Arrillaga Outdoor Education & Recreation Center operates as Stanford University’s premier recreational facility at 285 Santa Teresa Street in Stanford, California, providing 75,000 square feet of indoor recreation space exclusively for Stanford students, faculty, staff, and their guests. This comprehensive facility combines traditional fitness amenities with specialized outdoor education resources, serving the Stanford community through diverse recreational and wellness programming.
The recreation center houses three indoor basketball courts that accommodate both recreational play and organized leagues during designated hours. Court access follows youth and family policies, with specific hours allocated for different age groups and community members.
A state-of-the-art fitness center includes extensive cardio equipment with numerous treadmills, elliptical machines, stair climbers, rowing machines, and various cardiovascular options. Weight training facilities feature both free weights and machine equipment, though some community feedback notes limitations in smaller weight availability and cable machine handle selection.
Locker rooms provide changing facilities and storage, though visitors should bring personal locks as the facility offers enter-your-own-code locks that may occasionally malfunction. Shower facilities are available, though users should bring personal shower supplies and towels.
The facility’s climbing wall receives exceptional community praise for route setting quality and overall design, serving climbers of various skill levels. The climbing wall operates during specific hours with youth and family access designated for weekends during the academic year.
Classroom spaces support educational programming and group activities, while the Outdoor Education Center provides equipment rental services and outdoor program coordination.
A 50-meter outdoor pool operates seasonally with heated water year-round, providing lap swimming and recreational opportunities. The outdoor pool features modern filtration systems and wave reduction technology, creating optimal swimming conditions with scenic outdoor settings.
Avery Recreation Pool offers additional aquatic programming including Aqua Zumba classes and specialized swim instruction. Pool access follows specific scheduling with lifeguard supervision and family-friendly programming during designated hours.
Summer programming includes extended pool hours and special events like “Splashing through Summer” activities designed for various age groups and skill levels.
Group fitness programming includes yoga classes, Aqua Zumba sessions, and various structured exercise opportunities. Classes operate throughout the academic year with modified schedules during summer months and university breaks.
Personal training and specialized fitness instruction support individual wellness goals, though availability may be limited during peak usage periods.
The fitness center maintains professional-grade equipment though some limitations exist, including flat-edged weight plates that may restrict certain lifting techniques. Olympic lifting platforms are available, addressing previous equipment gaps noted by the weightlifting community.
Cardio equipment includes extensive options for various fitness preferences, though peak hour usage may require waiting periods for preferred machines.
Access is restricted to Stanford students, faculty, and staff with valid Stanford identification cards. Day passes are available for guests through Stanford personnel, with pricing around $10 per visit and multi-visit packages occasionally offered.
Youth and family access operates during specific hours, primarily weekends during the academic year, with expanded access during university breaks and summer months. Children under 18 require adult supervision and must follow designated access times.
During the academic year, the facility operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with weekend hours from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Summer hours typically reduce to 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends.
Climbing wall access varies by season, with limited hours during summer months and expanded availability during the academic year. Outdoor Center services operate with reduced hours during certain periods for maintenance and staffing considerations.
The Outdoor Education Center provides equipment rental for various outdoor activities, supporting Stanford community members in pursuing outdoor recreation and adventure programming. Rental services operate with specific hours and advance reservation requirements.
Outdoor education programming includes specialized instruction and group activities designed to promote outdoor skills and environmental awareness among university community members.
Community feedback consistently highlights the facility’s cleanliness, modern equipment, and comprehensive amenities. The climbing wall and outdoor pool receive particular praise for their quality and design.
Some concerns include temperature control issues in weight room areas, particularly during warmer months, and occasional equipment maintenance needs. Locker room cleanliness and air circulation receive mixed reviews from users.
The facility experiences high usage during typical workout hours, particularly early evening periods when equipment availability may be limited. Weekend access provides alternatives for those seeking less crowded exercise periods.
Parking availability varies with campus events and academic schedules, with multiple parking options including garages and surface lots requiring different permit types or visitor fees.
The Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center serves as a central hub for Stanford’s recreational programming, supporting student wellness, faculty fitness goals, and staff recreational needs. The facility’s comprehensive amenities and specialized features like the climbing wall and outdoor pool create unique recreational opportunities unavailable at typical fitness centers.
Integration with Stanford’s academic calendar ensures programming adapts to university rhythms while maintaining consistent access for the campus community throughout the year.
