New opening date set for Aim High Big Sky aquatic and rec center in Great Falls

The Scheels Aim High Big Sky Aquatic and Recreation Center in Great Falls will begin operations on Tuesday.

The new health enhancement facility in Lion’s Park will open on July 9 with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., followed by facility tours and will be open fully for gym-goers.

The opening of the rec center was set to open on June 29 but was postponed due to last-minute electrical issues, according to the City of Great Falls.

The facility, located at 900 29th Street South in Lions Park, just off of 10th Ave South, features a full-court gymnasium, eight-lane pool, sauna, cardio and weight machines, elevated walking track, a splash pad, group fitness, and a large water slide.

The facility will also offer community enrichment classes and special events.

The Scheels Aim High Big Sky Aquatic and Recreation Center offers memberships with a monthly billing structure with a 12-month commitment at $56 for ages 18-60 for Great Falls and Malmstrom Air Force Base residents ($70 for non-residents), and $40 for youths aged 3-17 ($50 for non-residents), seniors over 61, disabled persons and active military members.

Family rates for up to six members are $96 per month for Great Falls and Malmstrom residents and $120 for non-residents. Annual fee options are $574 for adults living in Great Falls, $410 for youth/seniors/disabled/military and $987 for families.

Twelve-day passes can be purchased for $105 for adults, $74 for youth/seniors/disabled/military and $315 for six members of a family.

Single day passes are $10 for adults and $13 for non-residents, $7 for youth/seniors/disabled/military and $9 for non-residents, and $30 up to six family members living in Great Falls are on Malmstrom.

Corporate memberships are also available for organizations with over 50 employees. Contact the Park and Recreation office for more information. The plan for the new rec and aquatic facility was outlined in the park master plan by the city in 2016 and ground was broken on the project in Lions Park in 2021. The project was projected to cost $20 million, with half coming from the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) Grant and the other half by the city park district.