Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center

You know, I was told there was a roller skating rink in OtR but I didn’t believe it unit I saw it with my own eyes.
This place is part of the league of Cincinnati Recreation Centers (not it’s real name) and membership costs $ 25 for the entire year, which allows you to go to all 26 centers in the city. That’s a crazy deal.
As far as I know though, this is the only one with a skating rink.
Now, it’s not a great rec center for adults trying to use it day to day (very limited fitness equipment and not a lot of room), but for kids or for a date during Final Fridays, it can’t be beat! Foosball, multiple pool tables, air hockey, bumper pool, a Wii room and, of course, the skating night!
When we went during Final Friday, it was $ 5, and that included entrance into the center, skating rink and skate rentals. Yes. The track isn’t that big but it’s absolutely a blast to skate it around and around.
Is it the best rec center or skating track I’ve ever seen? No. But it’s it a valuable resource and addition to a neighborhood that’s getting more and more exciting everyday? You bet your skating ass it is.

Who knew there was a rollerskating rink in the middle of OTR? Here I thought those only existed in the ‘burbs! Even more impressive, the skating rink here is in much better condition than the more notable places in the area. The skates are made from plastic and come in bright neon colors. Elsewhere you’re stuck with dingy suede skates. During Final Fridays, the rec center opens its doors to all adults for three hours of roller skating for only $ 2.00, which includes skate rental.
Tired of skating? Just head out to the lounge for some pool or ping pong. There are rooms with couches and televisions, as well as your traditional gym equipment.
Membership to the OTR Rec Center is $ 25.00 a year, and applies to all 26 Rec Centers in Cincinnati, as well as the city pools. The money goes right back into the OTR community, which keeps the rec center open to provide after-​school opportunities to youth. The OTR Rec Center is tucked away on Republic Street, which is near Findlay Market’s Race Street entrance.
If you’re looking for a great place to stay active, or more so, to rollerskate, OTR Rec Center has you covered!

First, the bad:
As a recreation center for adults, it’s not great. The fitness room is small and contains a handful of weights, ellipticals, treadmills and bikes that have seen better days. If you’re looking for a replacement for your Urban Fitness membership, look elsewhere. But…
The good:
First, THEY HAVE AN AMAZING ROLLERSKATING RINK. Seriously, this thing is so 70s, but in a cool retro way (not in an outdated way) — I’m talking a disco ball, primary colors and everything. It’s totally underutilized — they have tons of adult skates and a projector to throw videos on the blank wall in the rink… you could really pull together an awesome event in the space.
Secondly, adult memberships are crazy cheap. Adult memberships are only $ 25 for a whole year and apply to all 26 Cincinnati Rec Centers and most city pools. Plus, all the money directly benefits the greater OTR community.
I mean, as a community resource, it’s invaluable. They provide a safe environment for kids in the neighborhood — they offer a drop-​in after school program, field trips, a game room and extracurricular classes for kids ages 5 – 18.
The thing is, even if you don’t have a particular interest in using the resources, buying a membership sends a clear message that you support that these recreation opportunities remain strong and viable in as many places as possible. On the other hand, if memberships go down, it sends a message to the city and the City Council that their services are not valued and therefore puts the center’s budget higher up on the chopping block.