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City of Dover
Delaware
John W. Pitts Recreation Center

John W. Pitts Recreation Center


Contact Information

John W. Pitts Recreation Center
10 Electric Avenue
Dover, DE 19904


ContactPhone
Service Desk(302) 674-7541
Open Gym Schedule Line(302) 736-4443
Weather Line(302) 736-7155



                                                                                                            

Service Desk Hours


DayHours
Monday – Thursday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SundaySeasonal Hours


Hours are subject to change without notice.



About the Center


Located within Schutte Park, the John W. Pitts Recreation Center is operated by the City of Dover Parks & Recreation Division. The facility welcomes both Dover residents and 

non-residents and offers affordable recreational opportunities for individuals and families of all ages. The Center provides diverse, high-quality recreation and leisure programs in a 

safe, modern, and well-maintained environment. Fees apply for select classes, activities, leagues, and programs. The Pitts Recreation Center officially opened on April 24, 2008. The

19,845-square-foot facility was made possible through funding from the City of Dover, State of Delaware, Kent County Levy Court, Longwood Foundation, Dover Downs, Inc., 

Beiser-West Family Welfare Foundation, Greater Dover Committee, and George C. Wright, Jr.


Project Team

Architect: Becker Morgan Group
Builder: Bob Smith Contractors



John W. Pitts Recreation Center Fact Sheet



Open Gym Information


The Pitts Center offers free Open Gym sessions for City of Dover residents during designated hours. Monthly schedules are posted, but times are subject to change.


Important Guidelines

Registration is required before participation.
Children ages 11 and under must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian.
Most sessions are half-court play rather than full-court play.
Basketballs are available for checkout with ID, although participants are encouraged to bring their own.
Participants are expected to share court space so everyone can enjoy recreational opportunities.

Daily Open Gym Hotline: (302) 736-4443


Resident & Non-Resident Policy

Effective April 1, 2013, non-City of Dover residents are required to pay a fee to participate in Open Gym sessions.


What qualifies as a City Resident?
A City resident is a person living within the corporate limits of the City of Dover. A Dover mailing address or ZIP code alone does not necessarily qualify an individual as a city resident.



Facility Policies


Backpack & Gym Bag Policy

Bags are not permitted inside the gymnasium during activities, classes, leagues, or rentals.

Please:

Store bags in a locker (bring your own lock), or
Leave bags in your vehicle

Bags may not be left in the lobby or restroom areas. Facility staff reserve the right to determine what constitutes a prohibited bag, including backpacks, gym bags, large purses, grocery bags, coolers, and similar items.

Behavior & Conduct

Patrons who do not follow facility rules, regulations, and staff instructions may be suspended from the facility.


Rentals

The Pitts Recreation Center is available for rental during non-program hours. Reservation policies do not allow tentative reservations or date holds. (Updated Policy and Procedures)


Lost & Found

While the City of Dover Recreation Division is not responsible for lost or stolen items, a Lost & Found is maintained at the facility. Found items are held for one week.



Accessibility & Accommodations


Individuals requiring disability-related accommodations are encouraged to contact the Recreation Division in advance.

Phone: (302) 674-7541
TTY/TDD Relay Service: 1-800-855-1155



Program Suggestions


We're always looking for new and exciting ways to serve our community's recreation and fitness needs.

Have an idea or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you.

Email: parks@dover.de.us



Honoring John W. Pitts


The John W. Pitts Recreation Center is named in honor of the late John W. Pitts, whose dedication to youth development and community recreation left a lasting impact on Dover. Mr. Pitts was first elected to Dover City Council in May 1990 and served on the Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee for thirteen years, including seven years as chairman. As a physical education teacher and athletic coach, he provided countless young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and participate in sports. His leadership, perseverance, and commitment to healthy recreation helped shape programs that benefited youth, teens, adults, and seniors throughout the community. On September 25, 2005, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover dedicated the new West Side Recreation Facility in his honor, officially naming it the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. The facility opened to the public on April 24, 2008.