Pitts Center
John W. Pitts Recreation Center
10 Electric Ave., Dover, DE 19904
Service Desk: (302) 674-7541
Fax: (302) 678-2674
Open Gym Schedule Line: (302) 736-4443
Weather Line: (302) 736-7155
Pitts Center “Spring” Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
Fridays: 8:30 am - 8:00 pm
Saturdays: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sundays: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hours are subject to change without notice.
General Information
The John W. Pitts Recreation Center located in Schutte Park is operated under the direction of the City of Dover Parks and Recreation Department. The facility is open to City of Dover residents and non-residents alike. Fees apply for classes, activities, and leagues.
The Center offers a wide variety of recreational and leisure time activities for the entire family. The Pitts Center serves area residents with diverse, affordable, high-quality recreational and leisure time activities in a safe, modern, well-maintained facility.
The Pitts Center opened on April 24, 2008. Funding for the 19,845 square foot facility was provided by the City of Dover, State of Delaware, Kent County Levy Court, Longwood Foundation, Dover Downs, Inc., Beiser-West Family, Welfare Foundation, Greater Dover Committee and George C. Wright, Jr. The architect for the project was the Becker Morgan Group and the builder was Bob Smith Contractors.
Pitts Center Amenities
-
Two Court Gymnasium Suitable for Basketball, Volleyball and Various Sports (11,064 sq ft)
- Three Lane Walking/Jogging Track (1/13th mile)
- Robbins Synthetic Court Surfacing
- Multi-Purpose Room for Fitness Classes (938 sq ft)
- Meeting Room (570 sq ft)
- Daily Use Lockers
- Bleacher Seating for 120
- Paved Parking Lot For 197 Vehicles
Class & Activity Registration
3 Easy Ways To Register!
STOP BY: John W. Pitts Recreation Center
10 Electric Ave.
Dover, DE 19904
BY MAIL: Fill out the Registration Form, make check or money
order payable to “City of Dover” or provide your VISA,
MasterCard, or Discover number with expiration date
and mail to:
City of Dover Parks & Recreation
PO Box 475
Dover, DE 19903
BY FAX: 302-678-2674 Registration forms that are faxed must call in payment information.
Early registration is recommended as all classes and activities have minimum and maximum limits on participants. Classes are subject to cancellation if minimum participation requirements are not met two weeks prior to start of class.
Open Gym– The Pitts Center offers free “Open Gym” times when hours are available. A monthly schedule is posted of the Open Gym hours and hours are subject to change without notice. Staff encourages open gym users to share the courts so that everyone benefits from recreation. Open Gym periods are scheduled and restricted by age group to ensure the safety and fun of our participants. Registration is required prior to Open Gym participation. Also, children age 11 and under must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian at all times while at the Pitts Center. Call 736-4443 for the daily recorded "Open Gym" hours. Some basketballs are availble for use (ID required to check out a ball), but we suggest that you bring a ball.
May Open Gym Schedule Open Gym Registration Form
The posted Open Gym Schedule is subject to change without notice! Call 736-4443 for current hours!
Heat Index– The Pitts Center Gymnasium is not air conditioned while the remaider of the facility has air conditioning. Staff will close the gymansium if the Heat Index reaches 96 degrees. The heat index is calculated by using the temperture and the humidity. Click this link for tips to help protect you from the onset of heat illness.
Behavior and Conduct- Any patron who does not adhere to the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Pitts Center is subject to suspension from the facility.
Rentals– The Pitts Center is available for rentals during non-program use times. Reservation policy & procedures do not permit tentative reservations or the holding of dates.
Pitts Center Facility Rental Policy, Procedures & Application
Lost and Found– The City of Dover Parks and Recreation Department and the Pitts Center are not responsible for items lost or stolen at Pitts Center, however there is a "Lost & Found." Any items found on the Pitts Center premises are kept in the "Lost & Found Box" for one week.
Disability Related Accommodations– If you would like to participate in our activities and require disability related accommodations, please call our office at 302-674-7541. You may reach TTY/TDD operator services by dialing 1-800-855-1155.
New Programs/Suggestions - We continue to look for new and exciting programs to provide the community with recreation and fitness needs. If you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail us at wvoshell@dover.de.us. Thank you!
John W. Pitts
The late Mr. Pitts was first elected in May 1990 to the Dover City Council. Appointed to serve as a member of the Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee, he did so for thirteen [13] years, seven [7] of which he served as chairman.
Mr. Pitts, a physical education teacher and athletic coach, offered countless youth the opportunities to learn and participate in a variety of sports. He was a leader with determination and preseverance and had an extraordinary devotion in promoting a healthy environment for our youth, teens, young adults and seniors to participate in recreational activities designed especially for them.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover honored the commitment and vision of John W. Pitts on September 25, 2005 by dedicating and naming the new West Side Recreation Facility to be known as the “JOHN W. PITTS RECREATION CENTER." The Pitts Center opened on April 24, 2008.
