Adaptive Recreation, Hours & Event Rentals
Highland Community Center in Bellevue provides adaptive recreation programs, community events, an indoor gymnasium and rentable spaces for weddings, meetings and celebrations. Here’s how to plan a visit, compare room prices, register for activities and reserve a venue.
Friday: 8 AM–4 PM.
Friday 9 AM–4 PM; weekends depend on available staffing.
Find What You Need
Highland Community Center Opening Hours
The City of Bellevue distinguishes administrative office hours from broader facility operating hours.
| Day | Office hours | Published operational hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4 PM | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | No regular office hours listed | 9 AM–midnight, staffing-dependent |
| Sunday | No regular office hours listed | 9 AM–10 PM, staffing-dependent |
The center is closed on City-observed holidays. Inclement weather, staffing or scheduled events can also change access. If staff are unavailable, call Bellevue Parks & Community Services at 425-452-6885.
Adaptive Recreation & Community Programs
Highland Community Center is a roughly 7,000-square-foot City recreation facility focused on supporting people with intellectual and physical disabilities through opportunities for socialization, recreation, movement and community involvement.
Arts & Creative Activities
Program offerings may include arts, crafts and creative group activities designed for social engagement and participation.
Fitness & Movement
Adaptive recreation opportunities can include movement, games, exercise and physical activities selected for participant abilities and interests.
Social Groups & Dances
The center hosts seasonal dances and social activities for participants, including events designed for teens and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers support programs, activities and events. Contact the center to ask about current roles, age requirements, onboarding and scheduling.
Who are the programs designed for?
Many Highland offerings are designed specifically for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities. Individual activities can have different ages, fees, support requirements and registration conditions.
The broader Bellevue Parks & Community Services system also supports inclusive participation in other City recreation programs. Highland staff can help explain the available choices and accessibility arrangements.
Examples of program details to check
- Participant age range and program code
- Activity dates and hours
- Resident and nonresident price
- Whether advance registration is required
- Support person or caregiver arrangements
- Mobility and communication accommodations
- Transportation and drop-off procedures
- Cancellation and refund rules
How to Register for a Highland Program
The City publishes Highland activities through its Parks & Community Services registration system and activity guides.
Choose arts, fitness, social recreation, a seasonal event or another suitable offering.
Check the age range, fee, dates, accessibility details and whether space is available.
Call 425-452-7686 to discuss participation needs, caregiver arrangements and registration questions.
Use the City of Bellevue’s official registration system and add the participant information requested.
Choose the correct activity and session and review any resident priority or additional requirements.
Pay the displayed fee if applicable, save the confirmation and confirm arrival instructions.
Accessibility and participation assistance
For reasonable accommodation requests, the City’s Highland rental materials provide 425-452-6104 and jlbrown@bellevuewa.gov. The materials request at least 48 hours’ notice for alternate formats, interpreters or reasonable modifications. For individual recreation participation, contact Highland directly to discuss what support is available.
Rental Rooms, Capacities & Facilities
Highland Community Center has a log-cabin-inspired interior suitable for weddings, birthdays, memorials, meetings, nonprofit events and business functions.
Multi-Purpose Room
A large room with vaulted ceilings, log posts, a stage and an adjacent commercial kitchen.
- About 3,000 square feet
- 150 chairs and 20 rectangular tables in the rental guide
- Podium and projection screen
- Wi-Fi available
Fireside Room
A smaller space with comfortable seating, a faux fireplace and kitchen proximity.
- About 1,000 square feet
- Meeting and social layouts
- Tables and chairs
- Wi-Fi
Art Room
A naturally lit classroom-style space with work tables and activity facilities.
- Ten rectangular tables
- Forty chairs
- Two whiteboards
- Sink and hearing loop
Resource Room
Suitable for smaller meetings, workshops, presentations and training.
- Four rectangular tables
- Twenty chairs
- Whiteboard
- Hearing loop and Wi-Fi
Gymnasium
Features a basketball court and spectator seating. The space can be arranged for various indoor sports.
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Indoor soccer and other approved games
Commercial Kitchen
Available as a separate rental or part of a weekend event package.
- Ten-burner stove
- Double oven
- Large refrigerator
- Food preparation facilities
Renters should arrange their own cookware and supplies.
Highland Community Center Rental Fees
These are the hourly prices currently displayed on the City of Bellevue’s Highland indoor-rentals page, rather than the lower fees in its older 2022 PDF.
| Room | Published rate | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Purpose Room | $125/hour | 150 |
| Fireside Room | $60/hour | 40 |
| Art Room | $60/hour | 40 |
| Resource Room | $35/hour | 20–25, subject to layout approval |
| Gymnasium | $80/hour | 100 |
| Commercial Kitchen | $35/hour | Separate rental |
Weekend rental packages
Multi-Purpose Room + Kitchen, according to the main package listing.
Multi-Purpose Room + Fireside Room + Kitchen, according to the main package listing.
Weekend and holiday minimum
Applies to weekend and holiday rentals.
Regular hourly rental rate for qualifying nonprofits with documented 501(c)(3) status.
Nonprofit discounts do not automatically apply to staff charges or other special-use fees. Rental time must also include setup and cleaning.
Practical cost examples
| Example | Room charge only | Not included |
|---|---|---|
| 3-hour weekday Fireside Room | $180 | Possible staffing, special uses or other fees |
| 4-hour weekday Multi-Purpose Room | $500 | Kitchen and additional event costs |
| 4-hour weekend Package 1 at $160/hr | $640 | Additional fees and any approved overtime |
| 4-hour weekend Package 2 at $200/hr | $800 | Additional fees and any approved overtime |
Examples assume the stated hours cover the complete booking period. They are calculations, not confirmed availability or final event quotes.
How to Reserve Highland Community Center
Reservations must be submitted by written application. Calling to check availability does not secure a date.
Match your guest count, seating arrangement, kitchen needs and event type to the available rooms.
Choose your preferred date, a backup date, and enough time for deliveries, decorating, the event and cleanup.
Reservations are generally permitted 1–11 months in advance. Bellevue residents and businesses may reserve up to 12 months ahead. The detailed guide recommends at least 30 days’ lead time.
Contact 425-452-7686 to ask about the available dates and confirm your rental rate.
Prepare the Facility Use Request Form, Highland Supplemental Form and payment authorization. Special activities may require additional documentation.
Send or deliver the completed materials to Highland using the City’s approved submission options.
The City states that a date is not confirmed until written forms and payment for half of the rental fees are received and the request is approved.
Confirm remaining payment, event restrictions, staffing, setup and cleanup before inviting guests or contracting vendors.
Wedding, Party & Meeting Rental Rules
Highland’s detailed rental guidelines cover cancellations, food, drinks, decorating, parking and the renter’s responsibilities.
Important booking rules
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | The primary reservation contact must be at least 21 and remain present throughout the event. |
| Written approval | Room use is not final without accepted paperwork and payment. |
| Setup and cleanup | All setup, decorating, deliveries and cleanup must occur within paid rental time. |
| Overtime | The published guidelines describe overtime charges at twice the applicable hourly room and staffing rates, billed in 15-minute increments. |
| Additional staff | The City determines whether staff are required and may add staffing charges. |
| Gymnasium rules | Only water is permitted inside the gym; other food and beverages are prohibited. |
| Vendors and equipment | Catering, entertainment and outside rental equipment may need special-use approval. |
Cancellation and refund policy
| Written cancellation notice | Published charge/refund rule |
|---|---|
| 30 or more days before | Hourly rental fees refunded, less a $35 administrative fee |
| 14–29 days before | $35 administrative fee or 50% of hourly rental fees, whichever is greater |
| 0–13 days before | No refund of hourly rental fees |
Rescheduling is subject to availability. A change of date is treated as a cancellation followed by a new reservation under the published guidelines.
Alcohol at events
The City allows certain alcoholic beverages for approved rentals, subject to strict rules.
- Only beer, hard cider, wine and champagne are listed as permitted beverage categories.
- Hard liquor and beer kegs are not allowed.
- Alcohol service may be restricted during normal operating hours.
- A qualified alcohol server aged 21 or older is required.
- The appropriate Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board banquet permit or special occasion license is required depending on serving or selling.
- Applicable permit copies must be submitted at least 14 days in advance.
- Service must stop at least one hour before the event ends.
Highland Community Park & Outdoor Recreation
Highland Community Center sits beside Highland Community Park, which has additional recreation facilities that are separate from the center’s indoor event rooms.
Skating
The park includes indoor and outdoor skate facilities. Check posted safety rules and hours before using them.
Tennis & Ballfields
Tennis courts and athletic fields are available within the park, subject to City scheduling and reservation policies.
Playground
The park has outdoor play areas. Families should check the facilities and supervision needs appropriate for their children.
Walking Track
Outdoor walking facilities provide another recreation option near the community center.
Map, Directions & Parking
Highland Community Center
14224 NE Bel-Red Road
Bellevue, WA 98007
Phone: 425-452-7686
Email: hcc@bellevuewa.gov
Parking information for event guests
- On-site parking is limited and available first-come, first-served.
- Encourage carpooling for large weddings and receptions.
- Ask the center for its designated parking map before sending guest invitations.
- The rental guide recommends using the upper lot for unloading before moving vehicles to other authorized parking.
- Large events may require a separate parking plan approved by staff.
- Confirm accessible parking and building entrance needs in advance.
Public transit users can plan a trip using King County Metro’s trip planner with the center’s street address.
Related Community Center Visitor Guides
For comparison, these published articles explain practical aspects of recreation registration, indoor facilities and event rentals at other community centers.
Reston Community Center
Explore how a public community center manages accessible programs, facility reservations, event spaces and registration.
Reston programs and rental guide →Sunnyvale Community Center
Compare a multipurpose recreation campus with creative activities, community facilities and bookable spaces.
Sunnyvale classes and rentals →Southeast Community Center
See another example of a center with activity-based schedules, recreation facilities and room booking requirements.
Southeast Community Center guide →Looking for another Bellevue facility?
Highland focuses on adaptive recreation. Other Bellevue centers may offer different services, fitness options or activity schedules. Check the City’s facility directory before choosing a location.
Bellevue community center directory →Official Contacts & Documents
| Need | Official source or contact |
|---|---|
| Highland main office | 425-452-7686 |
| Center email | hcc@bellevuewa.gov |
| Facility hours and programs | Official Highland Center page |
| Room prices and rental forms | Official indoor rental page |
| Detailed 28-page rental guide | City rental guidelines PDF |
| Program enrollment | Bellevue registration system |
| General Parks information | 425-452-6885 |
| Accommodation requests | 425-452-6104 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Highland Community Center located?
Highland Community Center is located at 14224 NE Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98007. It is operated by the City of Bellevue Parks & Community Services.
2. What are Highland Community Center’s hours?
Office hours are Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM–4 PM. Facility operational hours extend to 8 PM Monday–Thursday, with weekend hours dependent on staffing and scheduled activities.
3. What is the Highland Community Center phone number?
Call 425-452-7686 for recreation programs, event rentals, availability, fees and visitor questions.
4. What programs does Highland Community Center offer?
Highland focuses on recreation, social activities, adaptive movement, arts and community events for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Individual program eligibility, schedules and fees vary.
5. Can I rent Highland Community Center for a wedding?
Yes. The Multi-Purpose Room accommodates up to 150 people and can be rented for weddings and receptions, subject to availability, signed agreements and applicable event rules.
6. How much does Highland Community Center cost to rent?
The City currently displays rates including $125/hour for the Multi-Purpose Room, $60/hour for the Fireside or Art Room, $35/hour for the Resource Room and $80/hour for the gymnasium. Weekend packages are listed separately.
7. How far ahead can I book a Highland rental?
Reservations generally open up to 11 months in advance, or 12 months for Bellevue residents and businesses. The City recommends allowing at least 30 days for rental arrangements.
8. Does Highland Community Center have a basketball gym?
Yes. The gym accommodates basketball and other approved sports and has a listed rental capacity of 100 people. The published gym rental price is $80 per hour.
9. Are there nonprofit discounts on Highland rental fees?
Yes. Qualifying nonprofit groups with proof of 501(c)(3) status can receive a 30% discount on regular hourly room rental rates. Staffing and special-use charges are excluded.
10. Is parking available at Highland Community Center?
Yes, but parking is limited and first-come, first-served. The neighboring YMCA parking lots cannot be used for Highland events. Larger groups should arrange carpooling and review the approved parking map.