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.

COVID-19 Programming Participation Guidelines

Our top priority remains the safety, health and well-being of all participants, staff and the Austin Community. Please continue to remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to ensure you and your family remain healthy and are reducing the risk of illness across the Parks and Recreation Department and at home. We are grateful for your participation in our programs and services. For more information on the symptoms of COVID-19 and resources to keep you safe, please visit COVID-19 in Austin | AustinTexas.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC.

To view our current modified guidelines and procedures visit the Forms and Documents page.

Programs and Information

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Open Play

The gymnasium, dance studio, cardio room, and weight room are back open for public use. For availability, please give us a call at (512)-978-2370.
Gymnasium: Open-Play Schedule (PDF)
Badminton: Click the "Online Registration" button below to reserve your spot and see the dates for Open-Play Badminton. Maximum of 30 participants allowed.