Belmont Recreation Center at 1234 Judson Street operates uniquely as a shared facility with Belmont Elementary School in northwest Lincoln, Nebraska. This arrangement provides community access to a full gymnasium, elevated 13-lap-per-mile indoor track, comprehensive fitness equipment, and game room featuring pool, bumper pool, foosball, and table tennis. The center has served the community for over 20 years, hosting everything from youth basketball practices to Angel Tree Christmas parties, while maintaining strong connections to the school that make it a memorable part of many residents’ childhoods and family histories.
The integration with Belmont Elementary creates efficient resource utilization while fostering natural transitions from school to recreation programs, with many reviewers fondly recalling school days at Belmont evolving into lifelong recreation habits. The facility successfully balances educational and community needs through scheduled access times, with adult fitness hours starting at 6:30 AM accommodating early morning workouts before school begins. This partnership model demonstrates smart infrastructure sharing, though some residents wish all recreation centers could replicate this attached-to-school design for convenience and community building.
Belmont Recreation Center at 1234 Judson Street operates uniquely as a shared facility with Belmont Elementary School in northwest Lincoln, Nebraska. This arrangement provides community access to a full gymnasium, elevated 13-lap-per-mile indoor track, comprehensive fitness equipment, and game room featuring pool, bumper pool, foosball, and table tennis. The center has served the community for over 20 years, hosting everything from youth basketball practices to Angel Tree Christmas parties, while maintaining strong connections to the school that make it a memorable part of many residents’ childhoods and family histories.
The integration with Belmont Elementary creates efficient resource utilization while fostering natural transitions from school to recreation programs, with many reviewers fondly recalling school days at Belmont evolving into lifelong recreation habits. The facility successfully balances educational and community needs through scheduled access times, with adult fitness hours starting at 6:30 AM accommodating early morning workouts before school begins. This partnership model demonstrates smart infrastructure sharing, though some residents wish all recreation centers could replicate this attached-to-school design for convenience and community building.
The shared gymnasium serves dual purposes for school physical education and community recreation, with court reservations available for basketball and volleyball teams. Full court basketball rentals cost $40 for 55-minute sessions, with specific windows for community use including evenings and weekends.
The 13-lap-per-mile elevated track circles above the main floor, providing year-round walking and running opportunities regardless of weather. Senior citizens 60 and older enjoy free access Monday-Friday 9 AM-1 PM through Aging Partners programming.
Universal weight machines, treadmills, ski machines, rowing machines, and exercise bikes create comprehensive workout options. Equipment access costs $4 daily or $40 monthly, with lockers and showers available though users must bring their own locks and towels.
Pool tables, bumper pool, foosball, and shuffleboard provide recreational alternatives to athletic activities. The game room particularly serves middle and high school students during designated youth drop-in hours from 5:30-7:00 PM.
Extensive table tennis facilities with multiple high-quality tables and 3-star balls create a hub for enthusiasts. Sunday evening Table Tennis Challenge programs from 5-10 PM welcome all skill levels with handicap systems ensuring competitive balance.
Three classrooms offer varying capacities: Room 2 (975 sq ft/80 people), Room 3 (500 sq ft/40 people), and Room 4 (700 sq ft/65 people). Rectangular and round tables accommodate different seating arrangements for reunions, birthday parties, and meetings.
Good bathrooms, lobby with sports drinks and snacks for purchase, and wheelchair accessible entrances on the south side ensure comfort and inclusivity. Cleaning supplies provided for rentals require users to maintain facilities properly.
School’s Out programs provide structured activities including academic support, sports skills, games, arts and crafts when school isn’t in session. Title XX accepted and need-based scholarships ensure accessibility for all families regardless of income.
Programs during school breaks require advanced registration, offering supervised activities for working parents needing childcare. Participants wear active clothing for sports and recreation activities throughout extended care days.
Wednesday open gym from 5:30-7:00 PM and Monday-Thursday game room access provide safe after-school environments for teens. These programs offer structured recreation alternatives during critical after-school hours.
Free access for adults 60+ from 9 AM-1 PM weekdays removes financial barriers for fixed-income seniors maintaining fitness. Aging Partners registration ensures appropriate safety protocols and emergency contact information.
Extended hours Monday-Thursday until 7 PM and weekend access accommodate working adults’ schedules. Friday shortened hours to 5:30 PM and Sunday 1-5 PM operations balance staff needs with community access.
Sunday evening competitive programs use handicapping systems ensuring enjoyable play across skill levels. Elementary children must have adult accompaniment, creating family bonding opportunities through sport.
Angel Tree Christmas parties demonstrate community service partnerships utilizing facility spaces for charitable programs. Long-term relationships with organizations show the center’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations.
Daily passes at $4 provide affordable drop-in access for occasional users testing facilities or with irregular schedules. Monthly passes at $40 offer value for regular users while remaining accessible compared to commercial gym rates.
Room rentals during operating hours cost $30 hourly, while after-hours center/lobby or gym/lobby access costs $57 hourly. Whole building rentals at $87 hourly accommodate large events requiring multiple spaces.
Latex balloons prohibited in gymnasium protect facility surfaces and prevent safety hazards. Fitness equipment remains off-limits during rentals, maintaining boundaries between event and fitness spaces.
Reports of unaddressed cleanliness problems, including disturbing bathroom conditions lasting over a week, raise concerns about responsiveness. Hot soda from vending machines and exterior building cleanliness require attention to maintain standards.
While many praise friendly, helpful staff creating family-friendly environments, isolated reports of “trash manager” suggest inconsistent management quality affecting user experiences.
Over 20 years of operation has created multi-generational connections with residents recalling childhood programs now bringing their own children. The facility’s role in enriching lives through sports and recreation programs, from soccer 40 years ago to current judo classes, demonstrates lasting community value. The unique school partnership model creates natural community hubs where education and recreation intersect, fostering lifelong healthy habits while maximizing public infrastructure investments in ways standalone facilities cannot replicate.
