Arts + Rec FAQs | Walnut Creek Arts + Rec

Thank you for your interest in Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation. We answer frequently asked questions below.

Arts + Rec General Information

How do I reach Arts + Rec by phone or email?

Where can I find Arts + Rec activities?

Which Arts + Rec facilities and spaces are available to rent for my event or gathering?

The City of Walnut Creek has many types of facilities and spaces for rent.

Please see Facility Rentals for more information.

Community Centers – three unique community centers can accommodate up to 300 guests.

Center for Community Arts can accommodate up to 300 guests and has an enclosed courtyard.
Civic Park Community Center can accommodate up to 225-250 guests in several different rooms in a downtown location.
Heather Farm Community Center can accommodate up to 200 guests and has a spectacular view of the pond and park amenities

Boundary Oak Golf Course – banquet rooms and outdoor ceremony site at our city-owned golf course can accommodate up to 275 guests.

Bedford Gallery – this bright and open downtown space can accommodate up to 250 guests.

Oak Room at the Walnut Creek Downtown Library – this bright space is nestled next to Civic Park and can accommodate up to 140 guests.

Tice Valley Gym – three full-sized courts that can accommodate up to 449 guests per court, and various sized class and exercise rooms that can accommodate up to 112 guests.

Lesher Center for the Arts – three unique theaters and various sized conference-style spaces that can accommodate 2-785 guests.

The City of Walnut Creek also has great outdoor options available for rent:

Gazebo at Civic Park
Picnic sites at many City Parks
Swimming Pools
Sand Volleyball Courts
Sports Fields

Will programs, classes and facilities close due to poor air quality?

Arts + Rec monitors air quality index (AQI) using https://www.AirNow.gov, along with IQAir, Purple Air, and other air quality resources when outdoor classes and programs are in session. AQI is monitored before the start time of programs and throughout the day.

Outdoor Center for Community Arts and Walnut Creek Recreation Classes and Programs

When the AQI is 101 and above, programs and classes for participants with increased health risks, seniors, and preschool age youth will be moved indoors, if possible. If programs cannot be moved indoors, they will be rescheduled or cancelled. When the AQI is 150 and above, all outdoor programs and classes will be moved indoors, if possible, or rescheduled or cancelled.

Aquatics Centers and Sports Fields

When the AQI is 150 and above, City swim centers and sports fields will be closed and all programs will be rescheduled or cancelled. Wind and ash will also be assessed with the AQI and closures may take place before the index reaches 150, if deemed appropriate by staff. Closures will extend until air quality improves. Aquatics Center closures will be posted. Sports Fields facility closures will be distributed via email to those with confirmed reservations, in addition to being posted on the Field Hotline at (925) 256-3574 and on Field Conditions. Please contact the Sports Fields Rental Office with questions by calling (925) 256-3560.

Aquatics Center closures will take place in increments based on programming to give as much notice to participants as possible.

4:30 am - decisions to be made for programs 5:30 am to 10:00 am
9:00 am - decisions to be made for programs 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1:00 pm - decisions to be made for programs 2:00 pm until closing

Sports Fields closures will take place in increments based on programming to give as much notice to participants as possible.

8:00 am - decisions to be made for programs 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
2:00 pm - decisions to be made for programs 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Boundary Oak Golf Course

When the AQI is 200 and above, the Course will close tee times for the duration of the day, as well as the driving range. Rainchecks will be offered to golfers actively golfing within the first 9 holes, or they can choose to choose to complete their round. In the event the index is trending toward 200, staff will prepare to call, text, or email affected golfers with tee times yet to be played. Boundary Oak staff will review AQI readings every hour once the index reaches 150. This is subject to change based on conflicting conditions not considered by an AQI reading; such as active fires nearby, raining ash, high winds, and PG&E outages.

Indoor Facilities

When the AQI is 200 and above, some indoor facilities may close, if deemed appropriate by staff. The air quality will be monitored by staff before the start of indoor programs. If the AQI is under 200 before the start of an indoor program, it will run as scheduled. If the index shifts to 200 and above while an indoor program is in progress, staff will remain onsite and continue through to the program’s scheduled end time. Staff will communicate AQI information with participants and guardians, and offer the choice to leave the program early. If the AQI is 200 and above before the start of an indoor program, the program will be rescheduled or cancelled. Participants and guardians will be notified by email, and all closures will be listed on the specific program’s website.

Lesher Center for the Arts

When the AQI is 150 and above, outdoor performances at the Lesher Center for the Arts will be moved indoors, rescheduled or cancelled. Lesher Center for the Arts outdoor performance changes will be decided 4 hours in advance of the start of each performance to give as much notice to ticket holders as possible. Ticket holders will be notified by email or phone. Please contact the Ticket Office with questions by calling (925) 943-7469.

Parks and Open Spaces

While it is unlikely that Walnut Creek Parks and Open Spaces will close due to poor air quality, the health and safety of our community is our highest priority, and we recommend self-monitoring the air quality index (AQI) while following EPA and Contra Costa Health Services recommendations.

If a program or class is rescheduled or cancelled due to poor air quality, do I get a refund?

I have a credit on my Arts + Rec account, how can I use it?

What are the cancellation and refund policies for Arts + Rec rentals, and class and program withdrawal?

Are gift cards available for Arts + Rec Programs?

Aquatics

Are Clarke and Larkey Swim Center open?

Do I need to be a member to swim at the Clarke or Larkey Swim Center?

No, membership is not required to swim at Clarke or Larkey Swim Center. Currently we offer 15-Punch Passes as a great savings for frequent guests. Memberships and passes are not required, there are admission rates available for everyone.

We are currently taking one-hour reservations for public lap swimming only. Guests can use a 15-Punch Pass or pay the single-use reservation rate.

Visit Aquatics for the latest information and to make a reservation.

How do I make a reservation for the Clarke or Larkey Swim Center?

Are scholarships or financial aid available for Aquatic programs?

Camps

Does Arts + Rec offer camps and how do I register?

Walnut Creek Recreation and Center for Community Arts offer a full range of camp programs for students age 3 through 14 in the spring and winter, camp programs for students age 5 through 14 in the summer, and specialized camp programs for physically and developmentally disabled youth and adults age 5 through 21 year-round.

Get started by creating an Arts + Rec account to register for camps.

Registration for Summer Camps 2022 opens on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.

Need help? Contact Arts + Rec Central Customer Service at artsrec@walnut-creek.org or 925-295-1490.

How can I use my Regional Center of the East Bay respite care funds for Specialized Recreation Summer Camp registration?

RCEB respite care funds can be used toward Specialized Recreation Summer Camp registration. Registration is available online with a co-pay by selecting the summer camps that are listed for RCEB participants. After registration, each participating family should send the camp registration confirmation to their RCEB case worker so that a Purchase of Service (POS) can be sent to Walnut Creek Recreation.

To register for Specialized Recreation Summer Camps, create or log into your Arts + Rec account.

You can also call the Recreation Office at (925) 943-5858 to register by phone.

Will Walnut Creek Camp Programs offer virtual options?

Are scholarships or financial aid available for Walnut Creek camp programs?

How do I cancel my Walnut Creek Camp Program registration, and can I receive a refund?

Classes

When is registration open for Center for Community Arts and Walnut Creek Recreation Quarterly Classes, and how do I sign up?

How can I get assistance with my registration?

Will Center for Community Arts and Walnut Creek Recreation offer Virtual Quarterly Classes?

How do I receive access to Virtual Quarterly Classes?

After you complete your registration, you will have access to information on how to access your Virtual Quarterly Class. This information will be available on your registration confirmation email. Or, your Instructor or City of Walnut Creek Staff will email the Virtual Quarterly Class Zoom link to you. These details should include a location and time to pick up supplies that you bought during your reservation.

If you do not receive a Zoom link or other critical details for your Virtual Quarterly Class, you can contact:

Center for Community Arts – call (925) 943-5846 or email info@communityarts.org.

Walnut Creek Recreation – call (925) 943-5858 or email recreation@walnut-creek.org.

Are scholarships or financial aid available for Center for Community Arts and Walnut Creek Recreation Quarterly Classes?

How do I cancel my Quarterly Class registration, and can I receive a refund?

What benefits are available for Walnut Creek Clay Arts Guild Members?

Who qualifies for Specialized Recreation Classes?

When is registration for the Young REP Theatre Workshop, and how do I sign up?

Will the Young REP Theatre Workshop offer virtual options?

How do I cancel my Young REP Theatre Workshop registration, and can I receive a refund?

Facility Rentals

How can I reserve a classroom, picnic area, or larger pool area at the Clarke or Larkey Swim Center?

How can I rent the Bedford Gallery for a special event?

How can I reserve a City of Walnut Creek gym or exercise room?

Based on the current guidelines from Contra Costa Health Services, the gym is available to rent for youth small group training and non-contact skills and drills camps, with occupancy dates available after August 9, 2021. Activities are limited to those programs that can be executed in an environment that fosters Contra Costa Health Services operational and social distancing guidelines. Please keep in mind that State and County mandate changes are ongoing, dates and conditions are subject to change.

The exercise studio and meeting room at Tice Gym are currently not available to rent.

Participants must be dropped off; the lobby is not available as a waiting area.

Complete the rental application and email to gymrentals@walnut-creek.org. Visit walnutcreekrec.org for the latest information, including rental rates and available spaces.

How can I rent indoor facilities, such as: Civic Park Community Center, Heather Farm Community Center, Shadelands Arts Center, and Walnut Creek Library facilities?

Based on the current guidelines from Contra Costa Health Services, indoor facilities are available to rent, on a limited basis, after October 8, 2021. Indoor Facility Rentals for your desired size and type of event may not be currently available.

Events previously contracted through September 2021 are currently being evaluated.

Walnut Creek Recreation manages five rental facilities throughout the City, including the Walnut Creek Library, Shadelands Art Center, Heather Farm Community Center, Civic Park Community Center and Tice Valley Gymnasium.

Visit Facility Rentals for the latest information.

How can I rent the Lesher Center for the Arts for a special event or stage performance?

How do I reserve a Walnut Creek Park for a Boot Camp or other outdoor activities?

How do I reserve a Walnut Creek Park picnic area, sand volleyball court, or sports field?

Picnic Areas

Based on the current guidelines from Contra Costa Health Services, Walnut Creek Park picnic areas are currently available to rent for up to 100 persons, or the maximum capacity of a picnic area, whichever is fewer. Please keep in mind that State and County mandate changes are ongoing, dates and conditions are subject to change.

To check availability and to reserve a picnic area, visit Picnic Rentals, call the Recreation Office at (925) 943-5858, or email Recreation@walnut-creek.org.

Sand Volleyball Courts

Based on the current guidelines from Contra Costa Health Services, Sand Volleyball Courts are available to rent with a limit of 12 participants within a maximum of 2 teams per court. Please keep in mind that State and County mandate changes are ongoing, dates and conditions are subject to change.

To check availability and to reserve a Sand Volleyball court, visit Rentals, call the Gym Rental Office at (925) 256-3560, or email Recreation@walnut-creek.org.

Sports Fields

Based on the current guidelines from Contra Costa Health Services, Walnut Creek Sports Fields are available to rent for youth small group training and non-contact skills and drills camps. Activities are limited to those programs that can be executed in an environment that fosters Contra Costa Health Services operational and social distancing guidelines. Please keep in mind that State and County mandate changes are ongoing, dates and conditions are subject to change.

For the latest information and to inquire about which types of events are currently allowed to be permitted, contact Gym Rental Office by calling (925) 256-3560 or by emailing gymrentals@walnut-creek.org.

Heather Farm, Arbolado, Castle Rock, El Divisadero, Tice Valley, and Rudgear Parks all offer sports fields for rent. Visit Field and Gym Rentals for the latest information.

Are pets allowed at Walnut Creek Park picnic areas?

Are restrooms available at all Walnut Creek Park picnic areas?

How can I find out the condition of a specific Walnut Creek Sports Field?

How do I reserve a Walnut Creek Park for a special event?

How do I cancel my community center, gym, sports field, picnic area or sand volleyball court rental and can I receive a refund?

Financial Aid

How can I apply for an Arts + Rec Scholarship?

What Programs are eligible for an Arts + Rec Scholarship?

The following programs are eligible for an Arts + Rec Scholarship:

Arts + Rec School Day Enrichment Program
Walnut Creek Recreation and Center for Community Arts virtual and in-person classes for all ages

Center for Community Arts Preschool
Walnut Creek Specialized Recreation Programs
Center for Community Arts School-Year Dance and Music Programs
Aquatics private lessons, group lessons, and water exercise courses
Aquatics lap swim, rec swim, or water exercise passes

Walnut Creek Recreation and Camp Community Arts camps
Adult drop-in sports fees

See our information on applying for a scholarship, or call (925) 943-5846 or email financialaid@walnut-creek.org.

Parks

When are Walnut Creek Parks open?

Are dogs allowed at all Walnut Creek Parks?

Are playgrounds available at all Walnut Creek Parks?

Are restrooms available at all Walnut Creek Parks?

Are picnic areas available at all Walnut Creek Parks?

When is the Heather Farm Dog Park open?

When is the Walnut Creek Skate Park open?

The Walnut Creek Skate Park, located at the corner of Heather Drive and Marchbanks Drive in Heather Farm Park, across from the Clarke Swim Center, is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The City requires that all skaters wear a helmet and knee and elbow pads in order to use the park. Among its unique features are elements for street skaters and vertical skaters, with rails, spines and bowls. The skating area consists of features such as a square bowl, raised “peanut,” “volcano,” “crater,” and “roller” elements. The skating course also includes “street” elements such as rails, steps, and ledges.

For more information, visit Skate Park.

When are Walnut Creek Open Spaces open?

Whom should I contact if I have concerns for my safety?

Performing Arts

Center REPertory and Lesher Center for the Arts

When can I purchase or renew my Center REPertory Season Subscription?

Is the Lesher Center for the Arts open?

Lots has been happening while the Lesher Center has been closed for the past 16 months.

Some exciting additions have been updated including:

New HVAC Chiller for cooling and Boiler for heating have been installed to increase the comfort of our guests.
Newly installed top of the line Plasma Air Self-Cleaning Bi-Polar Ionizers. Hospital grade air filters allow fresh clean air throughout the Lesher Center.
Hand sanitizer stations available throughout the facility and touchless sinks available in restrooms.
Regular cleaning of all theatre spaces is now complemented by electrostatic spray surface cleaning, using a charged mist to disinfect seats and commonly touched areas.

Many productions and concerts are being scheduled both inside our three theatres and outside on our new Rudney Plaza. We will update information at www.LesherARTScenter.org as it becomes available. To be among the first to know about a reopening date, schedule of events, and required safety precautions please join our email list HERE.

For more information on Lesher Center for the Arts, and to stay current on upcoming performances and virtual content, visit https://www.lesherartscenter.org, email info@lesherartscenter.org, or call (925) 295-1400.

Sign up for Lesher Center’s e-newsletter!

How can I purchase tickets for events at the Lesher Center for the Arts?

Can I book a tour of the Lesher Center for the Arts for my group?

Are pets allowed in the Lesher Center for the Arts?

Preschools

When is registration for Center for Community Arts Preschool, and how do I register my preschooler?

Registration for the 2020-2021 Preschool Year is now open! If space allows, new students may be admitted at the beginning of each month. Registration for upcoming offerings are:

Summer 2022 - TBA
School Year 2022-23 - TBA
Virtual School Year 2022-23 - TBA

Registration for summer and school year classes typically open to the public online during the third week of February.

Virtual Preschool options are available for the 2021 Summer and 2021-2022 Preschool Year. For more information on these options, visit Virtual Preschool.

To register your preschooler, or for more information, visit Community Arts Preschool, call (925) 943-5846, or email info@communityarts.org.

How do I withdraw my preschooler from Center for Community Arts Preschool, and can I receive a refund?

Is a payment plan available for Center for Community Arts Preschool registration?

Are scholarships or financial aid available for Center for Community Arts Preschool registration?

Is Center for Community Arts Preschool offering virtual classes?

Yes, the Center for Community Arts Preschool has designed a virtual preschool option for families that feel most comfortable with a distance learning option while being able to keep connected with our preschool community. Children will have the opportunity to connect with their teacher and peers through their virtual class spaces and engage in hands-on activities and projects at home with the guidance of their families.

For more information, visit the Center for Community Arts, or contact the Center for Community Arts by at (925) 943-5846 or info@communityarts.org.

Senior Services

Where can I find information on Senior Services, such as legal aid and Medicare assistance?

When are hot meals served at CC Cafe?

Is there a Senior Hotline I can call for help and information?

How do I participate in the Senior Transportation Program?

The Walnut Creek Recreation Transportation program serves seniors and adults with disabilities and health conditions. Use any of our service options to schedule rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, activities, and more.

This program is best suited for those who are comfortable entering and exiting vehicles, including SUVs and vans, without assistance. And, although it is not required, it is recommended that passengers have a smart phone with text messaging capabilities to receive updates on their ride.

Visit the Transportation Program for the latest information, or contact us at (925) 295-1490 or artsrec@walnut-creek.org.

How do I schedule a ride with the Senior Transportation Program?

Do you offer online social events for seniors?

What is the Walnut Creek Seniors club and how do I sign up?

Founded in 1952, the Walnut Creek Seniors Club is a 501(c) organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors in Walnut Creek. Call (925) 943-5852, or email cpcc@walnut-creek.org for information.

You do not need to be a part of the Walnut Creek Seniors Club to register for Walnut Creek Recreation Classes such as Tai Chi, Gentle Exercise, Bridge, Spanish and more.

The club is open to people 50 years old or better, living in the Walnut Creek area. Membership benefits include access to local and international trips; a senior softball league; seminars on such subjects as fraud prevention and housing; great prices on special events; free social services and a variety of drop-in activities. The Walnut Creek Seniors Club regularly schedules trips, games, and parties. Members receive a monthly newsletter that lists all the Club activities and services.

Visit the Walnut Creek Seniors Club for the latest information and to sign up, or contact the Walnut Creek Senior Club at (925) 943-5852 or cpcc@walnut-creek.org.

Sports

What After School Sports are available, and how do I register my child?

What drop in Sports are available, and how do I register my child?

How can I find out the condition of a specific Walnut Creek Sports Field?

Where can I find information on Boundary Oak Golf Course tee times and tournaments?

Where can I find information on Walnut Creek Tennis Center and booking tennis or pickleball courts?

Visual Arts

Bedford Gallery and Public Art

Is Bedford Gallery open and how do I purchase tickets?

What is currently showing at Bedford Gallery?

Does the Bedford Gallery have virtual programs?

Are pets allowed in Bedford Gallery?

Does Bedford Gallery offer group tours?

Are Public Art Tours available?

Yes, Bedford Gallery offers self-guided audio tours of Walnut Creek’s public art collection here. You can also view an interactive map of all Public Art in Walnut Creek.

Bedford Gallery also offers one-hour docent-led walking tours of Walnut Creek's wonderful downtown public art collection every third Saturday, June through September. Bedford Gallery Docents are trained by public art specialists and can offer information and insight appropriate for all ages. Tours start at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Lesher Center for the Arts on the Rudney Plaza. Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Tours are approximately one hour.

For additional information, including tour dates, routes, and admission costs, please visit Public Art Tours You may also contact Bedford Gallery at (925) 295-1417 or galleryinfo@bedfordgallery.org.