How do I register for a membership?

To register for a membership you will complete the following procedure: Memberships can be purchased online or in-person at a Recreation Center. If you register online, you will receive your access card at the front desk upon your first visit to any of our public Recreation Centers. You will have to provide proof of residency at this time. For Douglas County youth, parents can set up a household account online or in-person if they don’t already have one. Once youth is added to the household, the youth membership will be free. Parents will be asked to provide proof of residency at the time of first visit. Access cards will be provided at that time as well.

What documents can be used to verify a patron’s address?

To confirm residency, you can provide any of the following: Valid driver’s license with a Lawrence address State-issued ID Current homeowner’s insurance policy Property tax statement Current vehicle registration Deed or mortgage document Current lease or dorm agreement

Who is considered a resident?

Adults who live within a City of Lawrence address are considered residents and youth living within the City of Lawrence and Douglas County are also considered residents.

What is the difference between Resident and Non-Resident rates?

Non-residents pay 20% more than residents.

How much do youth living outside of Douglas County pay?

Youth living outside of Douglas County pay the Non-Resident Youth rate, which is the same as the Senior rate (see page 1 of the Membership Structure PDF, linked above).

What are the ages for memberships?

Ages of membership are as follows: Youth (17 and under): Free for Douglas County residents. A parental permission form is required unless registration is completed online. Adults (ages 18–59) Seniors (ages 60+)

Who can be on a household membership?

A household may include up to three adults (ages 18 and older) living at the same address.

What happens when a child turns 18 during the membership year?

Once a child turns 18, their free youth membership will end. They will need to register for an adult membership.

How does someone sign up for the (free) Qualified Access Membership?

Qualified Access Memberships are available through our scholarship application process. Applicants who meet our scholarship guidelines automatically qualify for a free membership.

Can Qualified Access Memberships be processed outside office hours (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)?

Qualified Access Memberships can only be processed by full-time staff. Applicants will need to return or apply during regular office hours.

Can scholarships be used on memberships?

No. Scholarships are not used to pay for memberships. If you qualify for a scholarship, you automatically qualify for a free Qualified Access Membership.

What does the membership give me access to?

Your membership includes access to: Cardio equipment Weights and weight room equipment The track at Sports Pavilion Lawrence® (SPL) Courts (all facilities) and turf (SPL), when available

Does this membership include the pool?

No. Recreation Center memberships cover recreation center access only. Pool access requires a separate aquatics membership or daily rate.

Will I be able to purchase aquatics memberships in the recreation facilities?

Aquatics passes can be purchased at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center (LIAC) or at the Outdoor Aquatic Center (LOAC) during the summer. Recreation memberships are sold only at recreation centers.

Is the Community Building part of the membership plan?

No. The Community Building is not included in the membership plan. It will be open only for programs and rentals beginning in Jan 1, 2026.

Do I need a new access card?

No. If you already have an access card, you do not need a new one.

If I don’t have a card, how do I get one?

If you sign up for a membership online, you’ll receive your card the first time you check in at a recreation facility. If you sign up in person, you’ll receive your card at that time.

Does every member of my family need their own membership card?

Yes. Each family member must have their own card to scan upon entry.

Can I send my child into a facility with my membership card?

No. Each child must have their own membership card on file.

What if I don’t want my picture taken for the membership?

A photo is required for membership. If you prefer not to have your photo taken, you may choose to pay a day pass or purchase a punch card for each visit instead.

Who has to pay to enter our facilities?

Everyone entering our facilities must pay an entry rate unless they are visiting for one of the reasons listed below in #23. Tournament spectators will pay a separate rate upon entering.

Who does not have to pay to enter our facilities?

Parents or guardians attending a program, league, practice, or other activity with their child Patrons who have already paid for a program, league, or practice Parents or guardians picking up their children from a third-party rental or camp Patrons (and their guests) who have rented the facility Patrons attending a public event in our facility (for example, a PRC Artisan Fair)

If someone purchases a day pass or uses a punch card, can they leave and come back the same day?

Yes. Patrons may request a wristband before leaving the facility to return later the same day. Staff will mark the wristband with the date—it cannot be reused on another day. Wristbands are also used for tournament re-entry. All day pass and punch card users will be asked to sign a waiver.

Can someone use the bathrooms or showers without paying an entry rate?

No. Restrooms and showers are available to patrons who have paid a daily rate, have a membership, or are participating in a program.

If I’m using the tennis courts outside Sports Pavilion Lawrence®, can I use the restrooms inside?

You may enter the facility to use the restroom if you have a membership or pay a day pass rate. Using the outdoor tennis courts does not grant indoor access unless you have a court reservation.

Can I use the tennis courts outside Sports Pavilion Lawrence® without paying a day pass?

Yes. The outdoor tennis courts are not part of the Recreation Center Membership and are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation.

If I’m in a class and don’t have a membership, can I use the facility before or after my class?

Yes, you may use the facility immediately before or after your scheduled class on the days your class meets. If you’d like to use the facility at other times, you’ll need to purchase a membership or pay a day pass rate.

What are the payment and refund options for memberships?

Annual memberships: Must be paid in full. Refunds are available as follows—50% refund within the first six months; no refund after six months. Monthly memberships: May be paid month-to-month or through a payment plan. Refunds are not available for monthly memberships. If a monthly membership is canceled, the patron may continue using the facility until the end of the month, when payments will stop.

If I sign up for a membership in November 2025, will I still have to pay the full annual rate?

Membership registration will be available online starting November 17. If you register during this time, your membership will begin January 1, 2026. Annual memberships are valid from January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Monthly memberships will also begin January 1, 2026.

Will a patron with a membership who gets suspended from our facilities receive a refund?

No. Refunds are not provided to patrons who are suspended.

Do you offer the SilverSneakers® program for seniors?

We’re exploring participation in the SilverSneakers® program and hope to offer it soon.

If I sign up for a membership in November 2025, will I still have to pay the full annual rate?Will there be any facility upgrades or improvements now that membership rates are being charged?

We make improvements as needed each year based on available funding. Membership rates help us maintain a sustainable budget and continue to enhance our facilities and programs for the community.

Recreation Facility Membership

Starting on January 5, 2026, membership will be required to enter City of Lawrence recreation facilities including Sports Pavilion Lawrence^®, Holcom Park Recreation Center and East Lawrence Recreation Center. The Community Building is only available for reservations and enrollment-based programming (fitness and dance classes, youth and adult sports, etc.).

Membership Structure PDF

Sports Pavilion Lawrence®, Holcom Park Recreation Center, and East Lawrence Recreation Center.

Membership Fees

Sports Pavilion Lawrence^®, Holcom Park Recreation Center and East Lawrence Recreation Center

	Residents	Non-Residents
Adult Monthly	$12	$15
Houseshold Monthly	$20	$24
Senior Monthly	$8	$10
Youth (Non-Res.) Monthly	Douglas County Youth FREE	$10
Adult Annual	$120	$150
Household Annual	$200	$240
Senior Annual	$80	$100
Youth (Non-Res.) Annual	Douglas County Youth FREE	$100

Recreation facility entrance will be FREE for Douglas County Youth and Qualified Residents

Day Passes

	Residents	Non-Residents
Sports Pavilion Lawrence®	$5	$8
Holcom or East Lawrence	$3	$5
SPL Tournament Spectator	$5

20-Visit Punch Card

Residents	Non-Residents
$60 ($3.00/Visit)	$130 ($6.50/Visit)

Recreation facility entrance will be FREE for Douglas County Youth and Residents with Qualified Access Membership

Adults: Ages 18-59

Senior: Ages 60+

Youth: Ages 5-17

Household: Up to three adults living at the same address

Resident: Has an address within the City of Lawrence (city limits)

Resident with Qualified Access Membership: Low-income residents will be eligible for the Qualified Access Membership using the guidelines and process of the Scholarship Application.

Membership Sign-up Begins November 17

In-Person Facility Membership Registration Information Sessions:

Mon, Nov. 17 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. – Sports Pavilion Lawrence (SPL)
Tue, Nov. 18 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. – Sports Pavilion Lawrence (SPL)
Wed, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. – East Lawrence Rec Center (ELRC)
Thu, Nov. 20 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. – Holcom Park Rec Center (HPRC)

Qualified Access PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs PDF

Membership Types and Eligibility

To register for a membership you will complete the following procedure:

Memberships can be purchased online or in-person at a Recreation Center. If you register online, you will receive your access card at the front desk upon your first visit to any of our public Recreation Centers. You will have to provide proof of residency at this time.
For Douglas County youth, parents can set up a household account online or in-person if they don’t already have one. Once youth is added to the household, the youth membership will be free. Parents will be asked to provide proof of residency at the time of first visit. Access cards will be provided at that time as well.

Qualified Access Memberships and Scholarships

Applications are available online or in person.

In-person assistance is available at Sports Pavilion Lawrence® or the Community Building, Monday– Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Assistance is also available at Holcom Park Recreation Center and the East Lawrence Recreation Center by appointment. Appointments are strongly encouraged at all facilities, especially Holcom and East Lawrence Center, due to limited staff availability.

Membership Access and Benefits

Access Cards and Identification

Facility Use and Day Passes

Payments, Refunds, and Registration

Annual memberships: Must be paid in full. Refunds are available as follows—50% refund within the first six months; no refund after six months.
Monthly memberships: May be paid month-to-month or through a payment plan. Refunds are not available for monthly memberships. If a monthly membership is canceled, the patron may continue using the facility until the end of the month, when payments will stop.