Grand Junction's New Rec Center Opens With Free Weekend

Grand Junction's new Community Recreation Center opens in less than ten days! Can you believe opening day is almost here?

Did you know Grand Junction is waiving admission at the brand-new facility for opening weekend? If you have to go inside, check out the photo gallery below. Then keep scrolling to find out how to get in for free on September 25 and 26.

Grand Junction’s New Rec Center Is Almost Ready: See Inside

Before the doors officially open, we got a chance to see what’s waiting inside Grand Junction’s new Community Recreation Center. From the five St. Mary’s Pools and their water features to the three-court gymnasium and climbing walls, take a closer look at some of the spaces that will soon become part of everyday life in Western Colorado.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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How Does Free Admission Work Opening Weekend?

Grand Junction’s New Rec Center Is Almost Ready: See Inside — TSM GJ W Adams

The free opening weekend at the Grand Junction Community Recreation Center is pretty simple. Head to 2836 Recreation Way for the ribbon-cutting, followed by the free public use from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 25, and again from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 26. You won’t need a pass for opening weekend. Regular operations will begin Monday, September 28, at 5:30 a.m., when normal admission and membership rules kick in.

How Do I Get a Free Swim Session?

Here is the crux of the weekend. If you want to try out the new St. Mary’s Pools, there is no advance sign-up for the free opening weekend swim sessions. This means Saturday pool access will be divided into three two-hour sessions. These sessions will take place from 9–11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., and 2–4 p.m. The swim sessions are first-come, first-served. Anyone in the pool must leave the pool area when the session ends. If you want to swim, arrive early just in case.

What Are the Pass Options After Opening Weekend?

Book a tour of the Community Recreation Center — TSM GJ W Adams

Once the free fun is over, there will be several ways to use the CRC. If you live in Grand Junction, you can purchase an annual pass, 20-punch pass, or single-day pass. An adult pass for a city resident is currently $42 per month. A 20-punch pass costs $162, and a single-day pass costs $9. The city will also accept SilverSneakers and Renew Active at the recreation center.

LOOK: Colorado's Grand Mesa Is Turning Gold: See the Photos

It's official: the Grand Mesa has started turning gold. The following photos were taken on Friday, September 11. Fall color will continue to peak now through Powderhorn's fall color weekend on September 26 and 27.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

UP NEXT: 12 Amazing Colorado Drives for Viewing the Fall Colors

Check out 12 of the most popular fall color drives to put on your Colorado bucket list. Scroll on to learn about fall color routes in each part of the state that are perfect for enjoying the changing seasons.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams