Juneau’s winter recreation pass now costs $250 plus tax, a 25% jump that leaves regular visitors paying $50 more than they did a year ago.
The price increase covers unlimited public sessions through March 31, 2027, across six municipal facilities, including the Dimond Park Aquatic Center and Treadwell Arena.
City officials adjusted the recreation fees during the fiscal year 2027 budget process to offset higher operating expenses and reduced general-fund support. Parks and Recreation noted that the changes mirror department fee adjustments that took effect July 1, the first large hikes since 2021.
Financial pressures intensified after Juneau voters approved measures in 2025 that limited property tax rates and exempted specific food and utility purchases from sales tax. To close a budget gap ranging between $10 million and $12 million, the City and Borough of Juneau adopted over $11 million in spending cuts and tapped into municipal reserves.
Public opposition earlier in the spring successfully prevented the closure of major recreational hubs, such as the Dimond Park Field House and the city’s two public pools. For an adult swimmer paying the standard single admission rate of $9 including tax, visiting the pool several times a week allows them to recover the upfront cost of the pass relatively quickly.
Families face steeper calculations since passes are issued individually rather than by household. Purchasing four passes requires an initial outlay of $1,000 before tax.
The participating facilities include the Dimond Park Aquatic Center, Augustus G. Brown Swimming Pool, Treadwell Arena, Dimond Park Field House, Floyd Dryden Gym, and Marie Drake Gym. Marie Drake replaces Mount Jumbo Gym from last year’s lineup following the Assembly’s approval of its sale.
The Dimond Park Aquatic Center is scheduled to close for annual maintenance from Nov. 9 through Nov. 22, while the Augustus G. Brown Swimming Pool remains operational. City terms state that passes are non-refundable and non-transferable, and temporary facility closures do not qualify buyers for extensions or reimbursements.
Passes remain on sale online and at participating locations through Jan. 31, 2027, but all expire on April 1, 2027. That expiration date coincides with the start of collections for a 1% seasonal sales tax approved by voters in October 2026 to support recreation funding.
