Newly paved courts and sunshine await you at the Golden Hill Rec Center.
By John Patrick Anderson
A weekly column dedicated to sharing the best sights and activities in San Diego at the best price – free! We have a great city and you don’t need to break the bank to experience it.
Golden Hill Recreation Center
Address: 2600 Golf Course Dr, San Diego, CA 92102
Date and Time: Monday – Friday 2 PM – 9 PM, Saturday – Sunday 10 AM – 3 PM
Best For: Exercise, relaxation, walking, getting outdoors
Increasingly, when you mention the neighborhood of Golden Hill you will get a reaction that indicates the person you are talking to either knows where it is or has a pretty good idea (e.g. “Somewhere south of Balboa Park, right?”) instead of a blank stare. However, even those who know where the neighborhood is likely don’t know where, or what, the Golden Hill Recreation Center (GHRC) is.
Located on the south-east portion of Balboa Park (just east of Golden Hill Park), the GHRC is nestled between 26th Street and the Balboa Park Golf Course, just north of Russ Boulevard.
The GHRC is part of the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department. It includes two outdoor basketball courts, handball courts, a playground, park areas with picnic facilities, lighted fields for softball, baseball, and soccer, a wood floor gymnasium, as well as a meeting room, kitchen and community clubhouse. Many of these facilities are available for rental use. Call the center for details on reservations and rentals at 619-235-1138.
In addition to open hours and rental opportunities for the facilities, there are also drop-in sessions for various sports and activities including:
- Volleyball – Monday & Thursday from 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM
- Floor Hockey – Friday from 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM
- Teen Program – Monday – Friday from 2:30 PM – 6 PM (for ages 12-15)
There are many more programs and activities offered as well – for more information check out the spring and summer GHRC brochure here.
The playground has nice equipment, but there is very little shade available (no trees or other shading devices) so mornings or late afternoons are likely best for taking your child/children to the playground. The playground is behind the gymnasium so you can’t see from the street if you’re looking for it from a vehicle.
If you’d like to check out GHRC there is also a good pickup basketball group on Saturday mornings (which I happen to be part of). Games start around 9 AM on the outdoor courts behind the gymnasium and also run inside from opening at 10 AM until a floor hockey league takes over at 11 AM. All are welcome to join.
The City of San Diego runs many other recreation centers like GHRC – to find the one nearest your home check out the official website here.
Here’s to summertime and getting outside.
John P. Anderson
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