Le Blond Recreation Center

I think this is best rec center I’ve been to in Cincinnati. I suppose they might be «cheating» with the simple fact that they seem to be the newest as well. Prices are SO affordable, the gym room is very clean and the newest (equipment wise) I’ve seen in Cincinnati. I’ve been a member at the Pleasant Ridge one and one in Mt. Washington before. Good offering of free (included with membership) fitness classes. Great outdoor area (park for the kids, baseball field, and then just a big empty field for picnicking, running around with your dog, etc). The only part that isn’t great about this rec center is their hours, they close early so it makes it difficult to plan your work outs if you work a regular 9 – 5 because of their limited hours.

This review is for the pool-​only.
I love the Cincinnati Rec pools system! $ 25 bucks for the whole summer or $ 2/​visit (which is what I do). I especially love this pool, which tends to be way, way, way less crowded than Mt. Adams and has a parking lot :) Last year they even had donut floaties that were fair use for everyone but I think this year they may only have pool noodles. The lifeguards at this location are also always very friendly and nice and chatty.
One star off because the first visit I made this year (on last saturday) was full of screaming kids, and last year my mom and I were often the only people there. The secret of Le Blond may be out!

In Cincinnati’s heyday during the 1880s, the machine tools were the key to keeping our city booming. At the center of the machine tool industry, was R. K. LeBlond and his patented metal cutting lathe. With over 160 years in business, LeBlond became an industry leader in the welfare of its employees with professional healthcare and family support services.
The LeBlond legend was built in the East End, so it was only appropriate to name the recreation center after him. There is a large, sparkling pool, a vast playground with plenty of swings, ball fields, a gym, and a yard of green space. It’s a fitness center built into a park, all scenically located along the Ohio River.
The park is free, but to use the exercise equipment requires a $ 70.00 yearly membership. The facility also makes for a great community meeting space. The only downside is the hours this recreation center keeps: Monday — Friday 7:00AM — 6:00PM. It’s unfortunate that it’s not open during evenings and weekend when most people have the time to, you know, recreate.
All-​in-​all, this is a beautiful, well-​maintained center and an asset to the East End neighborhood. Check it out if it meets your schedule!

LeBlond Recreation Center is a small, but nice facility just a couple miles east of downtown Cincinnati along Riverside Drive.
The center itself has a gym, fitness center, and pool. It’s simple, but adequate for most things. The staff is insanely nice, especially at the front desk. Outside, there is greenspace, benches, baseball and soccer fields, a river view, and a playground. It’s like a little park right next to the center.
Since it is so close to downtown, I actually take my kids to play here quite a bit. You don’t even have to be a member to do so. The playground is clean and a good size, and it has a long row of swings right next to it. There is also a ton of room for them to run.
The real highlight of LeBlond is how quiet it is! Since there are so many parks nearby, we’re often the only people on the playground, and the parking lot is very rarely busy. If you’re looking for a place to workout, perhaps even to supplement an existing big-​gym membership, this is the place. It’s only $ 70 for the whole year.