Cubberley Community Center: Find Your Room, Program or Event
Visiting for a class, booking a basketball gym, organizing a meeting or attending a performance? Cubberley Community Center at 4000 Middlefield Road has classrooms, dance space, gyms, a large pavilion, a 317-seat theatre and independent community organizations. Use this guide to choose the right space and understand the booking process.
Cubberley Community Center Hours & Contact
The most important scheduling detail is that Cubberley does not publish one universal public opening schedule for every building. Its administrative office operates by appointment, while classes, room reservations, performances and long-term tenants follow individual schedules.
| Facility or Service | Hours / Access |
|---|---|
| Administrative office, T-2 | By appointment only |
| Rental classrooms and meeting rooms | Approved reservation hours |
| Gym A, Gym B and Pavilion | Approved programs or rental schedules |
| Cubberley Theatre | Ticketed events, performances and approved bookings |
| Resident organizations and private tenants | Each organization sets its own schedule |
| Arts studio events | Announced event times |
Main Facility Contact
Cubberley Community Center
4000 Middlefield Road, T-2
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone: 650-329-2418
Email: cubberley@paloalto.gov
Fax: 650-856-8756
Theatre Contact
For performance enquiries and theatre rentals:
cubberley-theatre@paloalto.gov
Arrange theatre tours and rental discussions in advance.
What Is Available at Cubberley?
Cubberley is an adaptive reuse of a former school campus in south Palo Alto, operated by the city since 1990. It differs from a conventional membership-based fitness club: much of the space is reserved for organized classes, long-term tenants, performing arts and prebooked community events.
Sports & Recreation
Indoor gyms, basketball courts, volleyball layouts and the larger pavilion for athletic activities, practices and group bookings.
Classes & Workshops
City recreation courses and tenant-operated activities in education, dance, music, movement and other community interests.
Art & Performance
Cubberley Theatre, artist studios, rehearsals, exhibitions and community performances.
Meetings & Seminars
Classrooms, conference-style activity rooms and a lecture space with presentation facilities.
Dance & Movement
Dance Studio L-6 offers mirrors, handrails, a Marley floor and changing facilities.
Community Organizations
Independent tenants provide activities such as childcare, health-related services, arts instruction and other local programs.
Room Sizes, Rental Capacities & Amenities
The city publishes room-by-room capacities and amenities. The numbers below identify maximum configurations listed by the city; actual safe occupancy depends on room layout, seating, event requirements and approval.
| Space | Max. Listed Capacity | Size | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-6 | 45 | 700 sq ft | Classroom, tables, chairs, whiteboard |
| D-7 | 45 | 700 sq ft | Classroom, tables, chairs, whiteboard |
| E-5 | 45 | 700 sq ft | Classroom, whiteboard, counter and sink |
| P-2 | 26 | 400 sq ft | Small classroom and counter with sink |
| U-7 | 67 | 1,150 sq ft | Activity room, tables, chairs and counter |
| H-1 | 125 | 1,900 sq ft | Lecture room, projection screen and piano |
| H-6 | 100 | 1,400 sq ft | Activity room, projector screen and sink |
| L-6 | 35 | 1,650 sq ft | Dance studio with mirrors and Marley floor |
| Gym A | 345 | 5,500 sq ft | Basketball or volleyball |
| Gym B | 450 | 7,200 sq ft | Full or half basketball/volleyball layouts |
| Pavilion | 1,600 | 11,700 sq ft | Large indoor courts, bleachers and restrooms |
| Theatre | 317 seats | Fixed auditorium seating | Stage, sound and lighting support |
Capacity figures follow the city’s facility listings and room-amenities document. Classroom occupancy can be lower with tables than without tables.
Choose the Right Space
Classrooms & H-1
Choose a classroom for small workshops or the H-1 Lecture Room for presentations, lectures and seated meetings.
L-6 Studio
Useful for rehearsals, dance instruction, stretching and other approved movement activities.
Gym A or Gym B
Suitable for basketball, volleyball and organized athletic practices. Check court dimensions and prime-time restrictions.
Pavilion
Can support up to two full basketball courts or three volleyball courts, depending on the authorized configuration.
See official room photographs, layout descriptions and campus map ↗
Cubberley Community Center Rental Fees
Rental charges depend on the type of room, regular versus occasional use, nonprofit eligibility and additional equipment or staffing. The city publishes its adopted municipal fee schedules, which provide a useful starting point for budgeting.
| Space / Category | FY2026 Basic / Hour | FY2026 Nonprofit / Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Small meeting room | $49 | $38 |
| Medium meeting room | $57 | $49 |
| Large meeting room | $75 | $58 |
| H-1 Lecture Room | $81 | $64 |
| L-6 Dance Studio | $59 | $53 |
| Gym A | $123 | $82 |
| Gym B | $137 | $91 |
| Pavilion | $179 | $140 |
Historical rates shown for regular weekly rentals. One-time rentals may use a different schedule. Published nonprofit prices are not automatically available to every community group.
Other Possible Charges
| Item | FY2026 Reference Charge |
|---|---|
| Street-shoe gym use surcharge | $26/hour |
| Extra lighting, AV or staging equipment | $6–$203 per item plus labor |
| Additional padded chair | $2 per chair plus labor |
| Six-foot round table | $10 per table |
| Upright piano | $34 per use plus applicable services |
| Seven-foot grand piano | $64 per use plus applicable services |
What to Include in Your Rental Budget
- Hourly room or court charges for the entire approved period.
- Nonprofit documentation and qualifying rate, if applicable.
- Additional tables, chairs, presentation equipment or staging.
- Insurance and event-related permit obligations.
- Staffing or technical support, where required.
- Any approved special sports use or street-shoe surcharge.
Cubberley Theatre: Seating, Performances & Rentals
Cubberley Theatre seats 317 people and accommodates concerts, dance, film screenings, cultural presentations, lectures and other approved productions.
Audience Members
Check your event ticket or organizer’s announcement for performance date, door-opening time, entry instructions and seating policies. Theatre administrative hours are not public performance hours.
Event Organizers
The theatre has professional stage, sound and lighting support. Booking terms may involve technicians, dressing rooms, rehearsals, production days and additional support facilities.
Theatre Reservation Essentials
- The theatre uses a September–August booking season.
- Rental requests generally open during the preceding December.
- Applications ordinarily require at least one month of advance notice.
- The initial payment is generally half of the approved rental charges.
- Written cancellation within the first ten days of approval can qualify for relief under the published terms.
- The final installment is generally due one month before the event.
- Theatre events may require technicians, insurance and other arrangements.
Theatre email: cubberley-theatre@paloalto.gov
How to Reserve a Room or Gym at Cubberley
General facility rentals are processed by the Cubberley administration team. You should begin at least 30 days before the intended booking date because last-minute rental requests are not ordinarily accepted.
- Choose the purpose of your event.Identify whether you need a classroom, lecture room, dance studio, gym, pavilion or theatre.
- Estimate occupancy.Count guests, speakers, staff, coaches or participants. Choose a room with a suitable capacity and arrangement.
- Open the city’s Cubberley rental page.Select the Availability link in the Booking Process section.
- Switch to Facility Rentals.In the official recreation booking system, choose the Facility Rentals tab.
- Select Cubberley Community Center.Filter the facility list to see its available rooms.
- Choose a date at least 30 days ahead.The calendar does not display immediate availability because requests less than 30 days ahead are not normally accepted.
- Review the room schedule.Note that pending applications can affect availability even if a calendar slot appears open.
- Submit the Facility Use Application.Provide your event description, date, duration, number of attendees and applicant details.
- Check for staff follow-up.The city states that Cubberley staff generally respond within two to three business days with an estimate and payment information.
- Review and complete approval requirements.Supply any required insurance and other documents, then follow the city’s payment instructions. Keep the approved permit.
Rental Rules: Insurance, Payments & Cancellation
Before booking, understand these practical rules. They can affect whether your event is approved and how much money you may lose if plans change.
| Booking Requirement | Published City Policy |
|---|---|
| Advance application | Normally at least 30 days before the rental |
| Staff follow-up | Usually within 2–3 business days |
| General one-time rental payment | Full amount upon application approval |
| Recurring rental payment | Generally due on the first day of each month |
| Insurance when required | At least $1 million general liability naming the City as additional insured |
| Insurance deadline | 30 days before the event |
| Cancellation method | Written request to Cubberley administration |
| Late cancellation | No rental fee refund for requests received less than 30 days before an event |
Insurance
Certain facility rentals require a general liability insurance certificate naming the City of Palo Alto as an additional insured with coverage of at least $1 million. The city specifies insurer qualifications and requires the certificate at least 30 days before the event. Confirm whether your particular booking needs coverage before purchase.
Cancellation
Cancellation requests must be sent in writing to cubberley@paloalto.gov. The city generally retains 50% of rental fees after the applicable ten-day cancellation window, and does not provide a refund for cancellation less than 30 days before the booking. Refer to your issued permit for the controlling conditions.
Gym-Specific Restrictions
Gym A, Gym B and the Pavilion are subject to a special gymnasium-use policy governing prime-time hours, eligibility, allocation and residency verification. These rules can affect available dates even where general room availability looks open.
Read the official gym use, insurance and cancellation conditions ↗
How to Find Classes, Activities & Community Programs
Some activities at Cubberley are operated by the City of Palo Alto through its Enjoy! recreation program. Others are run by independent long-term tenants. That distinction determines where to register and whom to contact.
City Recreation Classes
City programs can include arts, movement, fitness, education and recreation activities. Use the Enjoy! catalog for currently available city-run sessions and their registration requirements.
Independent Programs
Long-term Cubberley tenants may offer music instruction, dance, childcare, health programs and other community services. Each tenant sets its own enrollment process, schedule and prices.
Register for a City Class
- Open the city activity catalog.Use the Enjoy! registration page and locate the online catalog.
- Search for your class.Use course category, age, location or other available filters.
- Check location carefully.Only choose Cubberley if your course actually lists that facility.
- Read course requirements.Confirm participant ages, meeting dates, prices, prerequisites and available seats.
- Register using the city’s process.Follow the online registration instructions or submit the approved registration form.
- Keep the receipt.Confirm the building wing, room number and equipment requirements.
Official City Class Registration ↗ Enjoy! Catalog & Fee Assistance ↗
Artist Studios & Community Events
Cubberley is also home to the city’s Artist Studio Program, which supports established artists in studio spaces on the campus.
The city has announced a free Artist Open Studios event for Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1–5 PM, in the E, F and U wings at the north end of the center. Visitors can explore works across different art forms and meet participating artists.
For any scheduled public event, confirm its specific admission instructions and venue location. An artist-studio opening does not mean every classroom, gym or studio on campus is available to the public.
Cubberley Community Center Map & Parking
Address & Directions
Cubberley Community Center
4000 Middlefield Road, T-2
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Located in south Palo Alto near the Los Altos border, the campus is accessible from Middlefield Road. Use the full street address for navigation and the campus facility map to find the correct building.
Open Google Maps ↗Parking
Parking is listed among the facility amenities. Use marked parking areas and observe posted time limits, accessible stalls and event restrictions. The city does not publish a universally applicable parking price on its main facility profile.
For large performances or sporting events, allow more time to locate parking and your specific entrance.
Which Entrance Should You Use?
| Reason for Visit | What to Find |
|---|---|
| Administrative appointment | Office T-2 |
| Classroom rental | Approved letter and room number, such as D-6 or H-1 |
| Sports rental | Gym A, Gym B or Pavilion |
| Performance | Cubberley Theatre entrance |
| Artist open studios | E, F and U wings for the announced November 2026 event |
| Tenant-operated class | The address and specific room provided by the organization |
Visitor Checklist: Avoid These Common Mistakes
For Classes
- Confirm Cubberley as the actual class location.
- Check the room and campus wing.
- Bring any required course registration.
- Ask the provider about materials or equipment.
- Check the program’s separate operating hours.
For Gym or Court Rentals
- Apply at least 30 days in advance.
- Review gym prime-time allocation rules.
- Confirm court size and equipment.
- Ask about insurance and special use charges.
- Keep the signed permit and payment confirmation.
For Events & Theatre
- Confirm actual event start and door times.
- Check seating, technical and accessibility needs.
- Review rental and staffing charges.
- Keep event approval or ticket details.
- Follow venue and parking instructions.
For Office Appointments
- Contact the office in advance.
- Arrange a confirmed appointment time.
- Go to building T-2.
- Bring relevant paperwork or rental details.
- Do not assume walk-in counter service.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Cubberley Community Center located?
Cubberley Community Center is at 4000 Middlefield Road, T-2, Palo Alto, California 94303.
2. What are Cubberley Community Center’s hours?
The administrative office is open by appointment only. Classes, room rentals, theatre events and tenant activities follow separate schedules.
3. What is the Cubberley Community Center phone number?
For general facility and room rental enquiries, call 650-329-2418 or email cubberley@paloalto.gov.
4. Does Cubberley have basketball courts?
Yes. Gym A, Gym B and the larger Pavilion provide basketball or volleyball configurations. Use depends on programs, approved bookings and gym allocation rules.
5. Can I rent a meeting room at Cubberley?
Yes. Classrooms, lecture rooms, activity rooms and dance space can be booked through the City of Palo Alto’s facility rental process.
6. How far in advance must I request a rental?
The city generally requires at least 30 days’ advance notice and does not accept ordinary bookings for dates less than 30 days ahead.
7. Does Cubberley Community Center have a theatre?
Yes. Cubberley Theatre has 317 fixed seats, a stage and professional technical support for approved performances and productions.
8. Are nonprofit rental discounts available?
The city publishes nonprofit rental rates for eligible organizations. Qualifying documentation and current pricing must be confirmed before approval.
9. Is parking available at Cubberley?
Yes. Parking is listed among the facility amenities. Follow posted parking signs and verify event-specific instructions as needed.
10. How can I register for classes at Cubberley?
For city-run courses, use the City of Palo Alto Enjoy! program catalog and registration system. Independent tenant classes have separate enrollment processes.
Official Sources & Information Updates
Independent visitor guide, researched October 2026. Facility details come from the City of Palo Alto. FY2026 price examples are clearly dated and should not be treated as confirmed FY2027 quotations. Before paying, check the current fee schedule and written rental estimate.
- City of Palo Alto: Cubberley facility, rooms, map and rental procedures
- Cubberley Theatre rental and technical information
- Enjoy! recreation classes and program information
- City recreation class registration steps
- FY2026 adopted municipal rental fee schedule (historical reference PDF)
- Official Cubberley Artist Studio events
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