Sports Activity Location
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Health
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Swimming Pool

Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center

220 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA

59 Reviews

About

Rec center with a swimming pool along with a gym offering fitness classes and basketball.

The center's indoor aquatic area generally includes two pools: a lap pool maintained at approximately 80-82°F (26.6-27.7°C), and a warmer leisure or shallow pool typically kept at about 88-90°F (31.1-32.2°C) for lessons and therapeutic use.

What are people saying (AI review summary)? Reviews for this community resource highlight both positive and negative aspects. The pottery studio is criticized for its high annual cost ($1250/year, potentially tripling for families), making it seem inaccessible despite being a public resource, especially when compared to college studios. However, the overall facility receives significant praise: staff, particularly at the front desk, are consistently described as very nice, friendly, and helpful. Many appreciate the variety of great options for kids, including swimming lessons and dance classes. The recreation center is valued for its amenities, such as a warm, uncrowded pool, a well-equipped weight room (often accessible with free passes), and availability for Saturday night workouts. Several users express strong positive sentiments, citing personal health improvements (e.g., significant weight loss for a Type 1 diabetic) and satisfaction with the ability to work out there, preferring it over commercial gyms.

Location

Gallery

Amenities

  • Accepts Credit Cards
  • Accessible Entrance

Reviews

Listing Reviews
Aaron Marr Page May 16th, 2025
Aaron Marr Page

This just relates to the pottery studio. They don't like to say this outright, but it effectively costs $1250/year to be able to use this public/community resource, even if you go once a month. 😒 Bringing my kids here when they are teens would double and triple that cost? I don't get how this makes sense for the community. I ran a pottery studio in college, I think we charged $25/month. I presume this studio doesn't have to pay rent? I don't know, but I'm disappointed.

Maria May 8th, 2025
Maria

Everyone who works here is really nice, especially the staff near the front desk—they're always very helpful. This place also offers plenty of great options for kids.

E C December 15th, 2024
E C

Icy outside everywhere - I needed a place to run so I stopped in at the rec center for a Saturday night workout. They were open until 8 which really helped me, and it was free. The people at the front were very friendly. I have also used the pool (which is warm and not busy), and my family has taken swimming lessons and dance classes here in the past. I love this place ❤️

Kirk Livingood December 24th, 2024
Kirk Livingood

In 2017 I became diabetic type 1, for the past 7 years I have been on the treadmills at Robert Lee Rec Center, I've lost over 70 lbs, I'm no longer fat, I'm almost skinny like an 20 yr old kid now !

Johnathon Reed January 21st, 2024
Johnathon Reed

Got me a free pass to the weight room. Very happy with being able to work out again with out going to a planet fitness. It has just what i need and thats good enough for me. Friendly staff downstairs as well.

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Opening Hours

Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Monday 6:15 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 6:15 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 6:15 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 6:15 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday 6:15 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 6:15 AM – 8:00 PM
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