Oak Bay Rec Centre celebrates 50 years with retro prices and fun

Get ready to lace up your skates, dust off those bell-bottoms!

Oak Bay Recreation Centre will be travelling back to 1975 —at least in spirit— to celebrate its 50th anniversary this Friday, October 24th, by rolling back admission prices to what they were when the doors first opened.

Located at 1975 Bee Street, the iconic community hub will transform into a blast from the past, complete with 70s-themed swims and skates, a kid zone featuring a bouncy castle, music bingo, archival displays, and plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the day.

“It’s pretty special that Oak Bay Recreation Centre has been a place for people to come together for half a century,” said Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch.

“We’re proud that it remains a destination for so many in 2025 — a testament to the continued investment and the creativity of our recreation staff.”

The Centre officially opened on October 24th, 1975, and has since grown into one of the region’s most beloved gathering spots, offering programs in skating, swimming, tennis, fitness, and cultural recreation for all ages.

“Our dedicated team is excited to celebrate this milestone with the community,” added Thomas Soulliere, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture.

“We look forward to serving future generations of residents in the decades to come.”

The festivities are part of a day-long celebration organized by Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture, which oversees five facilities, including Henderson and Monterey recreation centres, Windsor Pavilion, and the Neighbourhood Learning Centre at Oak Bay High.

Oak Bay Recreation Centre 50th Anniversary

• Where: Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee Street
• When: Friday, October 24th
  • 9 to 10 a.m. – 70s Aquafit (Pool)
  • 10 to 11 a.m. – Free Fitness Class with Jazzercise Oak Bay (Indoor Sports Field)
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Open House: cake cutting, coffee & tea, time capsule opening, archives display, photo slideshow, Wall of Fame presentation (Sportsview Lounge)
  • 12 to 2 p.m. – Family Fun Zone: Bouncy Castle and game stations (Indoor Sports Field) Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • 12 to 2:30 p.m. – Discounted Court Time – $5.00 (1975 pricing) (Indoor Tennis Bubble – Courts 1–4) Phone Reception at 250-595-7946 to book
  • 1 to 3 p.m. – 70s Pro-D Day Everyone Welcome Swim (Pool)
  • 1:30 to 3 p.m. – 70s Pro-D Day Everyone Welcome Skate (Arena)
  • 6 to 8 p.m. – 70s Music Trivia Night (Sportsview Lounge) (Drop-in with food and beverage available to order off the menu)
  • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – 70s Everyone Welcome Swim (Pool)