Explore Westgate: Free Programs, Fitness, Youth Activities & Room Rentals
Westgate Community Center is a City of Albuquerque recreation and community facility at 10001 De Vargas SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121. Residents can use its fitness room, game room, community activities, youth programs and meeting spaces. Many classes and general recreation opportunities are free with a city community center membership.
The center offers activities for children, teenagers, adults and seniors, including youth programs, fitness sessions, educational classes, arts, social gatherings and weekday senior meals.
Information checked October 22, 2026. Event schedules, enrollment and holiday closures can change.
Make Sure You Have the Right Westgate Community Center
Two different U.S. recreation facilities use the same name. Their hours, programs, rental rules and managing agencies are different.
| Facility | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Westgate Community Center, Albuquerque | 10001 De Vargas SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121 | 505-768-4750 |
| Westgate Community Center, Columbus | 455 S Westgate Ave, Columbus, OH 43204 | 614-645-3264 |
This guide focuses on Albuquerque. If your destination is in Columbus, Ohio, use the official Columbus Westgate recreation center page instead.
Westgate Community Center Hours
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed under the regular schedule |
Before You Travel
- Check whether a special event occupies the room you want.
- Confirm fitness room availability before arriving.
- For an enrolled youth program, use its actual pickup and drop-off schedule.
- Call about holiday, weather or staffing-related closures.
For the current calendar and changes, use the official City of Albuquerque Westgate page.
Free Community Center Membership: Who Needs One?
Albuquerque requires a community center membership for access to eligible recreation facilities and activities. Membership is free and renewed yearly.
For eligible children participating in center programs and activities.
For teenage participants. Ages 12 and older may enter during designated open recreation hours outside organized programs.
For adults using the fitness room, classes, programs and other eligible facilities.
Fitness Room Age Restrictions
| Age | Rule |
|---|---|
| Under 14 | Not covered by the published fitness-room access policy; contact staff about permitted activities. |
| 14–15 | May use the fitness room with a parent or legal guardian. |
| 16–17 | May use the fitness room without a parent or guardian, subject to posted safety rules. |
| 18+ | May use eligible fitness areas with valid membership and compliance with facility rules. |
How to Get Your Free Pass
- Choose the appropriate membership. Select youth, teen or adult by age.
- Prepare identification. The City may request ID to verify name and age.
- Create or access your City recreation account. Use the official PLAY.CABQ.GOV system.
- Complete membership registration. Follow the free membership process.
- Check in at the front desk. Ask staff how to scan or present your pass when entering.
- Renew annually. A free pass still needs renewal to remain current.
Westgate Community Center Programs & Classes
The City lists creative, fitness, educational and social activities at Westgate. Many general classes have a published price of $0, but capacity, age eligibility and registration still matter.
Movement-based exercise listed on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 5:30–7:30 PM.
Tai Chi and bilingual yoga are advertised among the center’s free classes. Confirm the current session timetable.
English-language classes are listed on Tuesday and Thursday, 5–7:45 PM.
Published Wednesday sessions run 5:30–8 PM.
Loops & Knots crochet is listed Tuesday 6–7:45 PM; polymer clay also appears in the activity directory.
Game room access, bingo, movie days and senior-oriented social activities.
Selected Published Activity Schedule
| Activity | Days & Time | Listed Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Dance Fit | Mon, Wed, Thu · 5:30–7:30 PM | Free |
| ESL | Tue, Thu · 5–7:45 PM | Free |
| Creative Writing | Wednesday · 5:30–8 PM | Free |
| Loops & Knots Crochet | Tuesday · 6–7:45 PM | Free |
| Senior Bingo | Wednesday · 9:30 AM–1:15 PM | Free |
| Weekday Game Room AM | Mon–Fri · 9 AM–2 PM | Free |
| Weekday Game Room PM | Mon–Fri · 6–8 PM | Free |
| Saturday Game Room | Saturday · 9 AM–3 PM | Free |
How to Register for a Class
- Choose an activity appropriate for your interests and age.
- Check the specific class dates and the latest session.
- Make sure your free community center membership is active.
- Open the City’s activity search and choose Westgate Community Center as the location.
- Review the displayed availability, registration information and requirements.
- Complete any necessary registration and save your confirmation.
Before- and After-School Youth Programs
Westgate serves families from nearby school communities, including Truman Middle School, Mary Ann Binford, Edward Gonzalez and Helen Cordero. Published school-year programming includes both before-school and after-school options.
| Program | Schedule | Activity Number |
|---|---|---|
| Before School – Edward Gonzalez | Mon–Fri · 7:30–9 AM | 32218101-01 |
| After School – Edward Gonzalez / Helen Cordero | Mon–Fri · 4–6 PM | 32218101-02 |
| After School – Truman Middle School | Mon–Fri · 2:45–6 PM | 32218101-03 |
| After School – Mary Ann Binford | Mon–Fri · 4–6 PM | 32218101-04 |
| After School – Self Transportation | Mon–Fri · 2:30–6 PM | 32218101-05 |
The City activity system lists a $10 registration charge for these published school-year program sections and an age range of 5–14.99 years. Some program sections may have a waitlist rather than immediate openings.
How Parents Can Register
- Choose the school-specific program or self-transportation option.
- Check whether the exact program has openings or a waitlist.
- Review age eligibility and school-day schedule.
- Have parent/guardian and emergency-contact information available.
- Confirm transportation, sign-out rules and authorized pickup arrangements.
- Complete registration through the City’s official recreation system.
The center also runs summer youth programming, but summer dates and lottery procedures are separate from the school-year schedule. Families should check the applicable season before applying.
Senior Meals, Bingo & Social Activities
Westgate offers weekday senior meals and activities such as bingo and movie days. These services make the center useful for older adults seeking community connections alongside recreation.
The City identifies senior meals as a Monday–Friday service. Meal service times, age rules, reservations and dietary accommodations should be confirmed at the desk.
Senior bingo is listed Wednesday mornings into early afternoon. Other gatherings and activities vary by calendar.
If you are arranging a first visit for an older relative, call 505-768-4750 to ask about meal enrollment, transportation options, mobility access and whether a membership is required for the specific activity.
Fitness Room, Game Room & Amenities
Westgate has a modern fitness room, a game room and spaces for activities and private uses.
Access is available during eligible recreation periods for members who meet the age and supervision rules. The City activity listing shows weekday fitness access, although daily opening can differ from the general schedule.
Weekday morning, weekday evening and Saturday sessions appear in the current City activity directory. Some sessions may have capacity or program restrictions.
For fitness workouts, wear appropriate exercise clothing and shoes and follow equipment instructions. For accommodations or accessible equipment, ask center staff about available support before visiting.
Westgate Community Center Rental Rates
Albuquerque allows approved community center spaces to be used for meetings, community activities, classes and private functions such as birthday parties and baby showers. The City determines fees according to the event category, not just the room name.
| Rental Category | Typical Event | Published Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Eligible free, public-interest community meetings and programs | Free |
| Category 2 | Qualifying closed meetings by public-interest or governmental organizations | $7.50 per room per hour |
| Category 3 | Eligible public classes or activities charging participants | $10 per room per hour or $15 per gym per hour; $25 semester cleaning fee for recurring activities |
| Category 4 | Private birthdays, showers, receptions and other exclusive events | $40/hour under 50 guests; $50/hour for 50–99; $60/hour for 100+ |
After-Hours Rental Pricing
The City offers after-hours rental requests for qualifying one-time, large-scale events at approved community center facilities. This does not guarantee Westgate can accommodate a requested after-hours event.
| Space | Hourly | Half-Day / Full-Day |
|---|---|---|
| Small meeting room, under 50 | $100 | $350 / $700 |
| Medium/large meeting room, 50+ | $150 | $450 / $900 |
| Gymnasium, 50+ | From $150 | From $500 / $1,000 |
For after-hours rates, a half-day is four hours, a full day is eight hours, and hourly reservations have a three-hour minimum. Gym pricing can depend on attendance.
Rental Conditions That Matter
- A submitted request is not a confirmed reservation.
- City programs and activities have scheduling priority.
- Renters must hold the required free community center membership.
- Some programs involving children or vulnerable groups require additional documentation or insurance.
- Tables, chairs, Wi-Fi, accessible parking and restrooms may be included, depending on the space.
- Alcohol, smoking, drugs, open flames and prohibited decorations are not allowed.
- Do not use glitter, confetti, rice, birdseed, damaging adhesives or nails.
- Food permissions depend on the particular room and facility rules.
How to Rent a Room at Westgate
- Determine your event category. Identify whether it is public-interest, private, commercial or a fee-based class.
- Select a date and guest count. Include setup, decorating and cleanup hours.
- Check Westgate space availability. Contact the center to confirm which room types, capacities and times are possible.
- Submit the City’s request form. Use the official Facility Usage & Rentals page.
- Wait for approval. The rental coordinator and center management review the request.
- Complete the contract. If approved, the City creates an invoice/contract in the recreation account.
- Pay and submit required documents. Complete waivers, insurance or additional paperwork when required.
- Save final confirmation. Do not send invitations based only on the initial request.
Westgate Community Center Map & Directions
Westgate Community Center
10001 De Vargas SW
Albuquerque, NM 87121
The center serves southwest Albuquerque and surrounding neighborhoods.
If you need accessible parking, a designated entrance or transit assistance, call the center before arriving.
Which Questions Should You Ask Before Visiting?
- Is my child’s school included?
- Are spaces still available?
- Is transportation provided?
- What are sign-in and pickup rules?
- Are meals or snacks included?
- Which rooms fit my guest count?
- What is the full rental category fee?
- Are setup and cleanup included?
- Do I need insurance or permits?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Are the machines available now?
- Does the age rule apply to my child?
- Do I need a guardian present?
- Are there any room closures?
- What time are meals served?
- Is advance registration required?
- Are there age or income conditions?
- Which activities run this week?
Related Community Center Guides
For additional information about community recreation centers, passes, facility scheduling and event planning, these live guides are useful comparisons.
Before You Go: Quick Checklist
- Confirm you need Westgate in Albuquerque, not Columbus.
- Use 10001 De Vargas SW for your map.
- Check regular hours and city holiday closures.
- Renew or register for your free community center membership.
- Check program dates and availability before attending.
- For children, confirm program eligibility and pickup rules.
- For senior meals, ask about serving times and requirements.
- For rentals, verify the event category, fees and space availability.
- Save official registration or reservation confirmations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Westgate Community Center in Albuquerque?
Westgate Community Center is located at 10001 De Vargas SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121. The center’s phone number is 505-768-4750.
What are Westgate Community Center hours?
The Albuquerque Westgate Community Center is normally open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 8 PM, Friday from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Sunday is not part of its regular schedule.
Is Westgate Community Center membership free?
Yes. Albuquerque community center memberships are free and must be renewed annually. Youth, teen and adult passes provide eligible access to community center facilities and programs.
What programs does Westgate Community Center offer?
Westgate offers youth before- and after-school programs, fitness activities, creative writing, ESL, crochet, arts and crafts, senior bingo, game room sessions and other classes and social events. Availability changes by session.
Does Westgate Community Center have a fitness room?
Yes. The center has a fitness room. Children ages 14–15 may use it with a parent or legal guardian, while ages 16–17 may use it without a guardian if they follow the posted rules.
Does Westgate offer after-school programs?
Yes. Published school-year programs serve students associated with Edward Gonzalez, Helen Cordero, Truman Middle School and Mary Ann Binford, along with a self-transportation option. Registration availability and pickup requirements vary.
Are classes at Westgate Community Center free?
Many listed activities, including ESL, Creative Writing, Dance Fit, crochet, game room sessions and senior bingo, have a published $0 fee. A free membership and advance registration may still be required.
Can I rent Westgate Community Center for a birthday party?
Yes. Albuquerque community centers offer eligible meeting rooms and other spaces for private events, subject to Westgate availability and City approval. Category 4 private-event rates start at $40 per room per hour for fewer than 50 guests.
How do I reserve a room at Westgate Community Center?
Check the event category and available space, submit the official City of Albuquerque Facility Usage Request, wait for approval, complete the contract, and submit required waivers and payment before the reservation is confirmed.
Is Westgate Community Center in Albuquerque the same as the Columbus Westgate center?
No. The Albuquerque center is at 10001 De Vargas SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121, phone 505-768-4750. The Columbus, Ohio center is at 455 S Westgate Ave, Columbus, OH 43204, phone 614-645-3264.