Pools, Gyms & Recreation Centers
Reduced-fee and free memberships at recreation centers, pools, and gyms for low-income residents across the Front Range.
Denver — PLAY Program
Denver Parks & Recreation's needs-based financial assistance program.
- Benefit: Reduced prices on memberships and most activities over $15
- Covers: Annual and month-to-month memberships, 15 & 30 visit passes, and most fee-based activities
- Does NOT cover: Single visit passes, field trips, personal training, specialty fitness classes, private swim lessons, tennis, adult sports
- Qualifies: Denver residents with demonstrated financial need
- Duration: Valid for one year from approval date; must reapply annually
- How to apply: Complete and return the application (with required documents) to any Denver recreation center. You'll be contacted within 3 business days.
- Application: denvergov.org — PLAY Application (PDF)
- Memberships info: denvergov.org — Recreation Center Memberships
How to Apply for PLAY
- Download the PLAY Application (PDF) or pick one up at any Denver rec center
- Gather required documents: proof of Denver residency, proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, tax return, benefit letters, etc.)
- Submit the completed application with documents to any Denver recreation center front desk
- You'll be contacted within 3 business days with approval or follow-up
- Once approved, the discount is applied to your account for one year
- Contact: PLAY@denvergov.org
Denver Recreation Centers
Denver operates 29 recreation centers and 13 outdoor pools across the city. PLAY discounts apply at all locations, including:
- Aztlan Recreation Center
- Central Park Recreation Center
- Hiawatha Davis Jr. Recreation Center
- Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center
- Montclair Recreation Center
- Paco Sanchez Recreation Center
- Rude Recreation Center
- Stapleton Community Park (The Cube)
- Washington Park Recreation Center
- And 20+ more
Full list: denvergov.org — Recreation Centers & Pools
Denver — MY Denver Card (Youth Ages 5–18)
A free card for all Denver youth that provides free access to every Denver recreation center and pool — no income verification needed.
- Ages: 5–18 (must live or attend school in the City and County of Denver)
- Cost: Free
- Benefits:
- Free admission to all 29 Denver recreation centers and 13 outdoor pools
- Free activities including crafting, cooking, music lessons, karate, basketball, billiards, breakdancing, 4-H, and more
- Doubles as a Denver Public Library card
- Discounted or free admission at select cultural venues (Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo, etc.)
- How to get one: Sign up online or at any Denver recreation center or Denver Public Library branch
- Link: denvergov.org — MY Denver Card
The MY Denver Card is one of the best youth programs in the state — completely free, no income requirement, and gives every Denver kid access to rec centers, pools, libraries, and cultural venues.
Denver — IFCS Recreation Center Vouchers
Interfaith Community Services (IFCS) provides recreation center vouchers for Denver-area residents who need help accessing facilities.
- Benefit: Free vouchers for Denver recreation center access
- Who it's for: Denver-area residents facing financial barriers
- How to apply: Fill out the program interest form online
- Note: Voucher availability depends on funding — apply early
- Link: ifcs.org/recreation-center-voucher
Boulder — Parks & Recreation Financial Aid Program
One of the most generous programs on the Front Range — completely free facility access for qualifying residents.
- Benefit:
- 100% free entry fees and memberships at all three recreation centers, outdoor pools, and Boulder Reservoir
- Up to 2 hours of complimentary childcare at participating rec centers while using the facility
- $500 annual scholarship fund per person (50% off eligible programs)
- Qualifies: Low-income City of Boulder residents
- How to apply: Visit bouldercolorado.gov/financial-aid-application — select "Register," then "Application," then "Financial Assistance"
- Link: bouldercolorado.gov — Financial Aid Program
Fort Collins — Reduced Fee Program
- Benefit:
- Family Pass: $50 (2 adults + unlimited children in household)
- Adult Pass (18–59): $30
- Youth/Senior Pass (under 18 or 60+): $10
- Qualifies: Full-time Fort Collins residents or those within the surrounding growth management area with demonstrated financial need
- How to apply: Apply at GetFoCo.fcgov.com. Processing takes 7–10 days.
- Renewal: Must reapply every year
- Phone: 970-224-6174
- Link: fcgov.com/recreation/reducedfeeprogram
Windsor Recreation Center
- Discount: $2 per person, up to 10 people
- Qualifies: SNAP/EBT card
- Link: recreationliveshere.com
YMCA of Metropolitan Denver — Financial Assistance
The YMCA provides scholarships for memberships, programs, and camps.
- Benefit: Reduced-cost or free memberships and program fees based on income
- Income threshold: $50,000 and below
- Note: If income is below $20,000, apply first to state/city/county childcare assistance before YMCA scholarship (for childcare and camp)
- How to apply: Streamlined online scholarship application; notification within 10 business days
- Link: denverymca.org — Financial Assistance
YMCA of Northern Colorado (Fort Collins area)
Pikes Peak YMCA (Colorado Springs area)
SilverSneakers (Medicare Advantage)
For seniors on qualifying Medicare Advantage plans — free gym memberships and fitness classes.
- Benefit: Free access to participating gyms, live online classes, and on-demand videos
- Qualifies: Seniors on eligible Medicare Advantage plans (not Original Medicare, not Medicaid alone)
- Note: 95% of Medicare Advantage plans include fitness benefits. Check eligibility with your plan.
- How to check: SilverSneakers — Check Eligibility
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services operates three community centers (Deerfield Hills, Hillside, and Westside). Budget reductions in 2026 may affect programming. Contact the department directly for current financial assistance options.
Sources: