Visit Banneker: Family Activities, Gym & Room Reservations
Banneker Community Center is a historic neighborhood recreation and family resource facility operated by Bloomington Parks and Recreation at 930 W. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47404.
The three-floor center provides opportunities for preschool play, youth enrichment, recreational activities, community gatherings and facility rentals.
Reviewed October 29, 2026. Program schedules and rental pricing can change; confirm a time-sensitive visit with the center.
Banneker Community Center Hours
| Day | Published Schedule |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–7:00 PM |
| Saturday | Regular public hours not confirmed |
| Sunday | Regular public hours not confirmed |
The City has also used 9 AM–5 PM as the weekday operational-hours category for rental pricing. This is a rental classification, not necessarily the building’s complete public schedule.
Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver age 18 or older when visiting the facility.
Programs and Activities at Banneker
Banneker is particularly useful for families with young children, school-age youth and community groups. Programming varies by season and may be free, drop-in or registration-based.
Family-oriented play activities for younger children, typically with an accompanying adult.
Story Adventure Hour combines stories, movement, social interaction and early learning.
Preschool art activities can include drawing, painting and age-appropriate creative projects.
Indoor physical play sessions for preschool-age children, subject to the seasonal calendar.
After-school activities and enrichment for local children and teens when sessions are offered.
Seasonal gatherings, family activities, special events and neighborhood meetings.
Preschool Activities: What Parents Should Know
A City-listed 2026 preschool activity includes Story Adventure Hour, featuring stories, movement and play on the third floor. The published activity is free for children age 5 and younger with an accompanying adult and does not require advance registration.
Other Banneker preschool activities have included Toy Time, Little Explorers, music, crafts and Physical Fridays. These are examples of the center’s programming, not confirmation that every activity is operating on the same weekly schedule today.
After-School and Teen Activities
Banneker has historically supported after-school programming for children and teenagers, including recreation, games, social activities and structured enrichment. Availability, participant ages, enrollment and pickup arrangements should be confirmed for the current school term.
- Call 812-349-3735 and ask which after-school or teen programs are accepting participants.
- Confirm the eligible grades or ages and whether enrollment is open.
- Ask about school transportation, guardian pickup, supervision and emergency contacts.
- Check if an application, waiver or program fee applies.
- Complete the official registration before relying on a reserved place.
If you are comparing recreation programs at other public centers, see this guide to community recreation center classes, schedules and fees.
Inside Banneker: Rooms and Facilities
| Area | What It Is Used For |
|---|---|
| First-floor gymnasium | Recreation, sports, youth activities and approved private bookings. |
| Second-floor kitchen | Group meals, activities and approved event rentals using available kitchen equipment. |
| Third-floor Family Resource Center | Preschool play, family programming and private events. |
| Other program areas | Youth activities, recreation and community meetings depending on scheduling. |
The City’s rental documents describe tables, chairs and some audiovisual equipment. Available equipment depends on the booked space. The online reservation form specifically provides choices for folding chairs, tables, whiteboards and gym audiovisual equipment.
Useful Room Measurements From City Documents
- Kitchen: approximately 22 × 31 feet (682 square feet), with a historical published maximum of 30 people.
- Third floor: approximately 54 × 36.5 feet in an older City rental information sheet, with a historical published maximum of 106 people.
Banneker Community Center Rental Rates
The City’s newer online reservation form groups renters into three categories:
- Category A: Bloomington Parks Department and other City departments.
- Category B: nonprofit groups and Parks Department affiliates.
- Category C: private-use renters.
Current Online Reservation Form Rates
| Renter and Space | Weekdays, 9 AM–5 PM | After 5 PM / Weekends / Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Category A — any room | $0/hour | $45/hour for listed spaces |
| Category B — any room | $0/hour | $45/hour for listed spaces |
| Category C — third floor | $45/hour | $55/hour |
| Category C — kitchen | $45/hour | $55/hour |
| Category C — gymnasium | $45/hour | $55/hour |
These rates reflect the online form available during the October 2026 review. An older official PDF lists different amounts, so verify the approved category and rate before paying.
What a Private Rental Could Cost
| Example Booking | Base Rental | Minimum 50% Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Private use, 2 hours during weekday operational hours | $90 | $45 |
| Private use, 3 hours during weekday operational hours | $135 | $67.50 |
| Private use, 2 hours outside operational hours | $110 | $55 |
| Private use, 4 hours outside operational hours | $220 | $110 |
These examples exclude any additional cleaning, security or event-specific costs. The final rental amount is determined by Bloomington Parks and Recreation.
For additional help understanding how hourly rates, deposits and cleanup fees work, read the community center room rental and booking cost guide.
How to Reserve a Room at Banneker
- Choose the room. Decide between the gymnasium, kitchen and third-floor area.
- Estimate attendance. Contact the facility coordinator to confirm current maximum occupancy for your preferred space.
- Select your date. Prepare the event date, desired start time, finish time and an alternative date.
- Include setup and cleanup. The City recommends allowing approximately 30–60 minutes for setup and cleanup. This time must be included in the rental period.
- Check renter classification. Find out whether your booking qualifies as Category A, B or C.
- List the equipment you need. Request available tables, chairs, microphones, projector, whiteboard or other approved equipment.
- Submit the City reservation form. Provide contact details, event description, expected attendance and requested facilities.
- Pay the required deposit. Arrange the nonrefundable minimum 50% deposit and complete the remaining payment at least two weeks before the event.
- Keep your confirmation. Save the approved booking details and review the rules with everyone involved in organizing the event.
Important Rental Rules
- Rental time must include setup and cleanup.
- At least 50% of the rental fee is required as a nonrefundable deposit.
- The full balance is due at least two weeks before the event.
- Food may be brought to approved events.
- Alcohol and drugs are prohibited on the premises.
- Kitchen equipment, furniture and event areas must be cleaned and returned to their required condition.
- Additional cleaning charges may apply if the space is not left reasonably clean.
- City staff may require event security at the organizer’s expense.
- Special-use permits may be necessary for amplified music, sales or certain other activities.
If you plan an unusual event, ask the center about current policies, insurance and permits before submitting payment.
Getting to Banneker Community Center
| Address | 930 West 7th Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47404 |
|---|---|
| Nearby intersection | West 7th Street and North Elm Street |
| Public transit | Bloomington Transit Route 3 has historically served 5th and Elm Streets. Confirm the current route and timetable. |
| Parking | A verified current parking-space count was not available. Contact the center for event parking and accessible arrival instructions. |
| Access | Older official rental guidance identifies ramp and elevator access to rental areas. Confirm present access arrangements for your visit. |
For guests attending a private event, share the complete 930 W. 7th Street address rather than only the community center name. Confirm which entrance event attendees should use.
Banneker Community Center Map
Use the West 7th Street address in Bloomington, Indiana. Do not confuse this location with Banneker facilities in Baltimore County, Maryland, or Washington, D.C.
Use live navigation for current road conditions and arrival directions.
What Makes Banneker Different?
Banneker has served Bloomington for more than a century and has an important place in the neighborhood’s history. The building is a family-focused community resource rather than simply a sports facility.
In April 2026, Bloomington Parks and Recreation reported completed restoration and maintenance work on the historic facility, including repairs to the front steps and work addressing water-infiltration concerns.
Families who want to compare larger multi-purpose recreation buildings can explore the Southeast Community Center guide, which covers fitness, youth activities, rental spaces and visitor planning at a Nashville-area facility.
Before-You-Go Checklist
- For preschool play: check today’s activity time, child age limit and adult supervision requirement.
- For after-school activities: confirm registration, attendance rules, pickup details and any fees.
- For gym use: ask whether the gym is scheduled for recreation, an organized group or a private rental.
- For a birthday or baby shower: confirm the appropriate room, guest capacity, chairs, tables and setup time.
- For kitchen access: request a list of available appliances and permitted food preparation.
- For a weekend visit: confirm access by phone because weekend rentals do not establish regular public hours.
- For accessibility: ask about the current elevator, ramp and accessible arrival arrangements.
Another example of a public facility with activities and event spaces is covered in the Como Community Center hours and room-rental guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Banneker Community Center?
Banneker Community Center is at 930 W. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47404. It is operated by Bloomington Parks and Recreation.
2. What is the Banneker Community Center phone number?
Call 812-349-3735 for general information, programs, rentals and facility access.
3. What are Banneker Community Center hours?
Published regular hours are Monday–Friday, 9 AM–7 PM. Current Saturday and Sunday public hours were not confirmed. Call the center before visiting.
4. Does Banneker Community Center offer free activities?
Yes. The center has offered free preschool activities, including Story Adventure Hour and other family play programs. Check the current schedule because activities change by season.
5. Does Banneker Community Center have a gym?
Yes. A first-floor gymnasium is used for recreation, organized programs and approved rentals.
6. Can I rent Banneker Community Center for a party?
Yes. The City lists the gymnasium, second-floor kitchen and third-floor area as rental options, subject to space availability and approved event rules.
7. How much does a private Banneker rental cost?
The current online reservation form lists private-use rates of $45 per hour during weekday operational hours and $55 per hour during non-operational hours for the listed spaces. Other charges may apply.
8. Is a rental deposit required?
Yes. At least 50% of the rental fee is required as a nonrefundable deposit, and the remaining balance must be paid at least two weeks before the event.
9. Are children allowed at Banneker Community Center?
Yes. The center offers family and youth activities. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver age 18 or older when visiting the facility.
10. Is Banneker Community Center accessible by public transit?
Yes. Bloomington Transit Route 3 has historically served the nearby Fifth and Elm Streets area. Check the current transit timetable before traveling.
Official Contact & Final Verification
Banneker Community Center
930 West 7th Street
Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone: 812-349-3735
- City of Bloomington — Banneker Community Center
- Official Rental Application and Current Rate Information
- Bloomington Parks and Recreation — Programs and Registration
- City Rental Space Descriptions and Room Dimensions
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Rates above follow the newer online rental form. Published documents from earlier years may show different fees or room capacities.