TUESDAY, August 25, 2026|
Photo – Rawlins Family Recreation Center – Bigfoot99 file photo
After a week-long closure, the Rawlins Family Recreation Center will reopen with new activities.
From Sunday, August 30th, to Monday, September 7th, the Rawlins Family Recreation Center will be closed for a week‑long maintenance period. Recreation Director Billy Hunt explained that the shutdown will allow staff to complete a deep cleaning and prepare for the busy winter season, adding that users will notice a variety of changes after the facility reopens.
After reopening on Tuesday, September 8th, the Rawlins Family Recreation Center will begin winter hours.
In the current fiscal year, which began on July 1st, membership rates at the Rawlins Family Recreation Center increased. A single one‑month pass rose from $54 to $55, while an annual membership went from $276 to $300. Rec Director Billy Hunt said he plans to introduce new activities to justify those price increases.
Hunt said laser tag is one of the new activities he will introduce after the shutdown.
The Rawlins recreation center will have enough laser‑tag gear for 12 people to play at once, either in teams or in a 12‑player free‑for‑all. Hunt explained how the laser‑tag games will be organized.
Rec center staff are still finalizing the logistics, including price. However, Hunt said laser tag will carry an added charge beyond the daily pass and membership rates, but the cost will be reasonable. He added that members will receive a discount.
Hunt said he also plans to upgrade the indoor walking track, although he doesn’t have a date for when that work will be completed. He said once the system is in place, a wrist‑mounted sensor will track and post times for walkers and runners.
Recreation Director Billy Hunt said he is also considering holding marathons and triathlons at the rec center. He said his objective is to expand winter programming.
After the shutdown, fall sports get underway. Youth football began yesterday, though registration is still open. Rec Director Hunt said girls’ basketball and adult volleyball are scheduled to start in October.
To help with registration, the Rawlins Family Recreation Center recently introduced a new online booking system. Hunt said people can use their phones to sign up for sports or reserve city properties, including the historic depot.
Hunt added that in‑person and phone registration will continue to be available. For questions or help with bookings, call the Rawlins Family Recreation Center at 324‑7529 or visit 1616 Harshman Street.
