Central Park: Hours, Gym, Youth Programs & Rentals
Central Park Community Center is a Shawnee County Parks + Recreation facility at 1534 SW Clay Street, Topeka, KS 66604. It offers a community gymnasium, computer lab, meeting rooms, youth recreation, a game room and organized activities for different ages.
Located near Washburn University and the Stormont-Vail Event Center, it also provides access to Central Park’s playgrounds, walking areas, pond and outdoor gathering spaces.
Official information reviewed October 19, 2026. Facility operating times may change during holidays, seasonal programs, leagues and special events.
Central Park Community Center Hours
Shawnee County lists these regular public operating hours for the community center.
| Day | Center Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM |
| Sunday | Available for rentals; no regular public drop-in hours listed. |
Central Park Outdoor Hours
The surrounding Central Park has a separate daily operating schedule of 6 AM–11 PM. Park hours should not be confused with indoor community center hours.
For a holiday visit, a particular gym session or a Sunday rental, call 785-251-6965 before leaving.
Facilities and Amenities
Indoor space used for recreation programs, gym activities and approved rentals. Availability depends on scheduled activities.
A public computer lab is provided through a partnership with the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.
After-school drop-in activities include access to games and indoor recreation spaces.
Indoor meeting spaces can be reserved for approved activities, gatherings and community events.
The county lists a kitchen, lounge area with game equipment, air conditioning and wireless internet among the center’s amenities.
A wellness and fitness room is listed at the facility. Ask about access rules, equipment and applicable fees.
Programs for Children, Teens and Adults
The center emphasizes after-school recreation, youth engagement and a variety of activities for all ages. Specific programs change by season.
After-School Drop-In Activities
Shawnee County specifically lists the following at Central Park Community Center:
- Computer lab activities.
- Indoor gym activities.
- Game-room recreation.
- Organized youth programming.
Families should ask whether a particular activity is supervised, whether advance registration is necessary and what age groups are eligible.
Children’s Evening Meal Program
Shawnee County identifies Silverbackks as a partner serving free evening meals for children and teens up to age 18, Monday through Thursday.
Meal serving times, availability and any holiday or school-break changes should be checked with the center before attending.
Fitness and Recreation Classes
The county maintains a fitness-class calendar and a seasonal activity guide. Possible activity categories across the Parks + Recreation system include fitness, recreation, arts, sports and youth programs; not every county program takes place at Central Park.
Use the facility name, dates and location when selecting a class so that you do not accidentally register for an activity at Crestview, Garfield, Hillcrest or another county center.
How to Register for a Program
- Choose the activity. Decide whether you want an after-school program, recreation class, fitness session or youth sports activity.
- Open the county program guide. Look for the appropriate age category and current session.
- Check the facility. Confirm the program takes place at Central Park Community Center, 1534 SW Clay.
- Review program details. Check the activity’s date, starting time, end time, participant age, fee and enrollment deadline.
- Complete official registration. Use the county’s program registration catalog where online enrollment is available.
- Keep your confirmation. Save payment or registration details and bring required clothing, materials or forms.
Need assistance? The community center can explain which activities are held at its location. Call 785-251-6965.
Rent the Gymnasium or Meeting Rooms
Central Park Community Center offers gymnasium and meeting-room rentals. These spaces may be suitable for approved community meetings, sports activities, group gatherings and other events.
- Indoor sports and recreation gatherings.
- Group activities and organized use.
- Bleacher seating is listed among facility features.
- Availability depends on leagues and county programming.
- Community and group meetings.
- Small approved private gatherings.
- Activities needing indoor seating.
- Possible equipment and room-layout considerations.
Information to Prepare Before Booking
| Booking Detail | What to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Event date | Preferred date and one or two alternatives. |
| Space | Gymnasium or appropriate meeting room. |
| Guests | Expected participants and spectators. |
| Timing | Arrival, setup, event and cleanup requirements. |
| Equipment | Tables, chairs, kitchen use or other requested facilities. |
| Payment | Quoted rental fee, deposit and applicable charges. |
| Rules | Food, decorations, cancellation and supervision conditions. |
How to Book a Rental
- Call the facility. Contact 785-251-6965 with your proposed event date and space requirements.
- Check availability. Ask whether the gym or meeting room is open for your requested time, including Sunday if applicable.
- Request an itemized quote. Confirm rental cost, taxes if applicable, required deposits and equipment charges.
- Review rules. Ask about room capacity, food, decoration, cleanup, cancellation and insurance requirements.
- Complete the county’s reservation process. Follow the official booking and payment instructions provided by Parks + Recreation.
- Save your confirmation. Keep the approved agreement and contact details for event day.
Rental Cancellations and Refunds
Shawnee County publishes a refund policy for recreation programs and facility reservations. It distinguishes room rentals, shelters and other rental categories.
- For qualifying room rentals canceled at least 14 days before the start date, the published policy provides for a refund with a 20% cancellation fee.
- For qualifying cancellations less than 14 days before the start date, the policy describes a 50% Parks + Recreation account credit.
- A refund request form may be required.
- Program or rental cancellations made by the county may qualify for a full refund or account credit.
Explore Central Park Around the Community Center
Central Park offers outdoor recreation near the indoor facility. The surrounding park is useful for walking, family outings and casual outdoor activities.
Outdoor walking areas and paths for casual exercise. The park also has a track associated with the local school district.
Children’s play equipment, including newer and original playground features.
A park pond is listed among the grounds’ features. Children should be supervised around the water.
Outdoor gathering and sitting areas for visitors and families.
An outdoor athletics area listed by the county. Scheduled sports activities may limit public use.
The Topeka Community Cycle Project is listed among organizations and amenities associated with the surrounding park.
Park Hours vs. Building Hours
Outdoor park: 6 AM–11 PM daily.
Indoor community center: Monday–Friday 9 AM–6 PM, Saturday noon–3 PM, and Sunday by rental arrangement.
Do not assume that indoor bathrooms, recreation rooms or gym facilities remain accessible for all outdoor park hours.
Map and Directions to Central Park Community Center
Address: 1534 SW Clay Street, Topeka, KS 66604.
The center is located near Washburn University and the Stormont-Vail Event Center. If navigating from another part of Topeka, use the full street address because “Central Park Community Center” is also the name of facilities in other states.
For accessible entrance arrangements, drop-off instructions, specific parking areas or event loading questions, contact the facility before visiting.
Other Shawnee County Community Centers
If Central Park does not have the class, fitness equipment or rental date you need, these nearby county-operated facilities offer alternatives.
4801 SW Shunga Drive, Topeka. Gym, meeting rooms, youth activities and access to the Shunga Trail.
Official Crestview Guide1800 SE 21st Street, Topeka. Gym, fitness room, racquetball and community activities.
Official Hillcrest Guide1600 NE Quincy Street, Topeka. Indoor gym, computer lab, youth programming and nearby outdoor recreation.
Official Garfield GuideVisitor Planning Checklist
- Confirm the center is open at your planned time.
- Check availability of the gym or game room.
- Ask about drop-in fees or membership requirements.
- Bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Confirm program registration if attending a class.
- Choose the correct room and guest count.
- Check your preferred date.
- Ask for a written rental quote.
- Confirm deposit and refund policies.
- Reserve enough setup and cleanup time.
- Keep the final rental confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Central Park Community Center located?
Central Park Community Center is at 1534 SW Clay Street, Topeka, KS 66604, near Washburn University and the Stormont-Vail Event Center.
What are Central Park Community Center’s hours?
The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from noon to 3 PM. Sundays are available for rentals. Seasonal schedules and evening programs may affect access.
What is the Central Park Community Center phone number?
The telephone number is 785-251-6965. Visitors can use it to ask about programs, gym availability, room rentals, schedules and access requirements.
Does Central Park Community Center have a gym?
Yes. The Topeka facility has a community gymnasium used for recreation, scheduled programs and approved rentals. Public use depends on the current activity schedule.
Does Central Park Community Center offer children’s activities?
Yes. After-school drop-in activities include the computer lab, gym and game room. The facility also lists youth programs and a Silverbackks free evening meal program for children and teens up to age 18.
Are free meals available for children at Central Park Community Center?
The center lists Silverbackks free evening meals for children and teenagers up to age 18, Monday through Thursday. Call to confirm current serving times and availability.
Can I rent Central Park Community Center?
Yes. The gymnasium and meeting rooms are available for approved rentals. Call 785-251-6965 for room availability, capacity, current pricing, deposits and booking instructions.
Is Central Park Community Center open on Sunday?
The center lists Sunday as available for rentals. It does not publish regular Sunday public drop-in hours. Sunday access should be arranged through an approved reservation.
Does the facility have a computer lab and Wi-Fi?
Yes. The official facility listing includes a computer lab through a library partnership and wireless internet. Confirm availability and applicable computer-use rules with staff.
What are the hours of Central Park around the community center?
The surrounding Central Park is listed as open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. These outdoor park hours are separate from the indoor community center schedule.
Official Sources and Resources
Independent visitor guide. Published facility information, registration requirements, seasonal activities and prices may change. Confirm final details directly with Shawnee County Parks + Recreation.