Plan Your Arlington Community Center Visit
Arlington Community Center is a renovated municipal building at 27 Maple Street / 20 Academy Street, Arlington, MA 02476. It houses Arlington’s Council on Aging, community programs, town offices and Arlington Center for the Arts.
The center offers activities for older adults, fitness and wellness classes, art programs, social activities and rentable meeting spaces. The main Council on Aging phone number is 781-316-3400.
Information reviewed October 29, 2026. The building contains several organizations with different operating hours.
Arlington Community Center Hours & Phone Numbers
The Council on Aging’s published office schedule is the clearest starting point for senior programs and services. It is not a guaranteed opening schedule for every room, art class or evening event.
| Day | Council on Aging Office Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM–7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM |
| Saturday–Sunday | COA office closed; scheduled events or rentals may still occur. |
| Department | Contact |
|---|---|
| Council on Aging | 781-316-3400 |
| Community Center rentals | 781-858-8629 |
| Arlington Center for the Arts | 781-648-6620 |
| Arlington Community Education | 781-316-3568 |
Community Programs, Classes & Senior Activities
The Council on Aging primarily serves older adults age 60 and above. Other organizations inside the building provide classes and cultural activities for additional age groups.
Fitness & Wellness
Exercise, yoga, Tai Chi, dance and muscle-strengthening classes are offered through the Council on Aging.
Registration: Required for fitness classes. Due to demand, COA fitness classes are limited to Arlington residents.
Arts, Crafts & Creative Programs
Art activities, painting, workshops, theatrical programs, creative projects and selected cooking classes are offered through COA and other center partners.
Some classes have materials fees or require advance registration.
Games & Social Activities
Activities include games, bingo, mahjong, discussion groups, movies, lectures, coffee gatherings and cultural programs.
Some events are drop-in activities, while others require a reserved place.
Technology & Educational Support
Programs may include computer assistance, smartphone help, learning workshops and intergenerational activities.
Check the monthly newsletter for current session dates.
Older Adult Services
The Council on Aging provides information and referrals related to aging, community resources, benefits, support services and maintaining independence.
Appointments may be needed for individual assistance.
Community Arts Education
Arlington Center for the Arts and Arlington Community Education offer separately managed programs, including visual arts, wellness and adult enrichment.
Each organization has its own registration and payment process.
Senior Programs: Do You Need Membership or Registration?
Arlington’s Council on Aging reports no general membership fee for older adults. However, individual classes, trips and meals may require payment or advance registration.
Free Scan Card for Council on Aging Activities
COA asks participating older adults to obtain a free scan card and scan it when attending classes, presentations, luncheons or other activities.
- Visit COA reception: Go to the Community Center at 27 Maple Street during the published COA office hours.
- Ask for a scan card: Staff can help you obtain the free participant card.
- Choose an activity: Review the current monthly program newsletter.
- Register when required: Stop at reception or call 781-316-3400 to reserve your place.
- Scan on arrival: Present your card when attending a class, luncheon, appointment or drop-in session.
Rooms & Facilities Inside the Building
The former Central School building was renovated and reopened as the Arlington Community Center in 2022. It contains facilities for senior programs, community activities and rentable events.
| Space | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Main Hall | Community meetings, presentations, social gatherings and approved private functions. |
| Arts & Crafts Room | Art workshops, small classes and creative activities. |
| Yoga / Exercise Room | Wellness sessions and smaller indoor gatherings. |
| Games & Billiards Rooms | Senior social and recreational activities. |
| Café & Drop-In Room | Informal socializing during scheduled senior-center access. |
| Library & Activity Areas | Reading, educational activities and group programs. |
| Kitchen | Support for approved functions and food-related programming; use is subject to rental rules. |
| Upper-Level Arts Spaces | Arlington Center for the Arts classes, exhibitions and related activities. |
The renovated center supports several users in one building. A space listed as an amenity is not automatically open for individual drop-in use or private rental.
Rent a Room at Arlington Community Center
The Town of Arlington permits approved private functions and official town uses of designated Community Center meeting rooms.
Rental contact: Patsy Kraemer, 781-858-8629, pkraemer@town.arlington.ma.us.
Published Rental Room Capacities
| Room | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Main Hall A & B | First Floor | 96 people seated at tables; 144 auditorium-style. |
| Arts & Crafts Room | First Floor | 20 people at rectangular tables. |
| Yoga Room | Ground Floor | 25 at tables; 35 auditorium-style. |
Important Rental Conditions
- Written approval: A date is not officially scheduled until the written application, required fees and confirmation letter are completed.
- Evenings and weekends: Events may be held during approved evening and weekend periods.
- Weekday start limits: Monday–Wednesday events may begin after 4:30 PM; Thursday after 7:30 PM; Friday after 12:30 PM, including setup.
- Setup and cleanup: Both must be included in the reserved rental time.
- Wedding minimum: Eight hours.
- Noise: Undue noise is prohibited after 11 PM; the site ordinarily closes at midnight unless special arrangements are made.
- Final coordination: Contact the function manager at least two weeks before the event.
Refund & Cancellation Rules
| Written Cancellation Notice | Published Rental Refund |
|---|---|
| Six months before event | Full rental refund. |
| At least 60 days before event, but fewer than six months | Half rental refund. |
| Within 60 days of event | No rental refund. |
The $300 damage-security deposit is handled separately under the rental agreement. Ask the coordinator about current administrative deductions and any updated policy before paying.
How to Reserve a Community Center Room
- Choose your event: Decide whether the gathering is a private celebration, meeting, workshop or community function.
- Estimate attendance: Compare expected guests against the Main Hall, Arts Room or Yoga Room’s approved seating capacities.
- Select your date: Check permitted rental hours and include setup and cleanup in the requested duration.
- Contact the coordinator: Call 781-858-8629 or email pkraemer@town.arlington.ma.us to request availability and a current rental quote.
- Check permits: Ask whether alcohol, catering, public food service or other event activities require Town approval.
- Submit the application: Complete the Town’s rental paperwork and provide the required reservation payment and security check.
- Obtain written confirmation: Do not assume that a telephone discussion holds the room.
- Finalize arrangements: Confirm the layout, delivery times, catering and cleanup with the function manager at least two weeks before the event.
If you need a larger venue or want to compare deposits, equipment charges and room types, our community center room rental and booking guide explains the main cost factors to check before signing.
Arlington Center for the Arts: Classes & Entrance
Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) operates on the third and fourth floors of the Community Center. It offers arts programming and classes through its own organization.
Address: 20 Academy Street / 27 Maple Street, Arlington, MA 02476.
Phone: 781-648-6620.
The Maple Street accessible entrance leads to the elevator serving the third floor. Additional accessible routing to fourth-floor classrooms is managed through the ACA area.
Adult Education Classes at Arlington Community Center
Arlington Community Education (ACE) also schedules some adult enrichment classes at the Community Center.
Examples from published class listings include chair yoga, low-impact dance fitness, watercolor pencils, drawing and other creative or wellness activities. These are seasonal offerings, not guaranteed year-round classes.
Register for an ACE Class
- Open the Arlington Community Education registration catalog.
- Search for the class or filter by Community Center location.
- Check the participant age, dates, times, fees and materials requirements.
- Complete registration through the official ACE system.
- Save the confirmation and check the classroom entrance instructions before arriving.
ACE contact: 781-316-3568 or communityed@arlington.k12.ma.us.
Arlington Community Center Map, Directions & Parking
Primary visitor address: 27 Maple Street, Arlington, MA 02476. The building is also identified as 20 Academy Street, particularly for Arlington Center for the Arts.
Parking Options
- Community Center rear lot: Parking is available behind the building, including accessible spaces; demand may be high when multiple organizations have activities.
- Academy Street and Maple Street: Street parking is available subject to posted restrictions, including free four-hour spaces in designated areas.
- Massachusetts Avenue: Metered parking is available along the corridor.
- Russell Commons Municipal Lot: Located at 29 Mystic Street, offering another option within walking distance.
Parking Sticker for Eligible Older Residents
Arlington’s Council on Aging has a parking-permit program for eligible Arlington residents age 65 and over. The published program provides specified metered and municipal-lot parking benefits and extended allowances on Maple or Academy Street while attending COA activities.
Applicants can follow the official online process or apply during designated Thursday afternoon sessions at the Community Center. Bring the required photo identification and vehicle registration showing the Arlington address.
COA Parking Sticker Rules & Application Details
Public Transportation
The center is close to Massachusetts Avenue bus connections, including MBTA Route 77. Check the current MBTA timetable before traveling, particularly on weekends or holidays.
Accessibility & Visitor Checklist
The building has accessible entrances and elevators, but your exact route depends on the department or class you are attending.
- Confirm whether your appointment is at the ground, first, second, third or fourth-floor area.
- For Arlington Center for the Arts, use the 27 Maple Street entrance.
- Allow additional time if you need an accessible parking space.
- Ask the event organizer about elevator access and accessible seating.
- Check whether the class or senior program requires registration.
- For private rentals, confirm capacity, setup time and permits before payment.
- For evening activities, ask which entrance will be staffed and when doors are locked.
- Call before visiting on a holiday, during severe weather or for an event with limited capacity.
Explore Other Community Center Guides
If you are comparing a center with a broader range of indoor recreation and fitness facilities, the Bob Crane Community Center visitor and membership guide covers another city-operated facility, in Upper Arlington, Ohio.
For a public recreation center with organized activities and rentable spaces, see our Yes We Can Community Center programs and rental guide. That center is in New York and operates independently of Arlington, Massachusetts.
Our Mason Community Center membership and programs guide is also helpful for comparing class registration, senior programming and facility-access models.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Arlington Community Center located?
Arlington Community Center is at 27 Maple Street / 20 Academy Street, Arlington, MA 02476. The building includes the Council on Aging, Arlington Center for the Arts and other municipal and community services.
2. What are Arlington Community Center hours?
The Council on Aging office lists Monday–Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM, Thursday 8 AM–7 PM and Friday 8 AM–noon. Saturday and Sunday office hours are closed. Scheduled events, classes and rentals may have separate hours.
3. What is the Community Center phone number?
Call Arlington Council on Aging at 781-316-3400 for senior programs and general COA questions. Room rental inquiries should go to 781-858-8629.
4. Is Arlington Community Center free?
There is no general Council on Aging membership fee for older adults. Individual classes, events and rentals can have charges, and certain programs are reserved for Arlington residents.
5. What programs are available for seniors?
Programs include fitness, yoga, Tai Chi, arts and crafts, games, lectures, computer assistance, social gatherings and other educational or wellness activities. Current dates and eligibility are published by the Council on Aging.
6. How do I register for Council on Aging programs?
Visit COA reception at 27 Maple Street to obtain a free participant scan card. Most activities require registration, which can be completed through reception or by calling 781-316-3400.
7. Can I rent a room at Arlington Community Center?
Yes. The Town permits approved private and municipal functions. Rooms include Main Hall A & B, Arts & Crafts Room and the Yoga Room. Call 781-858-8629 for current rates, availability and application instructions.
8. How many guests can the rental rooms hold?
Main Hall A & B accommodates 96 seated at tables or 144 auditorium-style. The Arts & Crafts Room seats 20 at rectangular tables, while the Yoga Room accommodates 25 at tables or 35 auditorium-style.
9. Is parking available at Arlington Community Center?
Yes. A rear parking lot, accessible spaces and nearby street parking are available. Additional municipal parking is available at Russell Commons at 29 Mystic Street. Follow posted parking restrictions.
10. Does Arlington Community Center have art classes?
Yes. Arlington Center for the Arts operates on the third and fourth floors, and Arlington Community Education schedules selected adult enrichment classes in the building. Each organization manages its own class registration and fees.
Official Resources & Final Confirmation
- Town of Arlington — Council on Aging
- Council on Aging Programs & Activities
- Community Center Rental Rates, Rules & Applications
- Arlington Center for the Arts — Visitor Access
- Arlington Community Education Registration
- COA Parking Permit Program
This independent guide is not operated by the Town of Arlington. Always confirm current hours, program eligibility, rental fees, permits and room availability directly with the responsible organization.