Parks & Recreation

Mission Statement: "Committed to excellence in programming, facilities, and service while improving the quality of life within our community."

We recommend everyone visiting our facilities read the COVID-19 guidelines before entering. These rules are subject to change.

Civic Center General Policies: Click here to read.
Indoor Pool: Click here to read.
Upstairs Workout Facilities: Click here to read.

The Independence Parks and Recreation Department offers Independence residents of all ages a full range of programs and activities, throughout our multiple facilities in beautiful Elmwood Park.

The crown jewel of our offerings is the Civic Center, a 78,000 sq. foot facility for residents to enjoy.

Our Parks and Recreation Department includes a high school-size gymnasium (featuring basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and more); an upstairs aerobic and workout area, with a variety of aerobic and exercise classes, an indoor track, treadmills, spin bikes, elliptical and rowing machines, and recumbent bikes; a fully-stocked weight room with Nautilus, Precor, Octane and Cybex machines, Universal weights and more. There is also a racquetball court, indoor pool with steam room, sauna, whirlpool and locker rooms, and an atrium gathering space with vending machines and pool, ping-pong, and air hockey tables. We are open nearly every day of the year and have one of the lowest residential membership rates in the area.

During the summer months, our outdoor pool is the #1 place to cool off, featuring an Olympic-size lap pool with a diving well, an activity pool with a 25-foot water slide, play features including water cannons, tumble buckets and ‘raindrops’, and a whirlpool/spa for adults, as well as locker rooms and an air-conditioned concession stand (featuring some of the best ice cream around). 

Elmwood Park, a 46-acre parcel of land in the center of the community, includes all the amenities to enjoy outdoor family and sporting events. Five baseball diamonds (four lighted for night games), soccer fields, Liberty Playground, Safety Town, Elmwood Pond, bocce, tennis, and pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic pavilions, and more.

In addition to our facilities, residents can also enjoy free benefits such as the complimentary use of our pavilions twice a year, and free home table and chair delivery for special events with reservation.

For more information, call us at 216.524.3262.

Contact this Department

Tom Walchanowicz
Director

6363 Selig Drive
Independence, OH 44131
216.524.3262
WalchanowiczT@IndependenceOhio.org


Hours of Operation 
Monday - Friday
6 AM - 9 PM

Saturday
8 AM - 6 PM

Sunday
9 AM - 3 PM

Pool Hours
Closed for the 2023 season effective September 5, 2023.