About
The North Grounds Recreation Center (NGRC) at the University of Virginia is a comprehensive recreation facility featuring a modern fitness area with cardio and weight equipment, an indoor track, three basketball/volleyball courts, racquetball courts, a multi-purpose room for group exercise classes, and two pools.
The facility includes a 25-yard lap pool, typically maintained at 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and a warm-water leisure/therapy pool, typically maintained at 88-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The North Grounds Rec Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, highlighted by its expanded facilities, diverse and well-maintained workout equipment, and minimal wait times. Users appreciate the easy mid-morning parking and friendly front desk staff. The pool is consistently praised as top-notch, featuring at least 10 lanes, a sauna, and a hot tub, and is generally not crowded. Locker rooms and showers are noted for being spotless and clean, with free daily locker rentals. The facility is even preferred over others like AFC for its equipment variety. The primary concern mentioned is a specific pool instructor who disrupts lane usage by occupying three lanes significantly early for a class and exhibiting disruptive behavior.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accepts Credit Cards
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
February 6th, 2025Krisanne Combs
Moved back to the Charlottesville area recently after graduating from U.Va. in 1992. Hopped onto the alumni membership and have appreciated visiting the much-expanded North Grounds Rec Center. So far, I've not had any challenges finding parking in the lot in the mid morning. There are a lot of options for workout equipment and spaces and everything is kept in good order. Front desk staff are friendly, and though there are usually a good number of people working out, I rarely have to wait more than a couple minutes for my desired equipment (or I just do something else till it's available).
August 26th, 2025Cathy Teague
The pool is top notch, the locker room spotless!
March 19th, 2024J Roll
This is a lovely facility. There is one downfall--there is an Pool Instructor that comes into the pool area and takes up 3 lanes for a water jogging class. I don't mind moving over to another lane but she comes in 30-45 minutes EARLY yelling at anyone in those lanes. She is a menace!! Otherwise, the facility is great and so lucky to be a UVA employee.
November 5th, 2017Lauren Brown
Favorite place to swim on grounds. Normally not very crowded and there are at least 10 lanes to swim in. There is also a sauna and a hot tub on the pool deck. The shower facilities are very nice and clean with free daily rocker rentals for students and members. (Just ask the front desk). Staff is also very friendly
July 5th, 2023Farzana Yasmin Ahmad
I like it more than AFC. They have more variations in equipment.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
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