Burlingame Community Center: Hours, Programs, Rentals & Map

Burlingame, California · Local Visitor Guide

Plan Your Visit, Find Classes or Book an Event Space

Burlingame Community Center is a City of Burlingame Parks and Recreation facility at 850 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010, alongside Washington Park. It hosts recreation classes, senior activities, arts and fitness programs, community meetings, and private event rentals.

Monday–Thursday8 AM–9 PM
Friday–Sunday8 AM–5 PM
Recreation Phone650-558-7300
RentalsRooms & Hall

Visitor information reviewed October 2026. Class schedules, holiday access and rental availability can change.

Opening Hours, Address & Contact

DayCommunity Center Hours
Monday8:00 AM–9:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM–9:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM–9:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM–9:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Recreation Division

850 Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010

Phone: 650-558-7300

Email: recreation@burlingame.org

Parks Division

Phone: 650-558-7330

Email: parksadmin@burlingame.org

Published Parks Division office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM.

Building hours are not class hours. A scheduled course, meeting or rental may start and finish at different times. Rental events can also have approved access outside normal public hours.

If you need to visit for a particular class, senior group or event, confirm that activity before traveling. The City publishes its regular building hours through the official Parks and Recreation directory.

What Can You Do at Burlingame Community Center?

This is primarily a community recreation, learning and event facility. It is not advertised as a conventional public indoor-pool and weight-room membership center.

Arts & Creative Learning

Fine arts, crafts, music and other instructor-led enrichment activities.

Fitness & Movement

Yoga, dance, group exercise and other seasonal fitness classes.

Children & Families

Age-specific recreation, camps, enrichment, play and educational programs.

Teen Activities

Teen-oriented programs, social activities and designated group spaces.

Older Adults

Social clubs, games, movement classes, educational sessions and activities for adults 55+.

Private Events

Meeting rooms, studios, community hall and other reservable areas for approved events.

The community center is next to Washington Park, giving families the option to combine an indoor program with nearby outdoor recreation.

Programs & Classes: What Is Available?

Burlingame Parks and Recreation offers activities for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Its published program catalog includes art, music, fitness, recreation and learning opportunities. Course dates, instructors, age limits, prices and availability vary by session.

Children & Youth

  • Preschool and early-childhood programs
  • Seasonal camps and school-break activities
  • Art, music and creative classes
  • Sports and movement instruction
  • Educational and enrichment workshops

Adults & Older Residents

  • Group fitness and dance
  • Creative arts and music
  • Social and educational activities
  • Games and special-interest groups
  • Senior recreation and wellness programs

Selected 55+ Drop-In Activities

The City’s published senior drop-in program includes activities that generally do not require advance registration.

ActivityPublished Example
Chinese DanceMonday, 9–11 AM
MahjongMonday and Wednesday, 1–4 PM
Ping PongTuesday and Thursday, 10 AM–1 PM
Coffee ConversationsTuesday, 10–11 AM
BridgeFriday, 9:30–11:30 AM
Chair YogaSaturday, 10 AM–12 PM
Walking ClubSecond Tuesday, 10 AM–12 PM
Memory CaféFirst Wednesday, 2–4 PM
Drop-in versus registration: Some senior social activities are drop-in, while instructor-led courses, camps and other programs require registration and may carry separate fees. The listed activity examples can be changed or canceled by the Recreation Division.

For the currently published activity list, use the City’s senior drop-in schedule.

How to Register for a Class

  1. Choose the program type. Decide whether you need youth recreation, a camp, art, fitness, music or older-adult activities.
  2. Open the official program catalog. Find the relevant class and review its actual facility location.
  3. Check age and dates. Note the session dates, schedule, price, eligibility, instructor and required materials.
  4. Sign in or create an account. Enter participant information in the City’s registration system.
  5. Complete enrollment. Pay the required program fee and save the confirmation. Review refund and household-credit rules before payment.
Class cancellation tip: The City’s general FAQ describes a $12 nonrefundable registration component and restrictions on refunds or household credits. Confirm the current terms for your specific course before paying.

Burlingame Community Center Rental Rates

The City allows reservations for private functions, nonprofit activities, meetings and approved community events. Pricing depends on the room, day, residency and applicant classification.

Group A

City of Burlingame and Burlingame School District uses. Published schedule lists no room charge for qualifying Group A uses.

Group B

Qualifying nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Group C

Private parties, commercial organizations, businesses and other profit-making uses.

Sequoia Community Hall — Whole Room

Applicant / DayBurlingame ResidentNonresident
Group B · Mon–Thu$200/hr$238/hr
Group B · Fri–Sun$278/hr$335/hr
Group C · Mon–Thu$332/hr$397/hr
Group C · Fri–Sun$464/hr$557/hr
Security deposit$1,000 per event

Sequoia Room A or B

ApplicantResidentNonresident
Group B$189/hr$227/hr
Group C$315/hr$377/hr
Deposit$500 per event

Large & Medium Rooms

Space / GroupResidentNonresident
Large room · Group B$114/hr$137/hr
Large room · Group C$189/hr$227/hr
Medium room · Group B$101/hr$121/hr
Medium room · Group C$168/hr$202/hr
Large/medium deposit$500 per event

Which Rooms Fall Into Each Category?

Large Rental Spaces
  • Elm Meeting Room — whole
  • Maker’s Space
  • Maple Meeting Room
  • Grand Oak Lounge
  • Kids Town
  • STEAM Lab
  • Fine Arts Studio
Medium Rental Spaces
  • Magnolia Meeting Room
  • Dance/Fitness Studio
  • Kitchen
  • Musical Arts Room
  • Teen Scene
  • Elm Meeting Room A
  • Elm Meeting Room B
Rate source: Published City of Burlingame Community Center Rental Rates, updated July 16, 2025. These are the published base rates, not guaranteed all-inclusive quotes for an October 2026 or later reservation. Ask staff to confirm the price, availability and applicable fees before committing.

Additional Event Charges

ChargePublished Fee / Rule
Custodial service for receptions/parties$168 per event
Second building attendant$44/hour for events over 150 guests
Dance floor$111 per event
Listed security fee$167; actual security costs depend on event requirements
Unscheduled/overrun timeDouble the regular hourly rate

For events serving alcohol and lasting three or more hours, the published rate document provides the following security planning guide:

GuestsGuards Listed
0–741
75–1502
151–2253
226–3004
301–3755

Security is assessed under the applicable event policy. Staffing and fees may change. Do not assume the table represents permission to exceed a room’s approved occupancy or guarantees an alcohol permit.

Example Rental Budget: Understand the Real Cost

Suppose a Burlingame resident is planning a four-hour private event using a large meeting room under Group C pricing.

Basic Room Calculation $756

4 hours × $189 resident hourly rate.

Large room, published Group C rate.

Security Deposit $500

Separately required event deposit.

Refund eligibility depends on contract terms and property condition.

Initial planning figure: $1,256 for four billed room hours and the listed deposit, before any custodian, staffing, insurance, equipment, catering or other costs. This is an illustration using the published rate schedule, not a current quote or confirmed booking.

Count your decorating, equipment setup, guest arrival, teardown and cleaning periods within the rented hours. The City does not provide free setup or cleanup time.

How to Rent Burlingame Community Center: Step by Step

  1. Select your room. Match the expected guest count, table configuration, food plans and required equipment with the Sequoia Hall, a meeting room, studio or another available space.
  2. Identify your classification. Determine whether the event is a nonprofit function or private/commercial use. Have proof of Burlingame residency available if requesting resident pricing.
  3. Choose your full reservation window. Include decorating, vendor setup, the event itself, cleanup and final exit.
  4. Check the advance-booking window. Burlingame residents may request dates up to one year ahead; nonresidents up to 10 months ahead, subject to the City’s booking rules.
  5. Create a WebTrac account. Enter the household or applicant information needed for the official facility request.
  6. Submit the rental request. Choose the date and room and provide your event details. A request is not an approved reservation.
  7. Wait for staff review. Recreation staff check scheduling conflicts, restrictions, event requirements and the proposed use of the facility.
  8. Pay the required deposit. Once approved, follow the City’s confirmation instructions. The current rental page says the deposit must be paid by the end of the following day to hold the date.
  9. Sign your rental contract. Complete the DocuSign agreement and arrange any required insurance, permits, staffing and remaining payments.
  10. Prepare for your event. Confirm the entrance, permitted occupancy, room setup, parking, caterer arrival and checkout time.
Insurance requirement: The published rental policy generally requires liability coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, naming the City and specified parties as additional insured unless management grants a waiver. The certificate is due at least two weeks before the event.

Rental Rules, Payments & Cancellations

Reservation Rules

  • Applicant must be at least 21 years old.
  • Renter must be present during the event.
  • Acceptable photo ID and address verification are required.
  • Rental access is generally available from 8 AM to midnight, with the building vacated by 1 AM.
  • Children must be supervised by their responsible adults.
  • Events over 150 guests may require another building attendant.

Payment Deadlines

  • Security deposit is due when the reservation is made.
  • 50% of the rental fee is due 60 days before the event.
  • Remaining rental fees are due 30 days before the event.
  • If booked within 30 days, applicable fees are due according to the contract.
  • Late departures may incur twice the usual hourly rate.
  • Security deposit refunds may take up to 30 days to process.

Cancellation Policy: What You May Lose

Cancellation TimingPublished Deposit Refund Rule
6+ months before eventDeposit refund minus $20 processing fee
3–6 months beforeDeposit refund minus 10% of total rental fee and $20 processing fee
1–3 months beforeDeposit refund minus 25% of total rental fee and $20 processing fee
Less than 1 monthDeposit refund minus 50% of total rental fee and $20 processing fee, subject to the stricter cutoff below
Less than 2 weeksNo refund, including deposit, under the April 2025 policy PDF
Important difference between City documents: The City rental webpage describes no refunds on the event day, while the newer April 8, 2025 policy PDF states no refunds for cancellations less than two weeks before the event. Ask the rental coordinator which signed policy governs your booking before paying.

Changes should be requested at least 30 days before the event. Written cancellation requests may be sent to bprdrentals@burlingame.org.

Alcohol, Catering & Decorations

  • Alcohol service or sale requires compliance with City conditions and any applicable ABC permits.
  • Written permission is required for alcohol-related events under the rental policy.
  • Security may be required depending on alcohol, guest count, duration and event type.
  • Smoking is prohibited in the community center, Washington Park and the community center parking lot.
  • Music and event activities must finish in accordance with the signed rental agreement.
  • Discuss catering, outside vendors, decorations, furniture and cleaning expectations with rental staff before arranging vendors.

Location, Driving Directions, Parking & Accessibility

Burlingame Community Center

850 Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010
San Mateo County, California

Getting There

Driving & Parking

Use 850 Burlingame Avenue in your navigation app. Washington Park is immediately beside the center.

The City rental policies refer to a community center parking lot. Specific space availability, event parking allocation and restrictions should be checked before large gatherings.

Public Transit

Burlingame is served by Caltrain and local bus services. Check the current Caltrain and SamTrans trip planners to choose the best stop and walking connection for your journey.

Do not assume that transit timetables match an evening class or a late private event.

Accessibility

The City identifies the community center as an ADA-accessible public venue. For wheelchair access, accessible parking, room layout, assistive arrangements or event-specific accommodations, contact the Recreation Division at 650-558-7300 before your visit.

Local planning tip: If you are attending an event at the community center, confirm whether entrance instructions and parking arrangements differ from those used for normal daytime recreation activities.

Washington Park: Outdoor Recreation Next Door

Washington Park is at the same 850 Burlingame Avenue location. Its facilities make it convenient to combine a community center appointment with outdoor play or recreation.

Children’s Playground

Outdoor play areas for families visiting the park.

Sports Facilities

Baseball and softball facilities, basketball, soccer and tennis-related recreation.

Picnic & Open Space

Picnic areas, mature shade trees and areas for a casual outdoor visit.

Separate reservations: Reserving an indoor community center room does not automatically reserve park picnic sites, sports facilities or outdoor event space. These can have their own permit rules and schedules.

For current park features and outdoor reservation procedures, visit the official Washington Park facility page.

Other California Community Centers Worth Comparing

If Burlingame’s room sizes, dates or programs do not meet your needs, these published California guides can help you compare different municipal facilities. They are not Burlingame-operated alternatives, so check location and travel distance before choosing one.

Peninsula & Bay Area Cultural Activities

For music lessons and performances, see the San Francisco Community Music Center visitor guide, covering music education, events and visitor planning.

South Bay Community Event Spaces

Explore the Almaden Winery Community Center in San José for information about community meeting spaces and facility-access arrangements.

Recreation & Multiuse Facilities

Compare the Quail Hill Community Center rental and class options in Irvine, including multipurpose rooms, activity programs and park access.

Community Events & Indoor Sports

The Whittier Community Center recreation guide explains gym use, programs, room rentals and event facilities in Southern California.

Before You Leave: Quick Visitor Checklist

For Classes & Regular Visits
  • Check the center’s opening hours.
  • Verify the exact class date and location.
  • Check whether registration is required.
  • Confirm age and residency requirements.
  • Bring any stated class materials.
  • Check parking or transit arrangements.
For Event Rentals
  • Select the correct room and group classification.
  • Confirm date availability and hourly price.
  • Include setup and cleanup time.
  • Prepare photo ID and residency evidence.
  • Budget for deposits, insurance and staffing.
  • Review cancellation deadlines.
  • Keep approved documents and payment receipts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Burlingame Community Center located?

Burlingame Community Center is located at 850 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010, next to Washington Park in San Mateo County.

2. What are Burlingame Community Center opening hours?

The regular hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 9 PM and Friday through Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Holiday hours, classes and private rentals may follow different schedules.

3. What is the phone number for Burlingame Community Center?

The Recreation Division phone number is 650-558-7300. You can also email recreation@burlingame.org for general program and facility questions.

4. Does Burlingame Community Center offer classes for children?

Yes. Burlingame Parks and Recreation offers children’s classes, seasonal camps, art, music, sports and educational activities. Enrollment requirements and class locations vary by program.

5. Are there senior programs at Burlingame Community Center?

Yes. The center offers activities for adults 55 and older, including games, social programs, dance, fitness and scheduled drop-in groups. Some are free or require no advance registration.

6. Can I rent Burlingame Community Center for a birthday party or event?

Yes. The center has rentable rooms and community hall space for eligible private parties, community meetings, nonprofit activities and other approved events. A submitted request is subject to City approval.

7. How much does it cost to rent a room at Burlingame Community Center?

The City’s published July 2025 rates list Group C large rooms at $189 per hour for Burlingame residents and $227 for nonresidents, with a $500 event deposit. Other rooms, applicant classifications and event days have different rates.

8. How far in advance can I reserve Burlingame Community Center?

Under the City’s published rental policy, Burlingame residents can request rentals up to one year in advance, while nonresidents can request them up to ten months in advance. Availability and booking restrictions still apply.

9. Is event insurance required for Burlingame Community Center rentals?

Generally yes. The City’s rental policy requires special-event liability insurance unless management grants a waiver. The published coverage requirements are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, with a certificate due at least two weeks before the event.

10. Is parking available near Burlingame Community Center?

Yes. The center has a parking lot, and Washington Park is nearby. Parking conditions and availability for large events can vary. Use the 850 Burlingame Avenue address for directions and confirm event-specific arrangements with staff.

Official Contact & Booking Resources

City of Burlingame Parks and Recreation
850 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone: 650-558-7300
Email: recreation@burlingame.org

To complete a reservation, use the official Community Center rental request process. For class enrollment, use the City’s Recreation Programs page.

Independent visitor information. Not affiliated with or operated by the City of Burlingame. Fees, class schedules, rental conditions and facility access may change. Always use official channels for registration, reservations and payment.