Residents of Juneau who frequent the city’s swimming, skating, and indoor fitness facilities are facing a steeper price tag this season.
The city’s winter recreation pass now costs $250 plus tax, a 25% increase over the $200 price point seen a year ago.
This adjustment, approved during the fiscal year 2027 budget process, reflects a broader effort by the City and Borough of Juneau to address rising operating costs and declining general-fund support for public recreation. The new fee schedule, which took effect Nov. 1, covers unlimited entry to public sessions at six local facilities through March 31, 2027.
Impact on Facility Access and Budget
The Winter Pass provides access to the Dimond Park Aquatic Center, Augustus G. Brown Swimming Pool, Treadwell Arena, Dimond Park Field House, Marie Drake Gym, and Floyd Dryden Gym.
While the pass offers a flat-rate convenience for frequent users, the $50 price hike shifts the financial calculus for those who visit less often or stick to a single location. For instance, a single adult admission at either municipal pool is now $9, including tax.
The city has acknowledged the financial strain caused by these adjustments. In public budget materials, officials noted that relying heavily on fee increases could potentially put services out of reach for some community members. The budget for the current fiscal year included more than $11 million in reductions, with the city utilizing reserves to maintain operations after considering the closure of several facilities earlier this spring.
These budgetary pressures are linked to voter-approved measures from 2025 that capped property tax rates and removed sales tax from specific food and utility purchases. To illustrate the operational costs, the city reported that the Dimond Park Aquatic Center generated approximately $476,000 in revenue against nearly $2 million in operating expenses.
Alternative Options for Juneau Residents
Families face high upfront costs because the pass is sold individually rather than through household-tier pricing. For a family of four, the total cost for winter passes reaches $1,000 before tax. However, the city maintains several programs to mitigate these costs, including free skating for third graders at Treadwell Arena and the Youth Scholarship Program, which offers financial assistance for eligible youth activities.
Other alternatives remain available for those who do not require an unlimited pass:
- 10-Visit Pool Pass: $91 before tax, with no expiration date.
- Monthly Adult Pool Membership: $60.
- 10-Visit Skating Package: $72 before tax at Treadwell Arena.
Buyers should also note that facility availability varies. The Dimond Park Aquatic Center is scheduled for a maintenance closure from Nov. 9 through Nov. 22, though the Augustus Brown Swimming Pool will remain open. Per city policy, winter passes are non-transferable and non-refundable, and no extensions are granted for facility closures.
Seasonal Sales Tax Starts April 2027
During the October 2026 municipal election, voters approved a 1% seasonal sales tax dedicated to recreation. However, that tax will not go into effect until April 1, 2027, occurring after the current Winter Pass season has already concluded.
Residents have until Jan. 31, 2027, to purchase a pass, either online or at participating facilities. Regardless of the purchase date, all passes will expire on April 1, 2027. For further details on the fee schedule or program eligibility, residents can contact Juneau Parks and Recreation at 907-586-5226.
