The War Memorial Recreation Center includes a Field House, multi-purpose room, gymnasium, weight room, and 3 ADA-compliant swimming pools. Our year-round programming offers residents of all ages the opportunity to explore interests or build skills through instructional swimming classes, children's gymnastics, Zumba for adults, and much more. The facility is managed by the Department of Human Service Programs' Recreation Division.
Our indoor pools are staffed by Red Cross-certified lifeguards so you can safely enjoy our aquatics classes or our weekly offerings of Adult Lap Swim and Family Swim. We also invite you to work out in our Weight and Cardio Room or enjoy a game of pickup volleyball. The War Memorial Recreation Center also hosts athletic practices, leagues, and tournaments, and community events.
Facility Closures
The War Memorial Recreation Center will be closed on the following dates: Monday, October 14; Monday, November 11; Wednesday, November 27 - Sunday, December 1; Monday December 23 through Tuesday, December 31.
How to Register for War Memorial Programs
- Our programming is offered 4 times a year on a seasonal basis. Registration information is announced on our website and through our email distribution list.
- If you would like to receive notifications about upcoming programming and registration dates, please create a registration account through Web Trac. You will automatically added to our distribution list.
- Many of our programs fill up quickly after registration opens due to high interest and demand. To support your registration experience, create an account before registration opens and confirm that your account information is accurate.
Online Registration
- Click here to register online for classes or programs at the War Memorial Recreation Center.
- If you are a new user, select "Click to create an account" and complete the steps.
- If you are an existing user, select "Click to login." You will have options to rest your password if needed.
- If you need assistance, please call War Memorial Recreation staff at 617-349-6279.
In-Person Registration
- You can download and complete print registration forms from the War Memorial Brochure.
- You can register for the Weight Room, pick-up volleyball, fencing, dancing, and Iado in person.
- Please bring completed registration forms to the War Memorial Recreation Center's Front Desk.
- Cash, check, and credit card payment are accepted for walk-in registration.
Space Rentals
Cambridge residents can reserve space for Birthday Pool Parties (see brochure for details). Space at the facility's Field House, Gym, and Multipurpose Room can also be reserved by local athletic organizations.
FAQs
Is there off-street parking?
No. If patrons are driving to the War Memorial Recreation Center, they must park at nearby meters or have a residential parking pass to park on-street.
The War Memorial Recreation Center is about a 10-minute walk from the MBTA's Harvard Square Red Line station. It is also accessible by #68 and #69 MBTA bus routes.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, credit card, money order, or Apple Pay.
Are you open weekday mornings?
No. On weekday mornings, the building is used by Cambridge Public Schools.
Can I purchase a lock at the War Memorial Recreation Center?
No. You must bring your own lock if you would like to use the lockers on site. Locks and belongings must be removed at the end of each visit.
Can I use the weight room while my child is participating in a program?
No. An adult must be present at the location of their child's program while their child is participating in a program.
Can I purchase a Pool or Weight Room membership online?
No. Pool and Weight Room passes must be purchased in-person at the War memorial Recreation Center.
Where are facility closures posted?
Closure dates due to holidays and scheduled building closures are posted on the Pool Schedule as well as in our quarterly brochure.
You can also call the War Memorial Recreation Center during operating hours at 617-349-6279 to confirm our schedule.
Swimming FAQs
What time is Family Swim?
Please view the War Memorial Pool Schedule for details.
Is there a swim test for children to use the War Memorial Pools?
For a child to use the facility's Lap Pool or diving tank (jump off the diving board), they must first pass a swim test. The test consists of swimming the length of the Lap Pool (30 yards) using the freestyle stroke, without stopping or touching the wall or lane line.
Can my child wear a floaties in the pools?
Floaties are only allowed in the 3.5 ft. instructional pool and must be US Coast Guard-certified.
Floating devices are not allowed in the diving well.
Do you provide towels or goggles for public use?
No. Patrons must bring their own towels. Patrons who want or need to use goggles must bring their own.