Goodson Recreation Center

For families in Centennial, Colorado, and the surrounding South Suburban area, Goodson Recreation Center stands as a pivotal community resource, especially when it comes to summer planning for kids. More than just a gym, Goodson Recreation Center is a multi-faceted facility designed to cater to a diverse range of recreational and fitness needs for all ages. While it serves as a year-round hub for fitness classes, swimming, and sports leagues, its role as a summer camp organizer truly shines, offering a variety of engaging and enriching programs to keep children active, learning, and entertained during school breaks.

Goodson Recreation Center is part of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, an organization dedicated to providing exceptional parks, trails, and recreation opportunities. This affiliation ensures a high standard of programming and a commitment to community well-being. From full-day recreational camps to specialized arts, sports, and aquatic programs, Goodson Recreation Center aims to provide a safe, fun, and memorable summer experience for children across different age groups and interests, making it a go-to choice for many local parents.

Goodson Recreation Center is conveniently located at 6315 S University Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121, USA. This central location in Centennial makes it highly accessible for residents not only within Centennial but also from neighboring communities like Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Greenwood Village. Situated on a major thoroughfare, University Boulevard, the center is easy to find and reach, minimizing travel time for parents driving their children to and from summer camps and other programs. Ample parking is available on-site, contributing to a smooth and stress-free experience during peak hours, such as camp drop-off and pick-up times. Its proximity to the High Line Canal Trail also offers additional outdoor access and recreational opportunities right at its doorstep. The facility is well-integrated into the local community, making it a familiar and convenient option for many families in the South Metro Denver area.

Goodson Recreation Center offers a broad spectrum of services, catering to various age groups and interests throughout the year, with a particular focus on robust summer camp offerings for youth.

Services Offered (Year-Round & Summer Specific):

• Day Camps: Full-day and half-day recreational camps during summer, fall, winter, and spring breaks, as well as on most holidays and in-service days. These often include "Rec Camp" for K-5th graders and "Rec Grizzlies" for 6th-8th graders.
• Specialty Camps: A diverse range of specialized summer camps focusing on specific interests, such as:
  • Arts and Enrichment Camps: Including programs like "Creativity Clubhouse," "Theatrix," and "Bruins on Broadway" (for various age groups, often theatre and performing arts focused).
  • Aquatic Camps: Such as "Bruins on Water" and "MAC Watersport Sampler," which likely involve swimming and water-based activities. Some summer camps also offer an "Extended Care + Swim" option, including weekly small group swim lessons.
  • Sports Camps: Including offerings like "Beach Breakers" (likely beach volleyball), "Sailing," "Voyager," and "Learn to Row," though some water-based camps may be held at other South Suburban facilities like Marina del Rey.
  • Gymnastics Camps: School break camps for various levels.
• Swim Lessons: Comprehensive swim lesson programs for various ages, including "Parent & Child Swim Classes" (6 months-2.5 years) and regular "Youth Swim" lessons (ages 3-12), offered in sessions throughout the year and specifically during summer.
• Personal Training: Certified personal trainers like Christian (as mentioned in a review) are available for one-on-one or buddy training sessions, helping individuals achieve their fitness goals.
• Fitness Classes: A wide range of drop-in fitness classes included with general admission, such as cycling, Pilates Reformer, Tai Chi, and small group weight training.
• Sports Leagues & Drop-in Play: Opportunities for youth and adults in sports like basketball, volleyball, pickleball, racquetball, and more, including instructional classes/clinics and organized leagues.
• Gymnastics Programs: Various levels from parent-tot to advanced, including a CARA Competitive team, private lessons, and birthday parties.
• Preschool Programs: State-licensed preschool offering pre-kindergarten and preschool-aged classes with an emphasis on socialization, verbal/listening skills, math, reading, and physical development.
• Pottery Studio: For those interested in creative arts.
• Facility Rentals: Various spaces within the center can be rented for events and gatherings.

Goodson Recreation Center boasts a variety of features and highlights that contribute to its standing as a key recreational hub in Centennial, making it a suitable and attractive option for local families.

Features / Highlights:

• Comprehensive Facilities: The center is well-equipped with a 25-meter indoor pool (6 lap lanes), two hot tubs, a wading pool for young children (5 years and under), a weight room, cardio and circuit equipment, multiple basketball courts, racquetball/wallyball courts, an indoor track (10 laps/mile), fitness and dance studios, a gymnasium, a gymnastics facility, multipurpose rooms, pickleball courts, and a pottery studio.
• Diverse Summer Camp Selection: Goodson offers a wide array of summer camps, from general recreational camps to specialized options in arts, aquatics, and sports. This variety ensures there's a program to pique the interest of nearly every child, catering to different ages and preferences.
• Experienced and Supportive Staff: While some administrative aspects may receive mixed feedback, the quality of instruction and personal training is frequently praised. For example, Christian, a personal trainer, is highlighted for his effectiveness and ability to push clients appropriately. The preschool and day camp coordinator, Casey White, also indicates dedicated staffing for youth programs.
• Focus on Youth Development: Many programs, particularly the summer camps and preschool, are explicitly designed to promote learning, growth, socialization, and physical development in children. The emphasis on fun and engagement creates a positive environment for young participants.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: As a public recreation center, Goodson aims to provide accessible programming. Memberships and daily rates are structured to accommodate various needs, and the range of activities ensures inclusivity for different interests and skill levels.
• Red Cross Certification Courses: Aquatics offerings include American Red Cross Classes, providing valuable safety training to the community.
• Convenient Extended Care Options: For busy parents utilizing summer camps, options like "Extended Care + Swim" allow for longer days and include additional activities like swim lessons, providing comprehensive childcare solutions.

For more details on programs, schedules, or membership options, you can contact Goodson Recreation Center directly.

Contact Information:

Address: 6315 S University Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121, USA

Phone: (303) 798-2476

Mobile Phone: +1 303-798-2476

Goodson Recreation Center is an incredibly suitable option for locals in Centennial, Colorado, and the surrounding South Suburban area, especially when considering summer camp and recreational needs. Its convenient location on University Boulevard ensures easy access for daily drop-offs and pickups, a crucial factor for busy families. The sheer breadth of services offered, from general recreational camps to specialized programs in arts, sports, and aquatics, means that parents have a wealth of options to choose from, catering to their children's unique interests and ensuring an engaging summer experience. While some past feedback points to challenges with pool access or administrative interactions, it's important to recognize the overall value and diverse offerings of a large public recreation center. The positive testimonials about specific instructors and the high quality of personal training highlight the dedication of many staff members. For Colorado families looking for a versatile, community-focused hub that provides opportunities for physical activity, skill development, and social engagement throughout the summer and beyond, Goodson Recreation Center remains a robust and highly relevant resource in the local landscape.

Goodson Recreation Center

6315 S University Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121, USA