Plan Your Visit: Activities, Event Spaces & Local Information
The Whittier Community Center is a City of Whittier recreation and event facility at 7630 Washington Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. It offers a gymnasium, exercise room, meeting spaces, multipurpose rooms, kitchen facilities and programs for local residents. The Whittier Center Theatre is also located at the same address.
Reviewed October 22, 2026. Activity schedules, room availability and special-event hours can change.
Whittier Community Center Hours
The city confirms weekday registration assistance and publishes separate schedules for recreation activities. A single up-to-date general building schedule was not confirmed on the current facility listing.
| Service | Published Schedule |
|---|---|
| Registration assistance | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Free open basketball | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday open basketball | Closed for Senior Bingo |
| Evening classes | Activity-dependent |
| Weekend activities | Event and program-dependent |
| Rental access | By approved reservation; after-hours staffing may be required |
What Facilities Are Available?
Used for open-play basketball, recreation activities and scheduled sports programming.
Indoor exercise and movement space for applicable classes and approved uses.
Rooms for community meetings, organized activities and approved private or group rentals.
Flexible spaces that can accommodate different gatherings and recreational activities.
Kitchen access associated with certain approved events or rental arrangements.
A separate performance venue at the same address, equipped for stage productions and special events.
Free Open-Gym Basketball
The City of Whittier offers free open-play basketball at the community center. This is one of the clearest drop-in recreation options available at the facility.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., subject to city programming.
Free for eligible participants of all ages.
Children younger than 16 need an accompanying adult aged 18 or older. Identification is required for gymnasium entry.
Before You Play
- Confirm that open basketball is scheduled for your intended day.
- Bring an acceptable form of identification.
- Children under 16 must attend with an adult aged 18 or older.
- Wear appropriate athletic shoes and comfortable sports clothing.
- Follow the gym’s posted play rotation, safety and capacity rules.
Recreation Classes, Camps & Community Programs
The City of Whittier’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department offers seasonal classes, camps and events. The Fall 2026 Activity Guide is available through the city’s current program page.
Recreation activities, exercise programs and selected sports offerings depending on the season.
Creative classes, performing arts and other community learning opportunities.
Age-specific recreation, camps, special events and youth activities.
Wellness, recreational learning and scheduled leisure programs.
Programs for older adults, including social activities hosted at applicable city facilities.
City-organized activities, community celebrations and special programs.
How to Register for a Program
Identify the relevant recreation class, camp, sports program or event.
Review the current city activity guide rather than relying on an older class listing.
Check the date, age limit, fee, location and enrollment availability.
Open the official WhittierRec registration system and sign in or set up a household account.
Confirm the correct course, participants, session and applicable price.
Review policies, submit required payment and save the confirmation.
If you need account help, the city provides registration assistance by telephone or in person at the community center, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Community Center Rentals: Meetings, Parties & Events
Whittier Community Center is available for approved cultural, social, recreational and community activities. The city accepts rental inquiries from members of the public and organizations.
Available facilities include meeting rooms, multipurpose rooms, kitchen facilities and other spaces depending on the nature of the event.
| Rental Question | What You Need to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Room capacity | Maximum guests permitted in the specific room and seating configuration. |
| Hourly fee | Applicable resident, nonresident, organization or special-event rates. |
| Security deposit | Amount, refund conditions and payment deadlines. |
| Rental duration | Minimum booking time and whether setup/cleanup is included. |
| Kitchen access | Food preparation, catering rules and permitted equipment. |
| Furniture | Tables, chairs, setup assistance and any additional charges. |
| Staffing | Availability and cost of supervision outside normal operating hours. |
| Event restrictions | Insurance, decorations, alcohol, sound and other policies where applicable. |
How to Reserve a Room
- Choose your event type. Decide whether the space is for a meeting, party, presentation, workshop or other approved activity.
- Estimate attendance. Include guests, organizers and event workers.
- Choose the date and times. Account for setup and cleanup before requesting availability.
- Call 562-567-9430. Ask which room is suitable and request current pricing, capacity and deposit information.
- Complete the city application. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services rental page provides English and Spanish application forms.
- Review the policies. Confirm food, alcohol, equipment, event supervision, insurance and cancellation requirements where applicable.
- Submit the final reservation. Return the application, pay required charges and obtain confirmation from the city.
Whittier Center Theatre: Same Address, Different Venue
The Whittier Center Theatre shares the community center’s Washington Avenue address but is a separate performance venue with its own facility needs and booking arrangements.
The city lists a 400-seat theatre suitable for qualifying stage performances and events.
Stage, professional sound and lighting systems, dressing rooms with illuminated makeup tables and backstage production areas.
Lobby, box office, snack-bar area, kitchen and restrooms.
Ask the community center at 562-567-9430 about availability and rental requirements.
Booking tip: A community meeting-room rental does not automatically include the theatre. If you need audience seating, stage equipment or performances, request the theatre specifically.
Other City Recreation Options
If the community center does not have the space or activity you need, Whittier has other city-operated facilities with different amenities.
| Facility | Useful For | Location & Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Park Aquatic Center | Public swimming and aquatic recreation | 5703 Palm Ave. 562-567-9495 |
| Uptown Senior Center | Senior programs, meeting and event spaces | 13225 Walnut St. 562-567-9470 |
| Guirado Park | Playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball, handball and softball | 5760 Pioneer Blvd. 562-567-9495 |
| Parnell Park Community & Senior Center | Community and senior facilities | 15390 Lambert Road 562-567-9450 |
Parking, Location & Directions
Whittier Community Center is at 7630 Washington Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602, in the central Whittier area near local civic, cultural and community facilities.
Before You Arrive
- Driving: use the full address in your navigation app to avoid confusion with other places named Whittier Community Center.
- Parking: follow designated facility parking and local signs. The current directory does not establish a guaranteed number of visitor spaces.
- Large events: ask the organizer about parking availability, accessible entrances and any event-specific arrival instructions.
- Public transportation: check a live transit planner for routes serving Washington Avenue and nearby central Whittier streets.
- Accessibility: if you need an accessible entrance, seating, parking or accommodations for an event, contact the facility before your visit.
Visitor Checklist
Bring identification, suitable shoes and an adult companion if you are under 16. Confirm the free open-gym schedule.
Check the activity guide, participant age, class location, current fee and registration deadline.
Prepare your guest count, preferred date, room setup and event details. Ask for a written quote and current policies.
Check the performance ticket, arrival time, correct entrance, parking instructions and any accessibility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Whittier Community Center located?
Whittier Community Center is at 7630 Washington Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. The City of Whittier lists 562-567-9430 as the main facility and reservations phone number.
2. What are the Whittier Community Center hours?
The city provides registration assistance Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free open basketball is scheduled Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. General building hours vary by program, so visitors should confirm evening and weekend access directly.
3. Is Whittier Community Center free?
Some activities are free, including the city’s scheduled open-play basketball program. Recreation classes, room rentals, theatre events and other activities may charge separate fees.
4. Does Whittier Community Center have a gym?
Yes. It has a gymnasium used for open-play basketball and other scheduled recreation. The city also lists an exercise room, meeting rooms, multipurpose rooms and kitchen facilities.
5. When is free basketball available?
The published free basketball schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays are unavailable because of Senior Bingo. Other city activities may affect availability.
6. Can children use the Whittier Community Center gym?
Yes, children can participate in eligible open-play basketball activities. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older, and identification is required for gymnasium entry.
7. Can I rent Whittier Community Center for a party?
Yes. The city makes community-center spaces available for approved social, recreational and cultural uses. Call 562-567-9430 for room availability, capacity, current fees, deposit requirements and rental forms.
8. Does Whittier Community Center have a swimming pool?
The city’s facility listing does not include a swimming pool at Whittier Community Center. For city aquatic activities, visit Palm Park Aquatic Center at 5703 Palm Avenue or call 562-567-9495.
9. How do I register for Whittier recreation classes?
Review the current Parks, Recreation and Community Services activity guide, choose a class, confirm its location and eligibility, then register through WhittierRec.com. In-person and telephone registration assistance is also available at the community center.
10. Is Whittier Center Theatre part of the community center?
The Whittier Center Theatre is located at the same 7630 Washington Avenue address. It is a separate performance facility with a listed 400-seat theatre, stage, dressing rooms, sound and lighting equipment, and its own rental arrangements.
Official Resources for Reservations & Registration
The information above covers the essential visitor details. Use these official City of Whittier resources when you need to complete a registration, submit rental paperwork or verify changing schedules.
- Whittier Community Center address, contact and amenities
- Free open-gym basketball schedule and rules
- Fall 2026 activity guide and programs
- Official online recreation registration
- Facility rental applications and policies
- Whittier Center Theatre facilities and contact
Independent visitor guide. Not an official City of Whittier publication. Class availability, operating schedules, rental fees and policies may change.