Plan Hours, Programs, Rentals, Pool, Gym, Kids Center and Map Before You Visit
Bentonville Community Center is not just a gym or a pool. It is an 80,000-square-foot recreation facility with aquatics, fitness, gymnasium, indoor track, Kids Center, community rooms, public WiFi, library mini-branch, adult lounge and program registration.
The smartest visit starts by choosing your exact activity, because building hours, Kids Center hours, open swim, lap swim, wellness classes, gym schedules and rental rules are not all the same.
Quick Facts: Address, Phone, Email and Best First Step
The official Community Center page lists the facility at 1101 SW Citizens Circle, Bentonville, AR 72713. The Community Center phone number is 479-696-0200, and the public email listed for the facility is bcc@bentonvillear.com.
1101 SW Citizens Circle
Use this exact address in your map app. Bentonville has other Parks and Recreation locations, so do not search only “Bentonville Parks.”
479-696-0200
Call for same-day schedule, membership, pool, Kids Center, gym, rental or check-in questions.
bcc@bentonvillear.com
Use email for non-urgent questions, room rental follow-up, and written clarification.
Choose activity first
Building hours are only the start. Pool, class, gym and rental details must be checked separately.
Match Your Visit Reason Before Reading the Schedule
Most weak pages just repeat the address and hours. A useful visitor page helps you decide what to check next. Bentonville Community Center has different user paths: family swim, lap swim, wellness classes, open gym, pickleball, Kids Center, rentals, swim lessons and event planning.
Family open swim
Check leisure pool open swim hours, weekend blue slide/diving board availability, and whether your visit needs weekday or weekend features.
Competition pool lap swim
Check lap swim hours, lane sharing, programmed-hour lane limits, and the minimum lap swim age of 12.
Fitness or wellness class
Check the current class schedule and reserve when recommended. Do not assume every class is available by walk-in.
Workout with Kids Center
Check Kids Center hours first. They do not cover the full building day and there is a weekday midday gap.
Open gym, track or pickleball
Open gym is for casual recreation. Paid coaching, organized team activities and scrimmage-style control are not allowed during open gym.
Room rental or pool party
Room rentals must be booked in person, with deposit and rental fee paid at booking. Prep and cleanup time must also be included.
Hours by Area: Building, Kids Center, Pool and Lap Swim
The building hours help you know when the facility is generally open, but they do not guarantee a class, lane, child-watch block, pool feature or gym activity. Use this table to pick the correct schedule.
| Area | Official listed schedule | What it means for visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Building hours | Monday–Thursday 5 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday 5 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.–6 p.m. | Good for general access, but not enough for pool, Kids Center, classes or rentals. |
| Kids Center | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 3–7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Plan workouts/classes inside these blocks if child-watch access matters. |
| Fitness floor | Monday–Thursday 5 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday 5 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.–6 p.m. | Matches the main listed fitness floor schedule, but classes may still require reservations. |
| River walking | Monday–Friday 7:30–10 a.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 6:30–7:30 p.m.; Saturday 7:30–10 a.m. | For ages 14 and older. It is low-impact exercise, not family swim. |
| Preschool play | Wednesday–Friday 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; for children 5 and under. | A calmer swim block where only the zero-entry pool is open. |
| Leisure pool open swim | Monday–Friday 1–6:30 p.m.; Saturday 12–6:30 p.m.; Sunday 12–5:30 p.m. | Weekday open swim includes the big red slide. Weekend open swim adds blue slide and diving boards. |
| Competition pool lap swim | Monday–Thursday 5:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 5–7 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Sunday 12–5:30 p.m. | Swimmers must be 12 or older, and lane space can be limited during programmed hours. |
Map, Address and Arrival Planning
Use the official Community Center address for directions. Bentonville Parks and Recreation also lists other facilities, so typing only “Parks and Recreation” may take you to a different building.
For map apps
Enter 1101 SW Citizens Circle, Bentonville, AR 72713. Choose the Community Center result, not another city facility.
For first-time arrival
Arrive early if you need a daily pass, pool party check-in, class direction, Kids Center drop-off, locker room time or basketball checkout.
For family visits
Plan around pool and Kids Center schedules first, then decide whether daily admission or membership makes more sense.
Membership and Daily Passes: What Is Included and What Costs Extra
Annual and monthly passes include unlimited access to facilities, wellness programs and classes at Bentonville Community Center and Melvin Ford Aquatic Center, plus member-only events. Paid programs such as camps, swimming lessons and sports programs are excluded, so membership does not automatically cover every program.
| Patron type | Daily resident / non-resident | 20 admissions | Annual resident / non-resident | Monthly resident / non-resident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $7 / $10 | $105 / $150 | $224 / $298 | $21 / $27 |
| Youth | $7 / $10 | Not listed | $149 / $208 | $15 / $19 |
| Senior | $7 / $10 | Not listed | $149 / $208 | $15 / $19 |
| Family | Not shown in daily table | Not listed | $449 / $513 | $40 / $47 |
Membership is stronger if…
You will use the fitness floor, wellness classes, open swim, lap swim, indoor track, Melvin Ford Aquatic Center and member-only events regularly. Family membership is especially useful if Kids Center access fits your schedule.
Daily admission is safer if…
You only want one open swim, one gym visit, one class test, one lap swim session or a short first visit before deciding whether the Community Center fits your routine.
Aquatics: Leisure Pool, Open Swim, River Walking and Lap Swim
The official aquatics page separates the leisure pool from the competition pool. That distinction matters because a family wanting open swim and a lap swimmer wanting lane time need different schedules and expectations.
Leisure pool: what to know
- River walking is adult-focused low-impact time in the lazy river.
- Preschool play is for children ages 5 and under.
- During preschool play, only the zero-entry pool is open.
- Weekday open swim includes the zero-entry pool, play structure, lazy river, basketball goals, lap lanes and big red slide.
- Weekend open swim also includes diving boards and the blue drop slide.
Competition pool: what to know
- The competition pool is a 25-yard, 10-lane pool.
- Lap swim is available to members and non-members during scheduled lap swim hours.
- Swimmers should be prepared to share lanes.
- Limited lanes may be available during programmed hours.
- The minimum age for lap swimming is 12.
Pool feature decision: weekday vs weekend
If your child wants general play, the weekday open swim block may be enough. If the blue drop slide or diving boards are the reason for the visit, plan around weekend open swim and still verify current availability before you arrive.
Swim Lessons, Private Lessons, Dive Camps and Swim Teams
This section fills a major competitor gap: the Community Center is not only a drop-in pool. The official aquatics pages include group lessons, private swim lessons, dive camps, Barracudas youth swim team, Masters Swim Team and youth triathlon training.
| Program | Official detail | Practical user help |
|---|---|---|
| Group swim lessons | Swim lesson fees are listed as $80 for members and $88 for non-members, with regular session schedules. | Register early; lesson windows and registration deadlines are specific to each session. |
| Private swim lessons | Individual 30-minute lesson is listed at $35 member / $40 non-member; 10-pack at $335 member / $385 non-member. | Better for nervous swimmers, special goals, stroke work or children who do not fit a group level. |
| Dive programs | Dive camps are offered over holiday and summer breaks for beginner and advanced divers; private dive lessons are offered through the year. | Use this if your child wants diving skills, not regular swim lessons. |
| Barracudas Swim Team | Youth recreational swim team for technique, swim meets and team experience. | Good next step after lessons for swimmers ready for structure and team practice. |
| Masters Swim Team | Adult swim group for consistent workouts or competition training. | Good for adults who need accountability and swim community, not just solo lap lanes. |
| Youth Triathlon Team | Training includes swimming, biking, running, safety, transitions and race-day skills. | Use this for kids interested in multi-sport training rather than only swim team. |
Fitness Floor and Wellness Classes
The fitness floor follows the listed Community Center schedule, while wellness classes should be checked separately. This is important for visitors who join mainly for classes rather than open equipment use.
Fitness floor
Use the listed building-style fitness hours for general equipment access, then confirm any member or daily-pass requirement before arrival.
Wellness classes
Class formats can include yoga, cycling, Zumba and other wellness offerings. Reservation is recommended, so check ActiveNet or the official schedule.
Before you join
Compare the class times you actually want with your weekly schedule and Kids Center hours if you are using child-watch support.
Gymnasium, Indoor Track, Open Gym, Pickup Hoops, Pickleball and Badminton
The gym page has several micro-rules that many articles miss. The full court gym accommodates basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton and more, and the 100-meter raised track overlooks the court below.
| Gym use | Official detail | Visitor tip |
|---|---|---|
| Open gym | For recreational play; scrimmages, organized team activities, paid coaching and training are not allowed. | Do not use open gym for private team practice or paid coaching sessions. |
| Basketball checkout | Personal basketballs are not allowed; basketballs can be checked out at the Wellness Desk. | Bring a membership card, car keys or driver’s license for checkout. |
| Pickup hoops | For players 16 and older to play pickup basketball style games. | Check designated times. Pickup hoops is not always the same as open gym. |
| Pickleball | Users should bring their own paddles and balls. | Check gym schedule for designated times; Creekside Park is listed for outdoor pickleball. |
| Badminton | Users should bring their own rackets and shuttlecocks. | Do not assume equipment is supplied. |
| Indoor track | Two lanes: one walking lane and one running lane. Sixteen times around equals one mile. | Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult on the track. |
Kids Center: Family Membership and Schedule Reality
The Kids Center can be a major reason to choose a family membership, but it is not open during all building hours. Plan the adult workout or class around the Kids Center blocks, not the other way around.
Kids Center hours
- Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Monday–Friday: 3 p.m.–7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Sunday: not listed in the official Kids Center schedule.
Best use case
Use Kids Center blocks for a workout, lap swim, wellness class or indoor track session. If you usually visit midday on weekdays, the schedule gap can affect the value of family membership.
Family memberships include Kids Center access, but that access is only useful when the hours overlap your real routine.
Room Rentals and Pool Party Room: What to Know Before Booking
The official rental page says potential renters must come into the Bentonville Community Center to book an event. Events within two weeks require Recreation Supervisor approval, and both the deposit and rental fee must be paid at booking to secure the space.
Booking rule most visitors miss
Renters must pay for prep and cleanup time, not only the guest-facing event time. If your event is two hours but you need 30 minutes before and after, your true rental window may be longer than expected.
| Rental option | Official listed rate/details | Planning help |
|---|---|---|
| 1 community room | Member $50/hour; non-member $75/hour; 2-hour minimum. | Best for smaller meetings or simple gatherings. |
| 2 community rooms | Member $75/hour; non-member $100/hour; 2-hour minimum. | Use when one room feels tight or the event needs more separation. |
| 3 community rooms | Member $100/hour; non-member $125/hour; 2-hour minimum. | Best for larger events needing stage, dance floor and expanded layout. |
| Catering kitchen | Member $25/hour; non-member $50/hour. | Ask whether your setup, caterer and cleanup time require additional booking time. |
| After-hours rental | $40/hour; contact bcc@bentonvillear.com for details. | Do not assume after-hours rentals are automatically approved. |
| Pool party room | 1.5 hours; 25 guests; $175 members and $200 non-members. | Includes pool party room plus leisure pool access during open swim. |
| Pool party times | Friday 5–6:30 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday 12–1:30 p.m., 2–3:30 p.m., and 4–5:30 p.m. | Blue drop slide and diving boards are only available during weekend parties. |
When a Rental Becomes a Special Event or Public Park Event
Normal indoor room rentals are different from larger public events, field reservations, pavilion reservations or park-based events. The official Special Events Form shows extra requirements when events involve public parks, fundraising, large groups, trails, deposits or special amenities.
Special event triggers to watch
- Large groups or events equal to or above 200 people.
- Events needing more time than standard reservation limits.
- Events with inflatables, dunk tanks, live bands, pony rides, marathons, fundraisers or other approval-sensitive amenities.
- Fundraising events or events collecting money.
- Trail closures, trail signage or event routes.
- Use of keys, security deposits or trash deposits.
PDF details that affect planning
The special event PDF states that forms should be submitted early because some approvals may require staff or committee review. It also lists a $50 rental fee for money-collecting events unless stated otherwise, a $200 cleaning/trash deposit, a $200 security deposit if a key is checked out, and an hourly trail fee of $150 for trail reservations.
For pavilion use, small groups under 200 may reserve up to four hours, while larger groups of 200+ must complete a Community Event Request Form and may reserve up to eight hours.
Sample Plans for the Most Common Searchers
These quick plans are designed for real users, not search-engine filler.
Family open swim plan
- Check open swim times.
- Choose weekday or weekend based on desired features.
- Verify blue slide/diving boards if those matter.
- Bring enough time for changing rooms.
- Use daily pricing if testing the facility once.
Lap swim plan
- Check competition pool lap swim hours.
- Remember the minimum age is 12.
- Prepare to share lanes.
- Avoid programmed-hour lane conflicts when possible.
- Compare daily vs membership pricing.
Workout with Kids Center plan
- Check Kids Center hours first.
- Pick a class or workout inside that block.
- Avoid weekday midday gaps.
- Compare family membership value.
- Arrive early for check-in.
Gym visit plan
- Open the gym schedule first.
- Identify open gym, pickup hoops, pickleball, badminton or volleyball.
- Bring your own pickleball or badminton equipment.
- Do not bring personal basketballs.
- Respect shared family-friendly play.
Room rental plan
- Choose 1, 2 or 3 rooms.
- Decide if the catering kitchen is needed.
- Add prep and cleanup time.
- Go in person to book.
- Bring payment for deposit and rental fee.
Pool party plan
- Choose Friday, Saturday or Sunday block.
- Keep guest count within 25.
- Remember blue slide/diving boards are weekend-only.
- Confirm open swim timing.
- Pay rental fee at booking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using only building hours
Building hours do not guarantee pool feature availability, Kids Center access, lap lanes, classes or gym activity timing.
Assuming all pool features are daily
Weekend open swim includes blue drop slide and diving boards; weekday open swim does not list those same weekend features.
Trying to rent fully online
Community Center event booking requires coming into the facility, and events within two weeks need Recreation Supervisor approval.
Ignoring prep and cleanup time
Rental time should include setup and cleanup, not just the guest-facing event time.
Bringing personal basketballs
Personal basketballs are not allowed. Basketballs are checked out at the Wellness Desk with accepted collateral.
Assuming membership covers paid programs
Membership excludes paid programs such as camps, swimming lessons and sports programs.
Call Script for Same-Day Visitor Questions
Use this when a visit depends on current schedule, feature access, rental approval or class availability.
Copy this script
“Hi, I’m planning to visit Bentonville Community Center today for [open swim / lap swim / Kids Center / wellness class / open gym / pickleball / room rental / pool party]. Can you confirm the current schedule, whether a reservation or membership is needed, the correct fee, and where I should check in?”
Official Links to Verify Current Details
Use these official links after reading the guide. They are placed here intentionally so users first understand what they need to check, then open the correct source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bentonville Community Center located?
Bentonville Community Center is located at 1101 SW Citizens Circle, Bentonville, AR 72713.
What is the phone number for Bentonville Community Center?
The official Community Center phone number is 479-696-0200.
What email does Bentonville Community Center list?
The facility email listed on the official page is bcc@bentonvillear.com.
What are Bentonville Community Center building hours?
Building hours are Monday–Thursday 5 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 5 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
What are Kids Center hours?
Kids Center hours are Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 3–7 p.m., plus Saturday 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Does Bentonville Community Center have a pool?
Yes. It includes a leisure pool and a 25-yard, 10-lane competition pool.
When is open swim?
Open swim is listed Monday–Friday 1–6:30 p.m., Saturday 12–6:30 p.m., and Sunday 12–5:30 p.m.
Are the blue slide and diving boards always open?
No. The official aquatics page says the blue slide and diving boards are open on weekends only.
What is the minimum age for lap swimming?
All lap swimmers need to be 12 or older.
How much is a daily pass?
The membership page lists daily pricing as $7 resident and $10 non-resident for adults, youth and seniors.
What does membership include?
Annual and monthly passes include unlimited access to facilities, wellness programs and classes at Bentonville Community Center and Melvin Ford Aquatic Center, plus member-only events. Paid programs such as camps, swimming lessons and sports programs are excluded.
Does family membership include Kids Center access?
Yes. The membership page says family memberships include access to the Kids Center.
Can I bring my own basketball?
No. The gymnasium page says personal basketballs are not allowed; basketballs are available for checkout at the Wellness Desk.
Can I rent a room at Bentonville Community Center?
Yes. Potential renters must come into the Bentonville Community Center to book an event, and rental fees plus deposit must be paid at booking.
How much is a pool party room rental?
The pool party room is listed at $175 for members and $200 for non-members for a 1.5-hour block, with up to 25 guests.