Parks & Recreation

The Parks and Recreation Department operates a pool, and two centers for youth and senior activities; maintains sixteen public parks including two off leash dog parks and a mountain bike skills course; and we offer programming to enhance the lives of community members, residents, and visitors.


Visit this weblink to view details on Parks and Parks Facilities.

Ellensburg Racquet & Recreation Center Destroyed In Fire

The Ellensburg Racquet & Recreation Center (ERRC) was destroyed in a fire the morning of December 2, 2022. Shortly after midnight, a structure fire was reported in the 6000 block of Vantage Highway. Emergency responders arrived to find two structures at the ACX facility fully engulfed. The resulting fire spread to the City of Ellensburg Racquet & Recreation Center. Unfortunately, despite numerous resources on scene, the Ellensburg Racquet & Recreation Center was destroyed along with the involved ACX buildings. The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office and Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue are handling the investigation.

"The loss of the Ellensburg Racquet & Recreation Center is devastating for the community and City of Ellensburg," said Ellensburg Parks & Recreation Director Brad Case. "For over 40 years the facility has served a very important role, especially in the winter months, providing a wide range of recreational opportunities for the residents of Kittitas County. From tennis lessons to kids' birthday parties; gymnastics to in-line hockey; indoor soccer to pickleball; youth sports programs to racquetball, the ERRC has meant many things to many people. However, the ERRC’s most important quality was that it was a place that created friendships and community, and this is what we will miss most."

Trails

WOW! Check out these trail maps with various routes about Ellensburg for people to enjoy while they walk and bike. Trail lengths range from 1.67 miles to 7.5 miles.

THE BIG LOOP

7.5 miles

Visit Reed, N. Alder, McElroy, and Paul Rogers Parks

THE SMALL LOOP

2.5 miles

Visit Irene Rinehart Riverfront and Rotary Parks

BRAD’S LOOP

4.5 miles

Visit N. Alder Park, P2C trail and CWU

FRIEND LOOP

1.67 miles

Visit N. Alder and McElroy Parks

And for you cyclists, here’s a 4.8 mile bike loop that includes N. Alder Park, P2C trail, CWU and the 7th Avenue Bike Boulevard.