Visit Ed Rice Community Center: Hours, Activities & Reservations
Ed Rice Community Center is a Memphis Parks recreation facility in the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee. It offers gym and fitness facilities, community meeting spaces, arts and youth activities, with Frayser Park, tennis courts, walking trails and a seasonal outdoor pool nearby.
The center is open Monday–Friday, 8 AM–8 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM–1 PM. Sunday is closed under the published schedule. Visitors can call 901-636-0750 for programs, facilities and rentals.
Reviewed October 29, 2026. Holiday hours, classes, pool seasons and booking availability may change.
Ed Rice Community Center Hours & Contact
| Day | Center Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Community center: 901-636-0750
Memphis Parks general information: 901-636-4200
Location: North Watkins Street, Frayser, Memphis, TN 38127.
Frayser Park Hours Are Different
| Park summer hours | 6 AM–8 PM |
|---|---|
| Park winter hours | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Community center | Weekdays 8 AM–8 PM; Saturday 9 AM–1 PM |
| Outdoor pool | Seasonal; published summer schedule Tuesday–Saturday, noon–6 PM |
The park opening time does not mean the community center building, gym or pool is open. Individual programs also have their own schedules.
Facilities and Activities Available
The rebuilt Ed Rice facility focuses on recreation, wellness, community gatherings and learning. Memphis Parks lists the following spaces and services.
Indoor gymnasium and basketball activities. Open-play availability depends on the program schedule.
Workout and exercise areas for health, fitness and wellness activities.
Art studio and cultural arts activities, including creative expression and scheduled classes.
Three community meeting spaces for approved meetings, group activities and events.
Game and recreation areas, plus stage space for community events and programming.
Kitchen facilities associated with center activities and eligible event uses; ask about rental access.
Memphis Parks also lists supervised youth sports, free-play opportunities, educational activities, dance, music, social development and holiday events across its community center system. Exact sessions at Ed Rice should be confirmed before travel.
For a broader explanation of gym access, classes, schedules and daily-fee questions, see the community recreation center visitor and activity guide.
Youth Programs, Camps, Classes & Registration
Ed Rice serves children, teenagers, adults and neighborhood groups through seasonal programming. A program being available through Memphis Parks does not necessarily mean it is accepting registration at Ed Rice today.
| Program Type | What Visitors Should Know |
|---|---|
| Summer day camp | Seasonal youth recreation. Ask about age eligibility, weekly dates, available places, meals, fees and pickup arrangements. |
| After-school activities | Ask whether supervised homework, recreation or enrichment sessions are currently running and whether advance enrollment is required. |
| Youth sports | Basketball and supervised team-sports opportunities may depend on season, age group, staff and court availability. |
| Fitness & wellness | Ask about instructor-led classes, exercise equipment access, schedules and participant requirements. |
| Arts, music & dance | Seasonal creative programming. Confirm materials, age restrictions and possible program fees. |
| Community events | Holiday celebrations, family events and neighborhood gatherings are scheduled individually. |
How to Find and Register for a Program
- Open the official Memphis Parks program portal. Visit Memphis Parks RecDesk Programs.
- Filter by location. Choose Ed Rice Community Center if that location appears among the options.
- Choose the activity. Search for camps, youth sports, fitness, arts or other recreation opportunities.
- Read the details. Check dates, age range, fees, registration window, available places and whether parents need an account.
- Register through RecDesk. Sign in or create an account if the program requires online enrollment.
- Save the confirmation. Keep the program details and ask about any forms, equipment, emergency contacts or authorized child pickup.
Swimming, Frayser Park & Tennis Facilities
Ed Rice Community Center sits within the Frayser Park recreation area. Memphis Parks describes the park as approximately 40 acres with outdoor recreation facilities.
Approximately 1.5 miles of walking trail for exercise and outdoor recreation.
Outdoor play space suitable for family park visits, subject to normal park conditions.
Reservable outdoor space for gatherings. The park lists reservations for dates at least 14 days away.
Summer-only aquatic facility; do not assume year-round swimming or normal center hours apply.
Eight outdoor courts managed by Tennis Memphis, with lessons, court rental and programming.
Space for permitted recreation and organized activities, subject to park scheduling.
Frayser Outdoor Pool Hours
The published seasonal operating schedule is Tuesday–Saturday, 12 PM–6 PM, during the summer operating season. Pools are cleared 30 minutes before closing, making the practical water-exit time approximately 5:30 PM.
October 2026: The listed summer outdoor pool season is not a year-round schedule. Do not plan an October swimming visit without confirming an active program or special operation.
The center and park pages use the term aquatics center, but current public-access arrangements for every aquatic space are not fully detailed. Ask staff whether your intended pool, swimming lesson or aquatic activity is operating before arriving.
Frayser Tennis Center
Frayser Tennis Center is managed separately through Tennis Memphis. It has eight outdoor courts and offers adult and junior tennis programming, outreach, summer camps, racquet services and court reservations.
The park’s current page lists the tennis center contact as 901-636-2700. Call for court access, current hours, lessons and booking procedures.
Ed Rice Community Center Rentals & Event Space
Memphis Parks allows approved community center rentals for occasions such as family reunions, banquets, wedding receptions, meetings and community celebrations. Ed Rice has meeting areas and other facilities that may be suitable for certain events.
Rental prices are not publicly itemized on the current Ed Rice rental listing. The official Memphis Parks website states “Contact for pricing.” A verified Ed Rice-specific hourly rate, deposit, cancellation charge or capacity figure was not available in the reviewed public listing.
| Rental Question | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Meeting rooms | Which of the three rooms is available, approved guest capacity, layout and furniture. |
| Gym or larger gathering | Whether the requested space is rentable, event suitability, schedule restrictions and staffing. |
| Food service | Kitchen permission, outside catering, food preparation and cleanup rules. |
| Decorations & music | Permitted decorations, sound equipment, event setup and teardown requirements. |
| Costs | Hourly fee, total minimum booking, deposits, additional staffing, security and refund policy. |
| Parking & accessibility | Guest entry, off-street parking, accessible routes and seating arrangements. |
How to Request a Rental
- Choose your event type. For example, birthday celebration, family reunion, business meeting or community gathering.
- Prepare the essential details. Write down the requested date, start and finish time, number of guests and room setup.
- Call 901-636-0750. Ask which Ed Rice facilities can be reserved and whether the requested time is available.
- Request the full price. Ask for an itemized quote, including deposits, staffing, cleanup and any residency-related charges.
- Review the rental conditions. Confirm food, decorations, music, insurance, cancellation terms and whether additional approvals are needed.
- Complete the official reservation. Use the process provided by Memphis Parks and retain written approval and the payment receipt.
Frayser Park Pavilion Rental
If you need an outdoor family gathering rather than an indoor meeting room, Frayser Park’s pavilion may be a better choice. Memphis Parks says pavilion reservations can be made for event dates at least 14 days in the future.
- Visit the official Frayser Park page.
- Find the pavilion reservation section.
- Choose the official reservation option.
- Select the requested date and check availability.
- Review all booking fees, timing and rules before payment.
Rental charges and conditions vary by facility and city. For a comparison of how another Tennessee municipality handles gym and meeting-room rentals, read the Sevierville Community Center room and recreation rental guide. Those rates do not apply to Ed Rice.
Frayser Neighborhood & Community Resources
Ed Rice is located in North Memphis’s Frayser community and serves as a place for recreation, youth development and neighborhood activity.
The newer community center building was completed in 2022. Its design uses extensive glazing, visible indoor activity spaces and a connection with the surrounding park. The design team identifies it as the first City of Memphis building designed for LEED Silver certification.
The center has also supported neighborhood-oriented civic and youth activities. A 2025 Memphis City Council committee document describes the Memphis Parks Youth Advisory Board pilot at Ed Rice, designed to involve teenagers in recreation planning and civic participation.
When choosing a recreation center, location and the exact activities matter more than facility size alone. For a different Tennessee neighborhood-center model involving youth enrichment, outdoor recreation and private bookings, the Shelby Park Community Center visitor guide provides a useful comparison.
Ed Rice Community Center Map, Directions & Parking
Memphis Parks location: 2935 N Watkins Street, Memphis, TN 38127.
RecDesk building listing: 2907 N Watkins Street, Memphis, TN 38127.
The community center is within the Frayser Park recreation complex along North Watkins Street. For first-time visits, use the park’s address for general navigation and confirm the particular building entrance with staff.
Parking & First-Visit Tips
- Memphis Parks confirms off-street parking at the Frayser Park property.
- Specific parking-space counts and individual accessible parking locations were not established from the reviewed public information.
- Ask which entrance serves your class, event, community meeting or recreational activity.
- Confirm accessible entrances and restroom arrangements directly if you need an accommodation.
- For large events, ask whether parking areas are shared with tennis, pool and park visitors.
- Do not mistake the public park opening hours for the community center building schedule.
Before You Visit: Quick Checklist
- Confirm the correct North Watkins Street entrance.
- Check center hours for the day of your visit.
- Call ahead for gym, fitness and class availability.
- For youth programs, check enrollment, age limits, forms and pickup rules.
- For outdoor swimming, verify seasonal operation and pool admission requirements.
- For tennis, confirm court availability with the separate tennis operator.
- For rentals, request the full price and written approval before paying.
- Ask about accessibility, staff assistance or special arrangements before arriving.
Readers comparing larger Tennessee recreation centers with fitness programs, free recreation areas and facility reservations can also consult the Southeast Community Center programs and rental planning guide. Southeast is in Antioch, not Memphis; it is a facility-type comparison rather than a nearby alternative.
Useful Official Pages
- Memphis Parks — Ed Rice Community Center and Frayser Park: location, amenities, outdoor pool and park hours.
- Memphis Parks RecDesk — Ed Rice Facility: building hours and official facility listing.
- Memphis Parks — Program Registration: search current classes, camps and activities.
- Memphis Parks — Community Center Rentals: rental inquiries and official booking process.
- Memphis Parks — Community Centers: recreation centers across Memphis.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Ed Rice Community Center located?
Ed Rice Community Center is in Frayser, Memphis, Tennessee 38127. Memphis Parks lists the recreation property at 2935 N Watkins Street, while its RecDesk facility listing uses 2907 N Watkins Street. Call 901-636-0750 to confirm the building entrance.
2. What are Ed Rice Community Center hours?
Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. The facility is closed Sunday under the posted schedule. Holidays and individual activities may follow different hours.
3. What is the Ed Rice Community Center phone number?
The Ed Rice Community Center contact number listed by Memphis Parks is 901-636-0750. For general Memphis Parks inquiries, call 901-636-4200.
4. Does Ed Rice Community Center have a basketball gym?
Yes. The facility includes a gymnasium and basketball-related recreation space. Open gym times, youth sports and court availability depend on scheduled programming.
5. Are there summer camps and after-school programs?
Memphis Parks community centers provide seasonal youth programming, including summer day camps, supervised recreation and educational activities. Check current Ed Rice registration listings or call staff to confirm active sessions, eligibility and spaces.
6. Is there a swimming pool at Ed Rice Community Center?
Frayser Park has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool associated with the Ed Rice recreation area. Published summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 PM, with swimmers cleared 30 minutes before closing. Confirm the operating season before visiting.
7. How much does it cost to rent Ed Rice Community Center?
Memphis Parks does not publish an itemized Ed Rice rental rate on its current rental listing. It directs visitors to contact the facility for pricing. Call 901-636-0750 for an event-specific quote, availability and deposit requirements.
8. Can I reserve Frayser Park pavilion for a party?
Yes. Memphis Parks lists pavilion rentals at Frayser Park, with reservations available for dates at least 14 days ahead. Use the official park reservation link to check dates, conditions and costs.
9. Does Ed Rice Community Center have tennis courts and walking trails?
Yes. Frayser Park features an approximately 1.5-mile walking trail and a tennis center with eight outdoor courts. Tennis Memphis manages tennis programming and court arrangements separately from the community center.
10. Is parking available at Ed Rice Community Center?
Memphis Parks confirms off-street parking at the Frayser Park recreation complex. The exact number of parking spaces was not confirmed. Ask staff about the appropriate entrance and accessible parking arrangements for your visit.