Seats approximately 50$40/hour
Room 3Seats approximately 100$50/hour
Room 4Seats approximately 30$30/hour
Pool Decks 1 & 2Confirm permitted event setup$40/hour
Whole Gym2-hour minimum$60/hour
Whole Gym + Downstairs BleachersConfirm setup$100/hour
Whole Gym + Both Bleacher LevelsConfirm setup$125/hour

Special Event Rates

Whole Gym with Tarp, Up to 4 Hours$650
Half Gym with Tarp, Up to 4 Hours$325
Additional Hour for Gym Event$60
Activity Deck, Up to 4 Hours$275
Activity Deck Additional Hour$40

Rental Deposit and Setup

Deposit: 50% of the rental price must be paid within 48 hours of booking to hold the event. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remaining balance is due on the day of the event.

Rentals include 30 minutes of complimentary setup. Extra setup time is charged at the relevant hourly rate.

Example Rental Budgets

ExampleBase Rental Cost
Room 4, 2 hours$60
Room 2, 3 hours$120
Room 3, 3 hours$150
Whole Gym, 2 hours$120

These examples include only the published hourly rental amount. Extra setup time, special equipment or additional services may increase the final total.

How to Book an Event

Select the space

Match the room capacity and available amenities to your event.

Prepare event details

Have your date, guest count, start/end times, room setup and backup date ready.

Call the rental desk

Contact 304-744-4731 and ask for Ashley or Connie during weekday office hours, 9 AM–5 PM.

Confirm the final amount

Verify time, included setup, deposit, equipment and any additional charge.

Pay the deposit

Arrange the required 50% nonrefundable deposit within 48 hours of booking.

Keep event confirmation

Save the approved date, space, payment record and remaining balance information.

Little Creek Park Picnic Shelter Rentals

The Community Center also handles reservations for the eight picnic shelters at nearby Little Creek Park.

Starting Rental Price

From $70 per day, with rental hours listed from 8 AM to 10 PM.

Shelter Amenities

Grills, nearby restrooms, electricity and off-street parking at the park’s shelter locations.

Shelters differ in size and proximity to playgrounds or athletic fields. Reserving a shelter does not automatically reserve a ballfield.

How to Choose a Shelter

  1. Estimate the number of guests and required seating.
  2. Decide whether you need access to a playground or athletic area.
  3. Review the available shelter pictures and layout.
  4. Call the Community Center to confirm date and shelter availability.
  5. Check permitted grills, decorations, electricity and cleanup rules.
  6. Pay the required rental charges through the approved City process.

Registration, Payments & Refunds

For classes and memberships, the City publishes the following registration instructions:

Where to Register601 Jefferson Road, South Charleston, WV 25309
Registration MethodIn person, first come, first served
Phone RegistrationNot accepted unless specifically permitted
Accepted PaymentsCash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and debit cards
ChecksNot accepted
Class RefundsGenerally unavailable once a class has been underway more than one week
Membership RefundsPass sales final

Before Registering

  • Confirm the program has an available opening.
  • Ask whether the advertised fee includes all sessions.
  • Check age restrictions and required equipment.
  • Bring any needed residency documentation.
  • Read refund and cancellation rules before payment.
  • Keep your registration receipt.

The City’s RecDesk facility catalog can help identify spaces, but it currently warns that online registration is unavailable. Do not assume that a facility calendar entry is an active online checkout or confirmed reservation.

Location, Parking & Directions

Facility NameSouth Charleston Community Center
Address601 Jefferson Road, South Charleston, WV 25309
Telephone304-744-4731
Fax304-744-4734
ParkingConfirm the appropriate parking area and event entrance with staff
Official Websitecommunitycenter.cityofsouthcharleston.com

How to Get There

  1. Enter 601 Jefferson Road, South Charleston, WV 25309 in your navigation app.
  2. Use the main Community Center entrance unless staff provides event-specific instructions.
  3. For a pool party or private event, confirm the appropriate arrival area.
  4. Allow extra time during tournaments and large gatherings.
  5. Visitors needing accessible entry should contact the front desk beforehand.

Common Visitor Mistakes to Avoid

Using Health Club Hours for Swimming

The pool closes earlier than the weekday health club. Check the family-swim window before bringing children.

Buying Two Daily Passes

Adults using both the pool and Health Club should compare the $6 combination entry against separate admission.

Assuming County Residency Counts

Discounted resident membership prices require residence within South Charleston’s corporate limits.

Bringing a Young Child to Lap Lanes

Ages 11 and under are not permitted in lap lanes, and ages 12–15 need a parent present in the lane.

Arriving Without Registration

Classes can have limited space. Registration generally takes place in person rather than by phone.

Booking Without a Deposit

The rental policy requires a 50% deposit within 48 hours to hold the reserved event.

For another municipal facility where pool access, fitness admission, youth programs and rentals have separate policies, our Matt Dishman Community Center visitor guide provides a useful comparison. That facility is located in Portland, Oregon.

Before You Leave Home

  • Confirm the activity-specific schedule rather than general building hours.
  • Choose the correct pool, gym, health club or combination admission.
  • Bring proof of eligibility if seeking a resident, senior or military rate.
  • Check whether children can use the desired pool or court area.
  • Bring basketball shoes for open gym.
  • Bring a yoga mat for yoga/Pilates.
  • Verify registration requirements for exercise classes.
  • For room rentals, prepare event details and the required deposit.
  • Call before holidays, severe weather or special events.
  • Keep payment and booking confirmations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is South Charleston Community Center located?

South Charleston Community Center is located at 601 Jefferson Road, South Charleston, West Virginia 25309. The main telephone number is 304-744-4731.

What are South Charleston Community Center hours?

The Health Club is open Monday–Friday 5:30 AM–9 PM, Saturday 9 AM–7 PM and Sunday noon–7 PM. The pool, basketball gym and recovery rooms close earlier and have separate schedules.

How much does swimming cost at South Charleston Community Center?

Daily indoor pool admission is $4 for adults age 16 and older, $3 for children age 15 and younger, and $2 for seniors age 62 and older. A daily pool and Health Club combination pass costs $6.

When is family swimming available?

The published family/open-swim schedule is Monday–Friday 1–4:30 PM and 6:30–7:45 PM, Saturday noon–6:45 PM and Sunday noon–6:45 PM. Call ahead for changes or private events.

How much is Health Club admission?

Daily Health Club admission is $5 for adults and $2 for seniors. Three-month, annual and monthly membership options are also available.

Does the Community Center offer basketball and racquetball?

Yes. Open basketball is free for children age 12 and younger and $2 daily for ages 13 and older. The racquetball court costs $4 per hour and reservations are made through the front desk.

Does South Charleston Community Center have a sauna and steam room?

Yes. The recovery rooms include a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, lockers and showers. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

What exercise classes are available?

Published programs include Zumba, yoga/Pilates, bootcamp, step aerobics, line dancing, morning exercise classes and aqua aerobics. Schedule and registration requirements vary.

Can I rent a room for a birthday party or meeting?

Yes. The Center rents meeting rooms, pool deck spaces, the gym and activity deck. Room rentals start at $30 per hour, depending on the space. A 50% nonrefundable deposit is required within 48 hours of booking.

How do I register or reserve a facility?

Visit the center at 601 Jefferson Road for ordinary class and membership registration. To arrange rentals, call 304-744-4731. Telephone class registration is generally not accepted unless the Center specifically permits it.

Official Sources & Final Steps

Use the City’s primary resources below to confirm the final schedule, purchase a pass or request a facility reservation.

Independent visitor guide, researched using City of South Charleston information in October 2026. Not affiliated with the City or its Recreation Department. Hours, fees, class schedules and rental conditions may change. Confirm important details directly before traveling or paying.