Great Neck Recreation Center
4.1(89)4.1 out of 5 stars, 89 reviews Virginia Beach, VA
About Great Neck Recreation Center
This recreation center offers a clean environment with consistently praised friendly and helpful staff, making it feel like a community hub. While facilities are generally well-maintained, particularly the gym equipment, the swimming pool faces persistent issues with cold water, which is a significant drawback for families with children, despite claims of an 84-degree temperature.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Parents or individuals seeking a clean, friendly community center for adult lap swimming (if tolerant of cold water) or gym use.Families with older children/teens who prioritize a positive community atmosphere and can withstand cooler pool temperatures.**Older Children/Teens (10+ years):** Potentially suitable for those who are strong swimmers and not sensitive to cold pool water, or who might use the gym facilities with parental supervision.**Adults:** Ideal for lap swimming (if tolerant of cold water) and gym use.**Younger Children/Toddlers (under 10 years):** Likely unsuitable for swimming due to consistently cold pool water, which could be uncomfortable or unsafe for this age group.
Why families love it
- Consistently friendly and helpful staff who are 'on their game'.
- Clean facilities, including the pool and general areas.
- Well-maintained gym machines (for parents or older children).
- Polite and friendly community of users/swimmers.
- Generally considered 'priced right' for the value offered.
- Highly attentive and welcoming staff.
Insider tips
- If planning to swim, especially with children, be prepared for cold water temperatures (around 78°F) despite official temperature claims.
- For lap swimmers, weekday mornings and times before noon generally offer uncrowded lanes.
- Do not expect modern, recently renovated facilities; some areas like showers are dated but functional.
Good to know before you go
- Families with toddlers or young children who require warm pool water for comfort, learning, or health reasons.
- Anyone expecting newly renovated, state-of-the-art facilities, especially in the changing rooms/showers.
- Pool water is consistently cold, reportedly feeling like 78 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the stated 84 degrees, due to an old, un-repaired heater (issue ongoing for at least 6 months).
- Facilities, particularly the showers, are 'showing their age' and could benefit from renovation.
- Showers are described as 'not very good' but 'usable'.
- Crowds
- Swim lanes are reported as 'not pretty full' during weekdays, especially before noon, indicating lower crowd levels during these times for swimming.
- Value
- The center is described as 'priced right,' suggesting good value for its membership or usage fees given the clean facilities and friendly staff. However, the persistent cold pool issue might diminish the perceived value for families focused on warm water activities.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations were mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- The pool is described as 'clean,' implying good water quality and maintenance. Staff are praised for being 'on their game,' which might indirectly contribute to general safety and supervision.
What parents say
"This has what I need, but is definitely showing it's age. I have been using it for swimming laps lately. I haven't found any time during the week that swim lanes are pretty full. The showers aren't very good, but are usable. Several other rec centers have been renovated. I hope this one gets updated soon."
2 months ago
"Pool is always cold ! Members have complained . They said it’s an old heater 6 months ago . Never fixing the temperature. It says 84 but it isn't , it’s freezing . Stop swimming at this rec center all the other rec center pools are 84 and it feels it ! I would go back there if the warmed the pool back up to the 84 temp , more like 78 degrees!"
a year ago
"What a fantastic find! The entire center from the staff to all of the facilities are great. If I lived here, this would be my "go to" place. Clean, helpful and friendly staff and priced right. The pool was clean, machines in gym were well maintained and helpful staff was available."
a year ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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