Ben A.
Yelp
I played basketball here as a kid, and by a twist of fate (one of many, actually) my bride took ballet classes here around the same time. That both of these events were decades ago speaks to the longevity of the Rec center, and Pasadena's commitment to youth development over the years.
Upgrades to the HVAC systems have made it more comfortable inside the main gymnasium.... we used to have a large industrial floor fan whirring in the corner that we were pretty sure would slice you like lunchmeat if you fell into it.
Inside the facility are a few other rooms for classes and meetings, and an office area. Of course, the Rec. Center is located in Victory Park, which features large expanses of grass for various sports (soccer, football, baseball diamonds), volleyball courts, a playground (veterans like me might remember the rocket ship that used to be here), and picnic facilities. I grew up in this park, and it's inexorably linked to so many childhood memories.
As for the Rec center, a schedule of classes and events keeps things busy here most of the time. More information about classes-- and maybe even the occasional free pick-up game schedule-- are available during normal business hours at the Parks & Rec offices near the front of the building.