After more than four decades of dreaming, Grand Junction is finally weeks away from signing up for its very first community recreation center. The $82 million facility is on track for a late 2026 opening, and memberships go on sale this June. Here is everything you need to know before the doors swing open.
A Dream Decades in the Making
In the entire history of Grand Junction, there has never been a community recreation center. Attempts were made to build one in the past, but none of them ever came to fruition. That long chapter of disappointment is finally coming to a close.
The project dates back over 40 years, and city officials say everything included in the final design has been chosen based on community feedback. This was never just a government project. It was a community-driven push, shaped by surveys, public meetings, and years of people simply asking for a place to belong.
On April 4, 2023, ballot issue 1A passed 60% to 40%. This became the basis for an April 2023 ballot initiative approved by voters that included a 0.14% sales tax increase and the debt necessary to make the facility a reality. The people of Grand Junction spoke clearly, and construction began.
A groundbreaking event for the new facility was held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Matchett Park. From that point on, the clock has been ticking toward what city leaders are calling a generational milestone.
What Is Being Built Inside This 107,000-Square-Foot Facility
The 107,000-square-foot building is divided into two sections. One side is open to everyone, and the other is reserved for members and day-pass holders. Think of it as a facility that truly serves the entire community, not just those who can afford a gym membership.
The community wing is designed for connection and access. It features a free community lounge, rental event spaces, program rooms, and a dedicated therapy clinic operated by Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. Those recovering from major health issues such as hip replacement, knee replacement, or worse will be able to receive therapy at the facility.
The membership side of the building is packed with amenities. Here is a quick look at what members and day-pass holders can access:
- Five indoor pools including a leisure pool, a zero-depth entry pool, a wellness pool, a lap pool, and a plunge pool
- Indoor climbing wall with three styles: a rock-realistic wall inspired by Independence Monument, a standard panelized wall, and a bouldering wall
- Gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball
- Three-lane indoor walk-jog track
- Full fitness and weight area
- Three group fitness rooms and three community rooms
The realistic rock wall is inspired by the Independence Monument located at the Colorado National Monument, and it features 12 anchors for top roping, six auto belays, and a bouldering wall. It is a genuinely unique touch that ties the facility to the natural identity of Grand Junction.
A significant part of the CRC’s design is to connect the inside and outside, with large glass windows on the east wall facing Mount Garfield and garage doors around the center for easy outside access.
Construction Racing Toward the Finish Line
The total project cost of the rec center is $82 million, and over 100 construction workers are actively on-site, making progress every day. Standing inside the building right now, you can feel the momentum.
Parks and Recreation Director Ken Sherbenou put it best. “This has been a dream, I think, of many in this community for many decades, and it’s pretty amazing to see it come to fruition,” he said.
The building structure is now intact, and the team is doing all the indoor construction, including the finishings, painting, drywall, windows, HVAC installation, plumbing, and electrical. The pace of progress is remarkable.
The project has expanded significantly during construction, growing from 83,000 square feet when first approved to more than 107,000 square feet, with Sherbenou saying the increase was made possible through grants and partnerships.
How the $82 Million Was Raised
This project is a masterclass in community funding. No single source carried the full load. Instead, the city stitched together multiple revenue streams to make it happen.
| Funding Source | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Voter-approved 0.14% sales tax | Primary ongoing revenue stream |
| Cannabis tax revenue | Supplemental city funding |
| Department of Local Affairs grant | Expansion funding |
| Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Hospital | Partnership for therapy clinic and pool naming |
| Great Outdoors Colorado grant | $500,000 for outdoor amenities |
| Daniels Fund | $500,000 for outdoor amenities |
| Bill and Donna Patterson donation | $1 million for outdoor amenities |
Elements of the outdoor construction include an overflow parking lot, a multi-purpose turf field, a walkway to the field, outdoor fitness turf, and a pavilion. The outdoor space at Matchett Park is just the first phase, with more development planned as the community grows into the facility.
What Grand Junction Residents Need to Do Right Now
Memberships go on sale June 8, 2026, and you do not need to wait for the building to open to secure your spot. Memberships will be available for purchase in person at the Community Recreation Center trailer located at the construction site, 2836 Recreation Way.
Pricing was designed with the whole community in mind. Adult memberships are around $42 per month for residents, $30 for seniors, and $26 for youth, with a family plan covering up to four people for about $76 per month. Children two years old and younger get in free.
Once open, the facility will run seven days a week. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The project is still on track for a late 2026 opening, and when it is finished, it is projected to average around 1,100 visitors per day. That kind of daily footprint will make the CRC one of the most visited destinations in the entire region.
Grand Junction waited more than 40 years for this moment, and the city is finally weeks away from crossing the finish line on a project that generations of residents dared to dream about. From five indoor pools and a climbing wall inspired by the Colorado National Monument, to community rooms open to all, this is more than a recreation center. It is a statement about what Grand Junction believes its residents deserve. When the doors finally open later this year, it will be worth every single year of waiting. What are you most looking forward to at the new Grand Junction Community Recreation Center? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and share this news with your neighbors who have been waiting just as long as you have.
