Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center: Hours & Fees

Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Opening Hours

Before a time-sensitive trip, check the Robert A. Lee facility status and closure alerts. You can also call the center to check the exact space you intend to use.

Holiday example: The City published special operating information for Labor Day, September 7, 2026. Holiday access may be different from normal schedules, particularly at the pool.

What Facilities Are Available?

For a broader explanation of how pool schedules, fitness access, day passes and gym programs differ between public recreation centers, see our community recreation center planning and admission guide.

Indoor Pool: Features, Depth & Swimming Rules

The Robert A. Lee pool operates throughout the year, although its public-swim schedule changes by season and program availability.

Pool Hours: Why the Season Matters

The City’s summer 2026 schedule ended on August 23, 2026. It included expanded daytime swimming and separate evening swim-lesson periods.

That summer schedule should not be used as the current October 2026 timetable. Fall swimming sessions, lesson blocks and special closures can differ.

Before You Swim

• Check whether the session is open swim, lap swim, lessons or a special activity.
• Verify that lap lanes are available during your chosen time.
• Review the current supervision requirements for young children.
• Bring suitable swimming clothes and a towel.
• Ask about approved flotation equipment when bringing young children.
• Confirm locker-room arrangements if needed.
• Check whether a $3 promotional swim session is scheduled.

Families comparing different pool layouts and aquatic amenities may find the Bartlett Community Center indoor swimming and family recreation guide useful. Bartlett is a separate Illinois facility with different fees and pool rules.

Swimming Admission Fees & Passes

Iowa City’s published aquatics prices apply across its municipal aquatic facilities, subject to the type of admission purchased.

Daily Admission

Multi-Visit & Monthly Passes

Annual Aquatics Passes

Which Pool Pass Is Better?

Household Pass Rules

• Household members must live at the same address.
• Adults with different surnames may be asked to verify shared residence.
• Households with more than five members can add additional members to eligible monthly or annual passes for $25 per additional person.
• Proof of residency may be needed for resident pricing.

RecAssist Pool Discounts

Income-eligible residents living within Iowa City limits who qualify for RecAssist can receive a 50% reduction on pool passes under the published City policy.

The discount is based on eligibility approval. It should not be assumed to apply automatically to every daily admission transaction.

Ask the recreation desk about the application, household eligibility and required documentation before purchasing a pass.

The City’s recreation and financial-assistance page provides the official starting point.

Gymnasium, Fitness Room & Open Gym Access

The recreation center offers a fitness room and a gymnasium, but the spaces have different usage requirements.

How to Avoid a Wasted Gym Visit

1. Check the normal building hours.
2. Call 319-356-5100 to ask whether the gymnasium is available for public recreation at your planned time.
3. Ask whether the activity requires registration or a pass.
4. Confirm the current fee, if any, for your intended use.
5. Bring athletic shoes and any required equipment.
6. Check in according to front-desk instructions.

Programs, Swimming Lessons & Registration

Iowa City Parks and Recreation offers seasonal programs. The recreation guide and registration portal are the primary sources for current course dates, age restrictions, availability and participation fees.

The City’s fall 2026 registration opened August 11 for Iowa City residents and August 12 for nonresidents. Those were opening dates for the fall season, not deadlines for every class.

How to Register for an Activity

1. Visit the official Iowa City Recreation page.
2. Open the current recreation guide or select the online registration link.
3. Search for the activity name, participant age or program category.
4. Check the date, time, location, fee and enrollment status.
5. Confirm whether the session takes place at Robert A. Lee or Mercer Park.
6. Sign in or create the required household registration account.
7. Choose the participant and complete the requested details.
8. Apply eligible assistance or residency benefits through the official process.
9. Complete registration and save the confirmation.

Swimming lessons may occupy pool space when public swimming is unavailable, so check the lesson and open-swim schedules separately.

Meeting Room, Social Hall & Gym Rental Fees

Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center rents several spaces for approved activities, meetings and events.

The following rates are published on Iowa City’s official facility directory.

Rental Cost Examples

What Is Included With a Room?

The City states that rental groups are responsible for setting up and taking down their events. Renters must also arrange audio/video equipment themselves.

Existing tables and chairs may be available, but any additional equipment must be arranged by the renting party.

Ask the City about kitchen access, seating arrangements, setup time and cleanup requirements before selecting a space.

To see how other public recreation facilities handle birthday parties, rentals and room capacities, read our Shakopee Community Center room-rental and activity guide.

How to Reserve a Meeting Room or Gym

1. Choose your space. Select a meeting room, Social Hall, one gym court or two gym courts.
2. Estimate attendance. Compare your guest count with the published room capacity.
3. Select dates. Prepare your preferred date, alternative date and required duration.
4. Check availability. Call 319-356-5100 or open the City’s facility reservation page.
5. Ask about the total cost. Confirm hourly fees, deposits, setup and any additional charges.
6. Explain your event. Tell staff whether it involves sports, meetings, celebrations, amplified music or special equipment.
7. Review rental conditions. Check approved uses, cancellation procedures and equipment responsibilities.
8. Submit the reservation. Follow the City’s official online or staff-assisted booking process.
9. Complete payment. Use the City’s authorized method and retain the receipt.
10. Confirm the booking. Save the agreement and instructions before notifying guests.

For an event involving more than 100 attendees, amplified sound, large equipment or street/trail use, ask whether the City’s public assembly process applies. For instructions, the City lists 319-356-5034.

Location, Parking & Directions

Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center
220 South Gilbert Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Johnson County, Iowa

Phone: 319-356-5100

The facility is in central Iowa City, near downtown and the University of Iowa area. Enter the complete Gilbert Street address when using navigation.

Parking & Accessibility

The official recreation-center listing reviewed does not specify a fixed number of dedicated parking spaces. Downtown parking arrangements and nearby street restrictions may vary.

Before attending a large event, ask which parking area or entrance visitors should use. For accessible parking, building entry or assistance within the facility, contact the front desk in advance.

Transit users can check current Iowa City Transit stops and routes when planning their journey.

Robert A. Lee vs Mercer Park Aquatic Center

Iowa City operates both Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center and Mercer Park Aquatic Center & Scanlon Gymnasium.

Both are under Iowa City Parks and Recreation, but pool schedules, classes and facility availability can differ.

If you need a particular swimming session, review the official aquatics calendar for both locations before choosing where to go.

Visitors comparing larger public recreation complexes with aquatics, fitness and multiple activity spaces can also consult our Eden Prairie Community Center pool and fitness visitor guide. Eden Prairie is a separate Minnesota facility with its own prices and rules.

Before You Visit: Practical Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources & Final Actions

• Robert A. Lee Recreation Center — Official Facility Details
• Iowa City Aquatics — Pool Schedules, Admission & Passes
• Iowa City Recreation — Activity Guide, Registration & RecAssist
• Facilities & Rentals — Reservation Information
• Robert A. Lee Facility Status and Closure Updates

This is an independent visitor-information article. Community-center.org does not operate the recreation center or control its hours, admissions, programs or reservations. The City of Iowa City is the authoritative source for changes.