About Us :
The Chagrin Valley Rec Center is located on the Chagrin Falls Middle/High School Campus at 400 East Washington Street in Chagrin Falls, and offers summer swimming, tennis and a wide range of summer programs and activities to residents of the Chagrin Valley. In cooperation with the Chagrin Falls School Board, “The Rec” consists of three outdoor pools, five tennis courts, a basketball court, baseball fields, a running track, a camps program, and many unique volunteer-run classes and special events. The nonprofit, non-tax supported Recreation Center is run by a volunteer Council, a professional summer staff and is assisted by hundreds of volunteers.

History :
During the first few summers, the swimming program and classroom activities were staffed by volunteers. This too, has changed little over the years. While the number of professional or paid staff members has increased since 1943, the most important and unique aspect of the program has always been the effort and talent of volunteers. Through the years, the support of Chagrin Falls organizations and merchants for the continued operation of the program, equipment and supplies has also been invaluable.

The continued growth of the program brought on the improvement and development of the facilities. 1945 saw the installation of a state-of-the-art filtration system, asphalt walks and a fence to the pool. In 1957, after years of fund raising, the Recreation Building became a reality. Leaders in this effort were the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, and George Arthur, who oversaw the project. Later, in 1964, a third pool, the Intermediate (middle) Pool, was opened. It was designed as a learn-to-swim pool, with a minimum depth of one and half feet to a maximum of five feet, which complemented the much larger Senior Pool.

Structurally, the pools and building have remained intact through the years with no major changes. In 1969, however, the Rec Council faced an emergency. With only two months before opening, the north side of the senior pool collapsed and major cracks developed on the west side. Generous contributions from Madeline Waite and Carlyle Harris plus matching Rec funds allowed for the pool to be repaired in time for opening day. As the 1970 's approached, the tennis courts received attention. The Rec Council added court lighting and court resurfacing. Today, with cooperation from the Chagrin Falls School Board, the Rec consists of three pools, one basketball court, five tennis courts, baseball fields, a gymnastic program, day camp, and many unique volunteer classes.

"The Rec" began with a small group of volunteers in 1943, and has been dedicated to four principles: volunteerism, service, safety and education. Our mission is to offer family-oriented, summer recreation to residents of the Chagrin Valley. We strive to provide the best possible quality and economic value, while providing a variety of recreational activities for all members.

The Rec Center, Chagrin Falls High School and Middle School, as we know them today, stand on property that were the eastern fairgrounds for Cuyahoga County during the late 1800's and early 1900's. The Fairgrounds were predominantly used for county fairs and horse racing but a good ol' donkey baseball game could be found on occasion. As the Chagrin Falls school system began to grow, the school board showed more interest in the facility, using the grounds for approved school events. A lease was drawn-up in 1934 between the school board and the county, granting the board permission to use the grounds in exchange for maintenance and upkeep. The agreement stated the property was to be used as a community recreation park and athletic field. At the time, the property consisted of a half-mile horse track, various barns and out buildings, the covered cement stadium, three tennis courts, two baseball fields, and a football field.

In 1935, the School Board agreed to pay for the rental of a cement mixer to be used in the construction of a pool. They would rent the mixer for one month with the cost not to exceed seventy-nine dollars. The Cuyahoga County Commissioners agreed in turn to pay eight-thousand dollars and the ground was set for the construction of what we know as the Senior and Wading Pools today.

After construction of a little more than one year, the pool was ready for its first season in 1937. It became an immediate success with people coming from all over Northeast Ohio to take a dip. The school board hired two lifeguards and one attendant for that season, but both lifeguards were fired in less than three weeks. The attendant was paid three dollars per day; the lifeguards earned five dollars. By the end of the season, the pool had closed early and school opened late due to an infantile paralysis scare.

For the next season, Superintendent Lewis Sands hired three lifeguards and one attendant. This time no one was fired. For the next few years the pool ran very much the same way and gained in popularity each year.

In April of 1943, a committee of nine people headed by Mayor Gordon Nichols came before the School Board. They represented summer recreation for the children of the area and asked for permission to use the pool and other recreational facilities. The Board expressed their willingness to help but made no decision at this time. Instead, they wanted to discuss with the county prosecutor's office how far the Board could  turnover these facilities to such an organization. At the June meeting, the Board granted the Chagrin Valley Recreation Center certain privileges of the school buildings, gym, and the music room (for rainy days). “The Rec” was off and running! In 1944, due to the success of the first season, Chagrin Falls School Board member Mr. Hahn, recommended that the Board go on record as being in full cooperation with the Rec committee. 

P.O. Box 84.