You know that feeling when you walk into a place that was already good, but then they go and spend $16 million to make it actually incredible? That is basically the vibe at the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center right now. After a massive, 11-month-long overhaul that kept the doors shut for most of 2025, the "TMC" (as the Plano locals call it) is finally back. And honestly, it’s not just a coat of paint. They replaced the entire HVAC system, redid the sewer lines, and basically gutted the locker rooms to make them feel like something from this decade.
If you’ve lived in West Plano for a while, you probably remember the crowds. This is the busiest rec center in the whole Plano system—welcoming over 400,000 visitors a year. It’s located right off Parker Road, sitting pretty across from Windhaven Park. It’s a massive 84,000-square-foot facility that handles everything from toddler swim lessons to seniors playing pickleball with a level of intensity that would scare a pro athlete.
What changed after the 2025 renovation?
Let’s get into the weeds for a second. The city didn't just fix the leaky pipes. They put in a brand-new children’s pool play structure because the old one was, let’s be real, getting a little sad. They also completely resurfaced the indoor track and the gym floors. If you’ve ever tried to run on a worn-down track, you know your knees will thank you for the extra cushion on the new surface.
The Pickleball Expansion
Everyone is obsessed with pickleball. You know it, I know it. The renovation specifically updated the gym floor striping to accommodate more pickleball courts. It’s a huge win because finding an open court in Plano used to be like finding a parking spot at Legacy West on a Friday night. Basically impossible.
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Fresh Iron and Tech
The cardio room got a total environment refresh. It’s not just about having new treadmills; it's about the air quality and the layout. They replaced roughly 35% of the total fitness equipment across the city's centers this year, and Muehlenbeck got the lion's share of the new stuff to match its grand reopening. You’re looking at top-tier Matrix or Precor level machines that actually work without making that weird grinding noise.
The Pools: Why People Actually Come Here
If we’re being honest, the swimming situation is the real crown jewel. Most "gyms" have a boring lap pool. The Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center has an entire aquatic ecosystem.
- The Indoor Lap Pool: Eight lanes of 25-yard competitive space. It’s got a drop slide that starts on the second floor. Yes, you read that right. You're 20 feet up and then—splash—you're in the deep end.
- The Leisure Pool: This is where the chaos (the fun kind) happens. It has a lazy river that doubles as a resistance walking lane in the mornings for the fitness crowd. There are hydrotherapy benches, a vortex pool, and a "current channel."
- The Outdoor Water Park: Open during the summer months, this area has its own slides and a zero-depth entry pool. It’s basically a mini Hawaiian Falls but significantly cheaper.
There’s a weird quirk about the leisure pool schedule you should know. From 5 am to 11 am on weekdays, it’s strictly for adults. This is "zen time" for walkers and lap swimmers who don't want to get splashed by a stray cannonball. After 11 am, all bets are off and the kids take over.
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The Cost: It's Kinda a Steal
Prices fluctuate slightly year to year, but Plano has kept the resident rates incredibly low compared to a big-box gym like Lifetime or even a mid-range spot like Cowboys Fit. For a Plano resident, you're looking at about $4 for a kid and $7 for an adult for a day pass.
Annual memberships for residents usually hover around $155. If you think about it, that’s less than $13 a month. You can't even get a decent burrito for $13 anymore. Non-residents pay a bit more, usually closer to $10 for a day pass, but even then, the value is wild considering you get the pool, the gym, the track, and the saunas.
The "Secret" Amenities You Might Miss
Most people walk in, hit the treadmill, and leave. You’re missing out.
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There is an indoor walking/jogging track that overlooks the gymnasium. It’s perfect for those July days in Texas when the humidity makes it feel like you’re breathing through a warm, wet blanket. The track surface is brand new as of December 2025, so it’s got that perfect "bounce."
Then there are the "Adapted Recreation" programs. Plano is actually really good about this. They have specific programming for folks with special needs, ranging from crafts to fitness. It’s one of the things that makes this feel like a community center rather than just a place to sweat.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- The Crowd Factor: Monday through Thursday evenings are packed. If you hate waiting for a bench, go at 10 am or 2 pm.
- The "Induction" Pitch: Sometimes staff might offer a session to show you the equipment. It's often a gateway to personal training. If you know what you're doing, just politely say you're good.
- The Mural: Check out the new mural by Austin artist Steffi Lynn. It was added during the renovation and adds a ton of color to a space that used to be a lot of beige and gray.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re heading to the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center for the first time, don't just wing it. Bring a towel—they don't provide them for free like a fancy spa. If you’re bringing kids, check the "open swim" hours specifically, because the lap pool and leisure pool have different schedules for when the slides are actually turned on.
You'll also want to look into the "Share the Love" week in February. They often do open houses where you can try things out or get discounts on classes. Whether you’re there for a high-intensity HIIT class in the dance studio or just to walk the lazy river, the 2026 version of this center is a massive upgrade over the old one.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Live Schedule: Visit the Plano Parks and Rec website before you go. They update pool "lane counts" and gym availability in real-time so you don't show up during a swim meet.
- Verify Your Residency: If you live in Plano, bring a utility bill or your driver’s license. The price difference between resident and non-resident adds up if you're going multiple times a week.
- Download the App: The City of Plano uses an "ActiveNet" system for class registrations. If you want to get into a pickleball clinic or a pottery class (yes, they have those), you have to book those weeks in advance because they sell out almost instantly.