Approximately 2,500 people attended the grand opening of Ashburn Recreation and Community Center on July 31. And its official opening weekend of August 1 through 3 generated more than 22,000 visitors.
“We have something for everyone of any age, and it’s really important for the community to have a healthy outlet,” says Jess Dehn, manager of the Ashburn Rec Center.
Ashburn’s center joins the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) system, along with its two preexisting centers: Claude Moore and Dulles South. The newest location features the largest full-size gym in the PRCS system, as well as the first recovery room and sensory room in the county.
Workout Spaces and Other Amenities
Stepping through the sleek entrance, you’re met with the huge basketball gymnasium that includes 12 basketball hoops, six pickleball courts, six badminton courts, and three volleyball courts. Classrooms, offices, meeting spaces, and a multi-purpose room with a teaching kitchen are also on the ground floor.
“There is a lot of excitement around the cooking programs and the demonstration kitchen, and many of those programs are already on waitlist-only,” says Dehn.
The sensory playroom creates a safe and controlled environment for all ages to explore emotional development and relaxation with sounds, colors, and textures. Play with bubble tubes, fiber optic light sprays, swings, an interactive floor, and more. This space offers one-on-one groups, small group sessions, and open access groups to move at your own pace.
Rec Center Programming
“We’re really excited to kick off a lot of our programming,” says Dehn. “A lot of our fall programming doesn’t start until September, and I think that’s going to bring a whole different group of people through our space.”
Beginning September 2, child care programs will become available, as the center features seven preschool classrooms and one full-day child care classroom. There is also a drop-in day care center for babysitting while adults work out.
On the second floor, a running track lines an open viewing deck of the basketball court below. Other fitness areas feature a variety of machines and workout equipment, a dedicated cycling studio, and fitness classes including Zumba, Barre, and yoga.
Spectator seating and a sky bridge provide viewing areas for the hot tub, leisure pool, and 50-meter competition pool. You can choose to swim laps or use the free-diving boards in the competition pool. Or play in the leisure pool with its lazy river, children’s splash section, and free-swim areas. A play structure of Burnie the Beaver — the center’s mascot — sits in the middle of the leisure pool.
“We have doors that can make the hot tub open to either side of the pool,” says Dehn. “During the hours where we have only the competition pool open, we can still keep that space accessible, which a lot of our early morning visitors are very thankful for.”
Family-Friendly Features
Spacious locker rooms and changing areas are connected to the pool. There are also two “wet” classrooms that are perfect for hosting birthday parties or gatherings. Kids can also explore the outdoor playground and splash pad with a waterfall tower.
The Ashburn Rec Center is open seven days a week. It’s open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A standard membership for adults (ages 18–54) is $40 per month. Discount passes (youth, senior, military, and first responder) are $35 per month. Day admission and multi-visit passes (for a maximum of 10 admissions) are also available.
21105 Coopers Hawk Dr., Ashburn
Feature image by Mallory Evans
