Prepare to pay more to use Parks Tacoma community centers in 2026
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Parks Tacoma raises 2026 monthly Center Pass rates for residents and seniors.
- Out-of-district adult pass costs $45/month; seniors pay $34/month.
- Existing members get automatic rate increase Jan. 1 unless they cancel or seek aid.
Parks Tacoma is increasing the rate of monthly passes to STAR Center, People’s Community Center, Eastside Community Center and the Center at Norpoint going into 2026.
A $25 monthly pass typically got all adults 19 and older access to all four Tacoma community fitness centers and various programming. Starting Jan. 1, adults who live within the park district will pay $35/month for membership and seniors age 60 and older will pay $26/month, according to Parks Tacoma.
Out-of-district rates will be $45/month for adults and $34/month for seniors. Youth ages 18 and younger still will get a free pass, said Parks Tacoma.
The daily drop-in fee is also increasing from $5 to $10 for anyone 19 or older, confirmed Parks Tacoma spokesperson Stacia Glenn on Friday.
The rates have not changed since 2021 “even as the demand for services and the cost of operating the centers has steadily increased,” Parks Tacoma said in a FAQ on its website. “The Center Pass rate adjustments will help us continue to serve you and maintain high-quality programs and services.”
Those who have a membership will not need to take any action, and the new membership rates will automatically increase unless the passholder cancels or applies for financial assistance by Dec. 23, Parks Tacoma said.
“When the centers reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the current membership rate structure replaced and simplified pre-COVID memberships,” according to Parks Tacoma’s website. “The rates in 2021 were lower than all but one of the equivalent pass types from previous years. There have been no rate increases since prior to 2020. Even with the proposed 2026 increase, a Center Pass membership will still be priced lower than the equivalent passes in 2018.”
Parks Tacoma said the rate increase means membership rates will remain competitive compared to other recreation and fitness centers in the area.
Will rates keep increasing?
“A rate assessment/market analysis will be conducted each biennium during budget development,” said Parks Tacoma on its website. “New rates would be implemented each odd-numbered year to coincide with the beginning of the new biennium. Rates would last for the entire biennium.”
Grit City Gherkins Pickleball Club members will continue to receive a $10/monthly automatic discount to their Gherkins membership if they also have a Center Pass, according to Parks Tacoma.
