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The Arts + Rec Department manages a diverse range of programs and facilities, including Aquatics, Bedford Gallery, Boundary Oak Golf Course, Center for Community Arts, Center Repertory Company, Lesher Center for the Arts, the Public Art Program, Recreation Services, and Social Services for seniors and individuals with physical and developmental disabilities.

These programs position Walnut Creek as a premier regional destination, fostering arts appreciation, personal growth, community connection, and volunteerism, while also promoting fitness, wellness, and enhancing the City’s economic vitality.

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Aquatics

The Aquatics Program operates and maintains the Clarke and Larkey Aquatics Centers, which host hundreds of thousands of visitors annually for programs that include recreational swimming, lap swimming, swim lessons, water exercise, and lifeguard training.

A new Aquatic and Community Center at Heather Farm Park will replace the existing facilities which were built in the 1960s. The proposed project will occupy the site where the existing Heather Farm Park Community Center is located. The project is being funded primarily by the Walnut Creek voter-approved Measure O, a ten-year, half-cent sales tax measure.

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Bedford Gallery

Bedford Gallery, located in the Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Drive), exhibits the work of historic, modern and contemporary artists. The Gallery is dedicated to providing the public with opportunities to learn about visual arts through public programs that are varied, accessible, challenging and educational. Among many programs offered at the Gallery, youth tours welcome over 2,000 children each year from school groups (grades K-12), scout troops, camps, clubs and other youth groups.

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Boundary Oak Golf Course

Center for Community Arts

For more than 60 years, the City of Walnut Creek's Center for Community Arts (formerly Civic Arts Education) program has been the regional center of arts learning. The division brings high-quality visual and performing arts instruction and educational experiences to participants of all ages. Courses stimulate creative thought and encourage self-expression, and are offered at two locations: the Shadelands Art Center at 111 N. Wiget, and downtown at Civic Park at 1313 Civic Drive.

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Center Repertory Company

Center Repertory Company is the resident, professional theatre company of the Lesher Center for the Arts. This multiple award-winning company produces 6-8 productions each year from September through June – a variety of classic and contemporary musicals, dramas and comedies. In addition, Center REP runs the Young REP Theatre Workshop, an intensive 6-week training program for youth taught by professional theatre practitioners. Center REP is recognized as one the finest mid-sized professional theatres in the Bay Area.

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Lesher Center for the Arts

For more than 25 years, the Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Drive) has engaged the community with annual presentations of drama, dance, theater, music, newsmakers and comedy. The Center includes the 800-seat Hofmann Theatre, the 300-seat Margaret Lesher Theatre and the 130-seat Vukasin Theatre. The Center is also home to the City’s own professional Center Repertory Company and many other local performance groups.

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Public Art Program

Recreation & Social Services

Recreation Services provides a variety of recreation programs and classes for pre-school ages to active adults, including personal enrichment, dance and movement, science and nature, sports, fashion and beauty, and food and cooking. The division also enriches the lives of seniors and physically and developmentally disabled youth and adults by providing relevant and stimulating programs and services.

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VISION: To be the leader in providing creative experiences that bring people together.

MISSION: Impact lives in an inclusive, fun, and innovative environment.

VALUES: High Quality & Excellence; Exceptional Customer Experience; Collaboration; Innovation; Fun

EQUITY STATEMENT: At Walnut Creek Arts + Rec, we recognize that implicit and explicit disparities exist due to historical and systemic barriers to equality. We believe we can support a more equitable community by uniting people through shared experiences. We aspire to intentionally learn, create, and grow together with our community. We strive to foster a diverse and reflective staff that propels our efforts toward accessible, inclusive, and culturally meaningful arts and recreation experiences.

The nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $36.1 million industry in Walnut Creek!

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Join Walnut Creek Arts + Rec!

We’re looking for enthusiastic, creative, and community oriented people to join our team. Flexible schedules, night and weekend shifts available. Apply today for available positions!