The Recreation and Community Services Departments of your local community maintain athletic facilities and offer instruction in a wide variety of sports (tennis, sailing, windsurfing, swimming), and other activities. Other communities offer similar programs. Ask for a schedule or an “Activity Guide” at your local library, community or civic center, or contact the appropriate office:

City of Los Altos Recreation Department
97 Hillview Ave. (947-2790)
Burgess Recreation Center (Menlo Park)
701 Laurel St. (330-2200)
Mountain View Community Center
201 S. Rengstorff Ave. (903-6331)
Palo Alto Department of Community Services
1305 Middlefield Rd. (463-4900)
Redwood City Parks & Recreation Department
1400 Roosevelt Ave. (780-7250)
Sunnyvale Community Center
550 E. Remington Dr. (408-730-7341)

Palo Alto Art Center (329-2366), 1313 Newell Road at Embarcadero Road, hosts art exhibits and visual arts, presents lectures, holds theater performances, and has facilities for instruction in dance, theater, music, arts and crafts. Open studio programs are available for a nominal fee in painting, life drawing, jewellery and enameling. There are also opportunities for volunteer work. Closed on Monday.

The YMCA (856-9622) has five locations in the mid-peninsula including 3412 Ross Road Palo Alto which has programs in health and physical fitness for adults and children. Adult programs include fitness programs, a pool and exercise room for men and women. Child care available for classes. Call for a schedule of classes and the membership fee.

Pacific Art League of Palo Alto (321-3891) at 227 Forest Avenue, offers classes and workshops in a variety of art forms -- drawing, painting, print making and sculpture -- and maintains a gallery.

The Jewish Community Center (223-8700), 3921 Fabian Way, offers a variety of programs, trips, lectures and classes (art, fitness, sports) for both adults and children of any religious background.

Community School of Music and the Arts (917-6800), offers private lessons and classes in music and the visual arts for children and adults.

The Stanford Aerobics and Yoga (SAY) program offers a wide array of classes to accomodate a variety of participant levels.

Several student groups offer programs available to nonstudents. Visit Office of Student Activities for links. See the Stanford Athletics Wellness page for the current schedule and activities available on campus athletic sites and facilities such as Roble Gym, Avery Aquatic, Arrillaga and Ford Sports Centers.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, The Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District (691-1200) offers weekly hikes and maps of trails. The Society of Outdoor Cardinals also organizes hikes and outings in the area.

Visit the California State Parks site for maps.

Adult Education Programs of local schools offer daytime and evening classes in English, foreign languages, fine arts and crafts (ceramics, painting, tailoring), music, typing, keyboarding and computer courses (IBM and Macintosh). Contact the Adult School nearest your home. English classes are also available in Escondido Village thru the Palo Alto Adult School.

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