John W. Pitts Recreation Center
10 Electric Avenue
Dover, DE 19904
| Contact | Phone |
|---|---|
| Service Desk | (302) 674-7541 |
| Open Gym Schedule Line | (302) 736-4443 |
| Weather Line | (302) 736-7155 |
| Day | Hours |
| Monday – Thursday | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | Seasonal Hours |
Hours are subject to change without notice.
About the CenterLocated 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

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.
Daily Open Gym Hotline: (302) 736-4443
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.
Bags are not permitted inside the gymnasium during activities, classes, leagues, or rentals.
Please:
Store bags in a locker (bring your own lock), orBags 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.
Patrons who do not follow facility rules, regulations, and staff instructions may be suspended from the facility.
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)
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.
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
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

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.