Iowa City Parks and Recreation rents out many of its facilities for all kinds of occasions and functions. If you are hosting a birthday party, family reunion, wedding, business meeting, community meeting, hosting a picnic, or pool party we have you covered. Whatever the occasion, chances are we have a facility right for you. For information on available rental facilities, park shelters rentals, and community recreation centers, as well as pricing information read facility descriptions below.
If you have any questions after reviewing this page, please contact the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Customer Service desk at (319) 356-5100, reception@iowa-city.org, or stop by our customer service desks at either recreation center during normal business hours.
Recreation Centers & Pools
City Park Pool
Located in City Park
200 Park Road
Iowa City, IA 52245
The pool is unheated. The City Park pool is located outdoors on Park Road in Upper City Park on the northwest side of Iowa City. This is a T-shaped pool featuring a super shallow area on both sides of the ‘T,’ a 50-meter and 25-yard lap swim area, and two (2) one-meter and two (2) three-meter diving boards. The pool depth ranges from 1 to 14 feet. The facility also features a small wading pool for use by young children being directly supervised by a responsible adult (16 years or older). City Park pool is open seasonally through Labor Day.
Mercer Park Aquatic Center & Scanlon Gym
2701 Bradford Dr.
(319) 356-5100
Amenities
Gymnasium - Gymnasium hours may vary due to programming needs and reservations. To confirm the daily gym schedule call (319) 356-5100. View rental information.
Procter & Gamble Room - Room Includes pool tables, foosball table, and ping-pong table.
Pool - Pool Temperature: 79 - 81°. The Mercer Park Aquatic Center is divided into three separate sections. The deep section is on the east end of the pool. This section is 25 yards long; depth ranges from 4'6" to 12' and contains two (2), one-meter diving boards. The middle section is 25 yards long; depth ranges from 4'2" to 4'6". The shallow section is on the west end of the pool. It is approximately 2'6" to 4'. There is an outside wading pool area that requires children to have adult supervision. The Mercer Park Aquatic Center is equipped with a 12-person spa. The use of the spa is restricted to adults (16 years or older) and children who are directly supervised by a responsible adult (someone 16 years or older). Those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, pregnant women, young children, and others with health concerns should consult a physician before using the spa. To ensure proper function of the spa, the pool manager reserves the right to restrict use by children (15 years and younger) during times of peak use. The spa is not open for use during times reserved for swimming lessons. Admission fees and schedules are available on the general aquatic webpage at icgov.org/Pools.
Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center
220 South Gilbert Street
(319) 356-5100
Amenities
Fitness Room - Includes weight machines and cardio equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, and stair climbers. Note: Children under the age of 16 are not allowed in the fitness area.
Gymnasium - Gymnasium hours may vary due to programming needs and reservations. To confirm the daily gym schedule call 319-356-5100. View rental information.
Meeting Rooms - Includes Meeting Rooms A & B (occupancy max: 30), Social Hall (occupancy max: 100), and kitchen. View rental information.
Pool - Pool Temperature: 83 - 85°. The Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center pool is located at 220 S. Gilbert Street in downtown Iowa City. This is an L-shaped pool featuring a 25-yard main body, with the water ranging from 3 to 5 feet in this area. The bottom of the ‘L’ is a 10-foot deep diving well that does not have a diving board. There is a wading pool area that requires children to have adult supervision. This pool is in operation on a year-round basis. Admission fees and schedules are available on the general aquatic webpage at icgov.org/Pools.
Splash Pads
Iowa City Parks and Recreation manages three splash pads. The features are touch-activated, and the water turns off after a designated period of time. The splash features operate 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., daily, from Memorial Day to Labor Day (weather and maintenance dependent). For more information on pool or splash pad closures visit Iowa City Parks and Recreation Rainout Line. There is no fee to use these splash pads.
Wetherby Park Splash Pad, 2400 Taylor Drive
Fairmeadows Park Splash Pad, 2500 Miami Drive
Tower Court Park Spray Pad, 1124 Tower Court
Rentals - Event Venues
The Environmental Education Center at the East Side Recycling Center
2401 Scott Boulevard
The Environmental Education Center was built in 2011 and is also home to the Friends of Historic Preservation’s Salvage Barn, the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, ReStore and Furniture Project, and a comprehensive recycling drop-off area. The Environmental Education Center is certified as a LEED® Platinum facility, showcasing waste reduction and recycling, stormwater management techniques, energy reduction, and renewable energy and green building practices.
The Environmental Education Center is a 1,250 square foot all-season event venue. The location is the perfect size for a meeting, company gathering, family reunion, or other functions. The venue can accommodate around 50 guests at tables or classroom-style seating or up to 75 in an informal reception setting. Sixteen 6’ x 2’ rectangular tables and 50 chairs are provided. The upper outdoor patio is 700 square feet and the lower patio seating area is 400 square feet.
The site includes a 1/3 acre stormwater bio-cell system planted with native Iowa flowers, grasses, and shrubs. Signage is provided to educate guests about various stormwater management practices, alternative energy, and other site features. Guests are invited to explore the plantings but must stay on the grass and designated walkways.
For more information or to check availability, contact Customer Service or call 319-356-5151.
Ned Ashton House
820 Park Road
The Ned Ashton House was built in 1947 by Edward L. “Ned” Ashton as a private residence. Ashton, who has been called “the most distinguished bridge engineer in the history of Iowa,” was a professor of civil engineering at the University of Iowa from 1943 to 1957. He designed several bridges over the Mississippi River, as well as smaller bridges, such as the Benton Street Bridge, and was a pioneer in the design of welded plate girder bridges.
The Ashton House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 26, 2001. In October 2011, the City of Iowa City purchased the home through the CDBG Acquisition Program for public use. As part of the requirements for purchasing this home, the City agreed to develop a plan that would preserve the historic nature of the home and help protect it from future flooding. The Ashton House accommodates up to 100 people for meetings, reunions, parties, weddings, and receptions.
For more information or to check availability, contact MaryEllen McCabe-Plein or call 402-677-1821.
The Park Lodge at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
579 McCollister Boulevard
The Park Lodge is located at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, one of the City’s parks and recreation complexes. The lodge is a 5,870 square foot year-round venue that seats up to 170 occupants. Amenities include tables and chairs, a kitchen with stove, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave, a gas fireplace, and a patio overlooking the lake. It is possible to divide the room into sections that will accommodate 85 occupants each. Each of the sections is 1,390 square feet.
The facility is available for rentals daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. The applicant, guests, and all staff (including catering staff) must exit the building and park by midnight. Overnight rentals are not permitted.
Reservations are taken year-round. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance, with the exception of weddings/receptions which may be made up to 24 months in advance. Full deposit is due at the time of the reservation with the rental fee being due no less than 60 days prior to your event date.
For more information or to check availability, contact MaryEllen McCabe-Plein or call 402-677-1821.
Riverside Festival Stage
Lower City Park
Perhaps the City’s most unique facility, the Riverside Festival Stage, is located in Lower City Park. It is a 472-seat outdoor theatre, which is modeled after the famous Globe Theatre in London. The facility was the brainchild of Riverside Theatre, ultimately endorsed by both the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council. The Riverside Festival Stage is a Shakespearean-style, outdoor theatre facility complete with a stage, two dressing rooms, and a concession stand. The Riverside Festival Stage is available to rent for any appropriate purpose, from weddings to concerts.
The stage is available May 1 through Oct. 1 each year and can be reserved between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. The rental fee is $75 per hour for the stage and two dressing rooms; or $100 per hour for the stage, dressing rooms, and concession stand. A refundable deposit is also required; $250 if no alcohol will be served or $500 if alcohol will be served.
To reserve the facility, complete the application for use of the Riverside Festival Stage and either fax to 319-356-5487 or scan and email to eventfacilities@iowa-city.org.
For more information or to check availability, contact Jeff Sears or call 319-356-5034.
Rentals - Park Shelters and Athletic Fields
Iowa City Parks and Recreation offers reservations for park shelters and athletic fields. Reservations may be made as early as one year in advance, but no later than 5 days in advance of intended use. If you desire to use a shelter but missed the 5-day advance reservation cut-off, open-air shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Payment is required at the time of reservation. Fees vary according to the size of the shelter. Shelters are available for rent year-round, however, restroom and water facilities are only available May-October, barring any weather-related setbacks to that timeline. Enclosed shelters are only available May-October. Online Athletic Field reservations go through the system first as a request, pending supervisor approval. Refund and reservation changes must be requested 3 business days in advance of the reservation. Refunds will not be issued in the event of inclement weather.
Reserve a park shelter or athletic field online or call 319-356-5100.
You are required to fill out an additional form if your event includes any of the following:
More than 100 people in attendance*
Amplified sound*
Use of large equipment including but not limited to inflatables, staging equipment, generators, etc.*
Use of surrounding streets or trails*
Call 319-356-5034 for instructions on how to access the public assembly form and schedule your event.
Rentals - Community Garden Plots
Renting a community garden plot is a great way to get outside, meet your neighbors, and grow your own food.
Garden plot registration typically opens in April. For more information visit, icgov.org/GardenPlots.
Rentals - Recreation Centers and Pools
Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center
220 South Gilbert Street
Social Hall
Maximum occupancy: 100 people
Fee: $28/ hour + $50 refundable deposit
Meeting Rooms A & B
Maximum occupancy: 30
Fee: $11/ hour
Gymnasium - $45/hour
Kitchen - $11/ hour
Audio/video equipment must be supplied by the individual or group reserving the space. Rental groups are responsible for the set-up and take-down of their events, as well as rental/removal of any equipment beyond the existing tables and chairs within these facilities. Reserve a recreation center meeting room online or call 319-356-5100.
Mercer Park Aquatic Center & Scanlon Gym
2701 Bradford Drive
Procter & Gamble Room
Maximum occupancy: 50
Fee: $18/ hour
Mercer Meeting Room
Maximum occupancy: 20
Fee: $10/ hour
Mercer Wellness Room
Maximum occupancy 30
Fee: $12/ hour
Gymnasium - 1 court $45/hour or 2 courts $75/hour
Audio/video equipment must be supplied by the individual or group reserving the space. Rental groups are responsible for the set-up and take-down of their events, as well as rental/removal of any equipment beyond the existing tables and chairs within these facilities. Reserve a recreation center meeting room online or call 319-356-5100.
Pool Rentals
Pool rentals are currently unavailable due to COVID-19.
Organized groups of ten or more people (including daycares, school groups, camps, etc.) are required to contact the Aquatics Program Supervisor prior to their visit to Iowa City pools to ensure space is available. If pools will reach maximum capacity with other group reservations, Aquatics staff may not be able to accommodate.
Groups should contact the Aquatics Program Supervisor, Kate Connell, or 319-356-5100.
