Austin Recreation Center
The Austin Recreation Center offers year round activities, events, classes, and rental opportunities for youth and adults. Programs include youth karate, The Austin Philosophy Discussion Group (APDG), Austin Shotokan Karate, open-play badminton, Chen-style Tai Chi (Taijiquan), Jazzercise, the Weavers and Spinners Society of Austin, and volleyball leagues run through Capital City Athletics.
The center houses a 7000 sq. ft. gymnasium with six basketball goals and 2 lined volleyball courts. Other amenities include a 700 sq. ft dance studio with mirrors and bars, a kitchen/meeting space, an enrichment room, a weight room, and locker rooms.
The first organized recreation center in Austin was the privately owned Austin Athletic Club, built in 1923, by William T. Caswell. In 1931. Mr. Caswell sold the club to the City of Austin for "a small remuneration". The name of the center was officially changed to the Austin Recreation Center in 1970. After substantial damage, due to the Memorial Day flood of 1981 that center was closed after the existing center was built and opened in 1986.
Programs and Information
Open Play
- Weight room and cardio rooms are open for public use during normal hours of operation.
- Gymnasium: Gym Schedule 03.08.26-03.21.2026 (PDF)
- Pickleball: Open Play Pickleball takes place in the gymnasium on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-12pm. Three indoor courts are available for all skill levels.
- Badminton: Open Play Badminton takes place in the gymnasium every Sunday from 2:15-3:45pm. Days and times subject to change without notice.
- Reservations: The gymnasium, dance studio, and multipurpose rooms are open for reservations only. For availability, please give us a call at (512)-978-2370 or email Cristina Maldonado at Cristina.maldonado@austintexas.gov. *Note: The gymnasium is reserved for Athletic events only.
Youth Programs
Adult & 50+ Programs
Forms
- User Guide and Rental Agreement (PDF)
- Participant Waiver - English (PDF)
- Participant Waiver - Spanish (PDF)
- For additional forms and documents, including the participant waiver in additional languages, please click the "Forms and Documents" button below.
Staff
- Site Supervisor: Vacant
- Recreation Coordinator: Cristina Maldonado
- Recreation Coordinator: Andrea Serenil
- Building and Grounds Assistant: Paul Nandin