You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times if you live in Sherwood. That big, unassuming brick building tucked away on Shelby Road. Honestly, most people just think of the Bill Harmon Rec Center as that place with the pool where the kids go for summer swim lessons. But if you actually step inside, it’s a whole different vibe. It’s basically the heartbeat of the city, and frankly, it’s one of the best-kept secrets for anyone trying to stay fit without those soul-crushing big-box gym prices.
It’s named after Billy Jack Harmon, a former mayor who basically transformed Sherwood from a sleepy suburb into a proper city. He served as mayor from 1993 to 2007, and the center opened its doors in May 2002. It wasn't just some vanity project. Harmon wanted a place where people actually gathered.
What’s actually inside?
Okay, let’s talk logistics. The place is massive.
The crown jewel is the eight-lane heated indoor pool. If you’ve ever tried to lap swim at a public pool in the middle of a July heatwave, you know it's usually like trying to swim through human soup. Here, they keep it organized. They’ve got a zero-depth accessible ramp, which is a lifesaver for anyone with mobility issues or just folks who don't want to do the awkward ladder climb.
If you aren't a fan of getting your hair wet, the fitness center upstairs is legit. We aren't talking about three rusty treadmills and a broken elliptical. It’s got a full weight room, cardio equipment, and—my personal favorite—an indoor walking track. Arkansas weather is unpredictable at best. One day it's 75 degrees and sunny; the next, it’s a torrential downpour with 90% humidity. Having a climate-controlled track means you actually have no excuse to skip your cardio.
The gymnasium is almost always buzzing. You’ve got basketball, volleyball, and lately, the pickleball crowd has absolutely taken over. If you haven't seen the intensity of a Sherwood pickleball tournament, you're missing out. It's competitive.
The class schedule is kinda wild
Most people assume rec center classes are just for seniors doing "silver sneakers" routines. While they do have great senior programs—shoutout to Debbie’s Chair Yoga on Tuesdays—the schedule is actually pretty intense.
Tiffany runs a Boot Camp and Functional Strength class that will absolutely kick your butt. It’s a mix of HIIT, circuit training, and heavy lifting. Then you’ve got Alana’s Zumba classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights which feel more like a party than a workout.
✨ Don't miss: Eating Exactly 12 Grapes at Midnight: Why This Spanish Tradition Is Taking Over TikTok
If you want the full breakdown of what a typical week looks like:
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Aquatic Aerobics with Rita at 8:00 AM.
- Tuesday/Thursday: Zumba with Alana at 6:00 PM.
- Saturdays: Aqua Zumba at 9:00 AM (it's low impact but surprisingly exhausting).
- Sundays: Yoga with Kimberly at 3:30 PM to reset for the week.
Money talk: Is it actually a good deal?
Let's be real. Gym memberships in 2026 are getting ridiculous. The Bill Harmon Rec Center is still surprisingly affordable.
If you just want to drop in for a day, it’s $5 for adults. That’s it. Five bucks gets you the pool, the weights, and the track. If you’re a senior (50+), it drops to $2. Honestly, you can't even buy a decent coffee for two dollars anymore.
For the regulars, the annual passes are the way to go.
- Adult Annual: Around $288. Break that down, and it's $24 a month.
- Family Annual: $360. This covers the immediate family, which is a steal if you have kids who live in the pool.
- Senior Monthly: $24.
- 20-Punch Pass: $75. This is perfect if you’re a "sometimes" gym-goer and don't want a monthly commitment hanging over your head.
One weird thing to note: if you’re just there for the pool, you have to bring your own towel and dry clothes. The health department is strict about wet swimmers wandering through the rest of the facility. Also, if you’re under 16, you need a parent with you during family swim hours. They don't mess around with safety.
📖 Related: Finding a Truly Beautiful Happy Birthday Female Message That Doesn't Sound Like a Robot
Why it actually matters
Beyond the treadmills and the chlorine, the Bill Harmon Rec Center serves as a community hub. They rent out rooms like the Aspen or Dogwood rooms for everything from business seminars to retirement parties. It’s one of the few places left where you see high schoolers playing pickup games right next to seniors finishing their morning walk.
It represents that old-school Sherwood vibe—the one Bill Harmon himself worked to build. It’s about accessibility. It's about having a place to go when it’s 100 degrees outside and you just need to move your body without spending a fortune.
Actionable next steps for your first visit
If you're thinking about checking it out, don't just wing it. Here is how to actually make the most of it:
- Check the pool schedule first: Don't show up at 10:00 AM on a Saturday expecting to swim laps; you'll likely walk right into a kids' birthday party or a private lesson. Call 501-835-6893 to confirm the "Lap Swim" vs "Family Swim" blocks.
- Bring a physical ID: You need a state-issued photo ID to get the $5 daily rate.
- Start with a Punch Pass: Before committing to a full year, buy the 20-punch pass. It doesn't expire for ten years, so even if you only go once a month, you're getting your money's worth.
- Try a Saturday Aqua Zumba: Even if you think "water exercise" is for old people, try it once. The resistance of the water makes the Zumba moves way harder on your muscles but easier on your knees.
- Don't forget the locker: You can rent lockers by the month or year if you don't want to lug your gear back and forth every day.
Stop by 51 Shelby Road. It’s not flashy, but it works. And in a world of overpriced "luxury" gyms, that’s exactly what most of us actually need.