Foothills Recreation & Aquatic Center | Glendale

Foothills Recreation & Aquatic Center, located at 5600 W Union Hills Drive in Glendale, Arizona, is a comprehensive, modern community recreation facility designed to serve individuals and families across all age groups with a diverse range of fitness, sports, aquatic, and recreational programs. Managed by the City of Glendale, this center emphasizes health, wellness, and active living through its well-equipped amenities and year-round programming.

Facility Overview

The center combines indoor and outdoor spaces tailored to accommodate a variety of recreational interests, including gym sports, fitness training, aquatic activities, and community events. Its design supports both casual visitors seeking leisure activities and serious fitness enthusiasts requiring advanced training facilities.

Indoor Amenities

Gymnasium: The full-size gymnasium offers a flexible space for basketball, badminton, pickleball, and other court sports. The gym serves local leagues, open play sessions, and community tournaments, fostering a vibrant sports culture.

Fitness Center: The fitness area is outfitted with a comprehensive range of exercise equipment including free weights, strength training machines, and cardio equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. The facility supports individualized workouts and group fitness classes.

Indoor Track: Surrounding the gymnasium, the indoor walking/jogging track provides a safe and climate-controlled environment for cardio training regardless of weather conditions, encouraging year-round physical activity.

Climbing Wall: A rock climbing wall caters to various skill levels, offering recreational climbing and structured programs to build strength, coordination, and confidence.

Racquetball Courts: Multiple courts allow for racquetball enthusiasts to play competitively or recreationally, supporting leagues, lessons, and drop-in play.

Aerobics and Fitness Classes: The center offers diverse classes such as yoga, Zumba, Pilates, and aerobics. These group sessions promote wellness, flexibility, and community engagement.

Multi-Purpose Rooms: Available for rent, these spaces support meetings, workshops, birthday parties, and other events, making the center a community gathering spot beyond physical activity.

Aquatic Facilities

Outdoor Heated Pool: The outdoor pool is heated to enable year-round lap swimming and aquatic fitness classes. The facility hosts water aerobics programs and Red Cross-certified lifeguard and instructor training, catering to both recreational swimmers and professionals.

Summer Aquatics Center: During warmer months, the center opens a larger aquatic complex featuring multiple attractions:

Two giant water slides offering thrilling experiences for all ages.

A smaller kiddie slide tailored to younger children.

A zero-depth leisure pool with spray features, ideal for toddlers and casual wading.

A water playground with interactive water elements, encouraging play and exploration.

A lazy river allowing visitors to float leisurely in a gentle current.

Diving wells equipped with two diving boards for diving enthusiasts.

Six dedicated lap lanes to accommodate swimmers focused on training or exercise.

Snack Bar: Operating during the summer season, the snack bar offers refreshments and light fare to aquatic visitors, enhancing the overall experience.

Programs and Services

Foothills Recreation & Aquatic Center offers an extensive array of programs tailored to all ages and interests. These include youth sports leagues, swim lessons for all skill levels, senior fitness programs, wellness workshops, and community events. The center frequently organizes seasonal camps, swim meets, and fitness challenges to engage the community actively.

Membership and Accessibility

Membership Options: The center provides flexible membership plans, including daily passes, monthly memberships, 15-punch cards, and annual memberships. These options accommodate casual users, families, and regular fitness enthusiasts alike.

Free Access Areas: Certain amenities and programs are open to the public without charge, encouraging inclusivity and broad community participation.

No Contracts or Joining Fees: Memberships are straightforward with no long-term commitments or hidden fees, facilitating easy access.

ADA Accessibility: The facility is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, including pool lifts and accessible restrooms, ensuring equitable access to recreation.

Operating Hours

The center operates six days a week, with extended weekday hours supporting early morning and evening users:

Monday to Friday: 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Saturday: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

Community Impact and Significance

Foothills Recreation & Aquatic Center serves as a vital hub for wellness and recreation in Glendale. It fosters physical health, social connection, and community well-being through its inclusive programs and diverse amenities. The center supports active lifestyles, youth development, and lifelong fitness, making it a cornerstone of Glendale’s commitment to quality of life.

Its aquatic features provide safe and engaging environments for swimming instruction, water fitness, and family recreation, while the indoor facilities offer year-round options for sports and fitness activities. Through classes, leagues, and special events, the center promotes community cohesion and healthy living for residents and visitors alike.

Summary

Foothills Recreation & Aquatic Center is a multifaceted facility blending fitness, sports, aquatics, and community engagement in a welcoming environment. Its comprehensive offerings meet a wide spectrum of recreational needs, supporting Glendale’s mission to enhance the physical and social health of its residents through accessible, high-quality recreational resources.