On October 1, 2025, Pleasant Prairie RecPlex will celebrate 25 years of recreation and fitness. Since opening in 2000, the facility in Prairie Springs Park, located at 9900 Terwall Terrace, has grown into the largest municipally owned recreation center in the nation.
Planning began in 1998 following a $4 million donation from WisPark. A groundbreaking took place on October 12, 1999, and the facility opened on October 1, 2000. The original building included a 17,000-square-foot leisure pool, a 60,000-square-foot field house, an 8,000-square-foot fitness center, a 1/6-mile indoor track, changing rooms, a child-care area, and a snack bar. Growth followed in 2004 with a 42,000-square-foot expansion, which added a larger fitness center, additional childcare space, racquetball courts, multipurpose studios, party rooms, and a 79,000-square-foot ice arena featuring two NHL-sized rinks. In 2009, a second major expansion, supported through a partnership with ULINE, Inc., added the RecPlex Aqua Arena. The 42,000-square-foot addition, completed in 2010, includes an Olympic-sized competition pool with geothermal heating and cooling from Lake Andrea, as well as seating for approximately 600 spectators. With these expansions, RecPlex now measures 302,000 square feet.
Beyond recreation, RecPlex generates tourism and economic activity through tournaments, competitions, and events that draw visitors to the community. Pleasant Prairie taxpaying households receive annual benefits that include facility guest passes, discounted memberships, and access to Lake Andrea beach.
“Over the last 25 years, RecPlex has continually evolved to meet the recreation needs of residents and visitors,” said Brett Christopher, Village Director of Recreation Programming. “This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the role RecPlex plays in strengthening community connections and enhancing the quality of life in Pleasant Prairie.”
To mark the 25th anniversary, RecPlex will host special events open to the public throughout October:
- October 10 – Community Pickleball Day, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- October 11 – Free Pop-Up Fitness Classes, scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
- October 25 – Trunk or Treat, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lake Andrea Beer Garden
- October 25 – Scary in the Prairie 5K, 5:00 p.m. at Lake Andrea Beer Garden
In addition to these public events, RecPlex members will also enjoy exclusive anniversary activities during October, including an appreciation event and family programming.