Covered basketball courts, pickleball lessons, a 1.2-mile paved trail, fitness center, and youth sports leagues await those looking for fun and fellowship
Regular physical activity can help you stay healthy, manage stress, and possibly live longer, according to the American Heart Association. However, sometimes it can be challenging to find fun workouts that keep you moving and engaged for the long haul. The Ruskin Park & Recreation Center may be able to help.
So much room for activities
The recreation center offers a variety of sports and activities that are open to the public. Covered basketball courts, a ball hockey court, and soccer and softball fields are available for those interested in exercising outside.
The Quiet Pines Fitness Trail, a paved 1.2-mile loop, is another option for working out in the fresh air. The trail is located just behind the covered basketball courts and winds around a small pond. The paved path is wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly. A bathroom is conveniently located just off the trail.
The gymnasium also accommodates several sports, including pickleball, badminton, volleyball, and basketball. A fitness center within the gym offers cardio and strength training equipment for those who prefer a less competitive workout.
Adaptive playground equipment is also available to accommodate children with diverse physical abilities. Swings, slides, and a balancing beam are on site to get kids of all ages moving in the open play area.
Programs for everyone
People of all ages and abilities can take advantage of the classes and programs offered at the Ruskin Recreation Center. A list of summer camps and after-school programs, including adaptive recreation opportunities for children with disabilities, can be found online. Some after-school programs even provide free bus transportation from schools to the Ruskin Recreation Center.
Adults 50 years of age and older may also enjoy organized pickleball, volleyball, and other pickup games. Class offerings and registration are available online.
Youth sports leagues
Ruskin Recreation Center also hosts several youth sports leagues, including ball hockey, basketball, flag football, and soccer. Through engaging activities and friendly competition, young players develop physical skills, enhance their mental agility, and foster social-emotional well-being.
Recently, the Ruskin-based ball hockey league celebrated a well-earned victory when they competed in and won the 2025 Clash of the Cup. The 13-team tournament brings together roughly 100 players every year to compete.
This year, the Ruskin team faced off against six-time defending champions from Westchase Recreation Center, and put an end to their winning streak. Many of the players on the Ruskin team practiced and played together since they were 6 years old, making their triumph especially rewarding.
Wellness Access Pass
The Ruskin Park & Recreation Center is part of the Wellness Access Pass program. The Wellness Access Pass gives residents 18 years and older access to a fitness center, open gym activities such as pickleball, badminton, volleyball, and select classes at one County recreation location. Once signed up for the pass, passholders may enroll in unlimited included activities at their selected location. The cost for the pass is $10 a month plus taxes. More information about the program, registration, and what other parks and recreation center locations are available can be found online at Wellness Access Pass.
The Ruskin Park & Recreation Center is at 901 6th Street, S.E., Ruskin, FL 33570. Call (813) 672-7881 for more information.