The Best Recreation Centers in Amarillo

John Ward Memorial Park leads for year-round fishing and family activities, with three stocked ponds and trails encircling the lake.

By The Scoop Editorial Team · How we pick · Updated July 2026

Visiting Amarillo? Peak season runs spring and fall, when Amarillo's Recreation Centers stay busy from early in the day.

John Ward Memorial Park

★★★★★ 4.6 · 2027 reviews

Open 5 AM–12 AM daily

John Ward Memorial Park delivers year-round outdoor recreation anchored by three fishing ponds stocked with catfish through summer and trout in January and February. Families spread across the walking and biking trails that circle the lake, while kids rotate between the splash pad and the discovery center playgrounds. The new dock makes pond access easier for all ages, and the natural setting stays clean and well-maintained through heavy use. Trails roll over hills that double as sled runs when winter weather hits, and the ponds pull in everyone from rookies testing their first cast to regulars who know the seasonal bite patterns. Winter hours limit restroom access, so plan accordingly.

"Clean, well lit park. Great place for families…"Verified review

Best for: Families seeking outdoor variety year-round

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1100 Wallace Blvd, Amarillo

John Ward Memorial Park, Recreation Centers in Amarillo — John Ward Memorial ParkPhoto: Lissel Sutherland

1100 Wallace Blvd, Amarillo

2No. 2 in Amarillo

Medi Park Splash Park

★★★★★ 4.7 · 194 reviews

Open 11 AM–8 PM daily

Medi Park Splash Park runs free admission all season and draws families who return weekly for the mist machine and spray features that keep kids cool through Panhandle heat. The splash pad anchors a setup that includes swings, a merry-go-round, and a wheelchair-accessible playground, with benches and shade for parents who settle in for longer visits. The picnic-friendly layout makes it easy to pack lunch and stay through the afternoon. Restroom access varies by season, so confirm availability if planning an extended visit.

"Its great fun for young kids and best of all ITS FREE!!!!"Verified review

Best for: Budget-conscious families with young children

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1200-1348 Streit Dr, Amarillo

Medi Park Splash Park, Recreation Centers in Amarillo — Medi Park Splash ParkPhoto: Daniel Asher

1200-1348 Streit Dr, Amarillo

3No. 3 in Amarillo

Ellwood Park

★★★★★ 4 · 425 reviews

Open 5 AM–12 AM daily

Built around the FDR amphitheater where 175,000 gathered in 1938, Ellwood Park runs quieter than the big city parks. You get volleyball courts, basketball courts, a fenced dog park with waste bags, a senior workout area, and walking trails that loop through mature trees. Sunday evening meal service for those in need anchors the community side.

"There is a ton of history with this park in Amarillo…"Verified review

Best for: Visitors seeking history and quiet outdoor space

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1100 S Jackson St, Amarillo

Ellwood Park, Recreation Centers in Amarillo — Ellwood ParkPhoto: Eric Garcia

1100 S Jackson St, Amarillo

4No. 4 in Amarillo

Downtown Athletic Club

★★★★★ 4.6 · 37 reviews

Open 5 AM–9 PM most days

Downtown Athletic Club built its name on a welcoming vibe where the crowd stays lighter and the community runs deeper than typical gyms. Steam room, hot tub, free weights, machines, a basketball court, and group fitness classes all come with membership. The downtown spot near the Courtyard hotel works for travelers on day passes, and showers handle lunch-break sessions or between-shift workouts.

"Everyone is so friendly and make you feel welcomed. It's like a big family."Verified review

Best for: Professionals seeking community and downtown convenience

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320 S Polk St Ste 350, Amarillo

Downtown Athletic Club, Recreation Centers in Amarillo — Downtown Athletic ClubPhoto: Janeth Stewart

320 S Polk St Ste 350, Amarillo

5No. 5 in Amarillo

Charles E. Warford Activity Center

★★★★★ 4.6 · 25 reviews

Open 6 AM–9 PM most days, closed Sun

The only indoor heated pool in Amarillo runs water aerobics Monday through Friday, and the facility doubles as a year-round rec hub with an indoor basketball court, game room, gym equipment, and a computer lab with internet access. Birthday parties and events book through the center, and the pricing stays affordable whether you drop in daily or commit to an annual membership.

"Only indoor heated pool in town, plenty of other amenities like computers with Internet, indoor basketball court, gym equipment, and more all for a few bucks."Verified review

Best for: Families and seniors needing indoor heated pool access

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1330 NW 18th Ave, Amarillo

Charles E. Warford Activity Center, Recreation Centers in Amarillo — Charles E. Warford Activity CenterPhoto: Good Feet Guy

1330 NW 18th Ave, Amarillo

How Amarillo's Top Recreation Centers Compare

How Amarillo's top Recreation Centers compare across key factors
Business	Hours	Known for
John Ward Memorial Park Top Pick	5 AM–12 AM	Families seeking outdoor variety year-round

Medi Park Splash Park	11 AM–8 PM	Budget-conscious families with young children
Ellwood Park	5 AM–12 AM	Visitors seeking history and quiet outdoor space
Downtown Athletic Club	5 AM–9 PM	Professionals seeking community and downtown convenience
Charles E. Warford Activity Center	6 AM–9 PM	Families and seniors needing indoor heated pool access

What People Are Saying

30% of John Ward Memorial Park reviews mention the fish.

★★★★★

The splash pad is so so refreshing and nice for these hot summer days…

John Ward Memorial Park

★★★★★

This is a great free place to hang out with a young family…

Medi Park Splash Park

★★★★★

Nice comfortable park to sit and relax…

Ellwood Park

Recreation Centers in Amarillo

Panhandle temperature swings push Amarillo residents between outdoor parks in summer and indoor facilities once northers arrive, with 265 sunny days favoring free-access options most of the year. John Ward Memorial, Ellwood, and Medi Park serve families who cycle through fishing, splash pads, and trails depending on season. Indoor options remain limited to Downtown Athletic Club and Charles E. Warford Activity Center, which holds the only heated indoor pool across the metro area. Fishing activity peaks when ponds receive seasonal trout and catfish stocking, while splash pad traffic concentrates in summer heat.

What to Know Before You Choose

Check whether the facility offers year-round access or closes sections seasonally, since bathroom shutdowns and limited winter hours affect outdoor parks.
Pool temperature and class schedules matter if water aerobics or lap swimming drive your choice, as only one facility maintains a heated indoor pool across Amarillo.
Visit during your intended time of day to gauge crowd levels, since some gyms stay quieter than chain competitors while parks see heavy family traffic on weekends.
Verify what amenities come included versus requiring add-on fees, particularly for steam rooms, hot tubs, group classes, and event space rental.
Fishing pond stocking schedules create distinct windows for productive angling if fishing drives your choice, since seasonal trout and catfish arrivals determine when bites happen.
Inspect cleanliness and maintenance standards in locker rooms, restrooms, and pool areas, which reveal how well the facility handles daily use.
Confirm membership terms and day-pass availability if you need flexibility, especially for travelers or those testing a facility before committing long-term.
Check proximity to your home or workplace since convenience determines whether you'll use the facility consistently versus letting a membership lapse.

Questions Amarillo Locals Ask

Which recreation center in Amarillo has the best outdoor amenities?

John Ward Memorial Park offers the most comprehensive outdoor setup with three fishing ponds stocked seasonally, a splash pad, discovery center playgrounds, and walking and biking trails that circle the lake. The hilly terrain works for hiking and sledding when winter weather arrives, and the natural setting stays clean through heavy use year-round.

Are there free recreation options in Amarillo?

Medi Park Splash Park operates with free admission all season and includes a mist machine, spray features, swings, and a wheelchair-accessible playground. John Ward Memorial Park and Ellwood Park also provide free access to trails, sports courts, fishing ponds, and playgrounds, making them budget-friendly options for families and individuals.

Where can I find an indoor heated pool in Amarillo?

Charles E. Warford Activity Center operates the only indoor heated pool in Amarillo, with water aerobics classes Monday through Friday. The facility also includes an indoor basketball court, game room, and gym equipment, all available for affordable daily or annual membership fees that make it accessible for families and seniors.

Which Amarillo gym has the best community atmosphere?

Downtown Athletic Club builds its reputation on a welcoming environment where members develop genuine connections rather than just logging workouts. The facility stays less crowded than major chain gyms, and group fitness classes, steam room, and hot tub access come included with membership. Staff and trainers learn members by name, which keeps regulars coming back.

What recreation centers in Amarillo work best for young children?

Medi Park Splash Park and John Ward Memorial Park both cater to young families with splash pads, playgrounds, and open space for running. Medi Park offers free admission with a mist machine and wheelchair-accessible playground, while John Ward includes discovery center playgrounds, fishing ponds with easy dock access, and trails suitable for strollers and balance bikes.

When is the best time to fish at Amarillo recreation centers?

John Ward Memorial Park stocks its three ponds with catfish through summer months and trout in January and February, creating two distinct fishing seasons that match Amarillo's climate patterns. Summer brings reliable catfish action on basic bait, while the winter trout stocking draws anglers who want cold-weather species without leaving the city.

Do Amarillo recreation centers offer water aerobics classes?

Charles E. Warford Activity Center runs water aerobics classes Monday through Friday in the only indoor heated pool in Amarillo. The classes accommodate all fitness levels and provide low-impact exercise that works for seniors and anyone managing joint concerns. Membership costs stay affordable for those who attend regularly.

Which Amarillo park has the most historical significance?

Ellwood Park marks the site where President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed 175,000 people on July 11, 1938, making it the only Amarillo park known to host a presidential visit. Today the park functions as a community service hub with Sunday evening meal service, alongside volleyball and basketball courts, walking trails, and a dog park that maintain its role as a neighborhood gathering place.

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