Cubberley Project Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cubberley Community Center Conversation?

Residents have told us how important the Community Center and the services it provides are to them, in response the City has launched The Community Center Conversation – a community-wide conversation, to identify community priorities for the future of Palo Alto’s Cubberley Community Center.

September 17, Cubberley Meeting 3, Program Organization, Circulation, & Greenspace

What is the history of the Cubberley Property?

The Cubberley Community Center is 69 years old and has been the heart of our community for generations – first as a school, then as a city-run community center. The center has been heavily used over the years, providing a space for gatherings, events, and low-to-no-cost activities that have brought us together as a community. As the buildings age and our community changes, the city is looking for the community to share their priorities for its future.

What is the condition of our current Community Center?

At 69 years old, the Community Center requires extensive repairs to meet modern-day earthquake, fire safety and accessibility standards. Many buildings have been used well beyond their useful life. Without repairs and renovations, the community may not be able to use the facility in the near future.

What specific needs does the community center aim to address?

The City Council recently developed a vision for the Cubberley Community Center, that answers your question and offers a look ahead at the future potential for this unique space-

“A vibrant and beloved destination with activities, amenities, and offerings that promote learning, joy, and wellbeing where all cultures and generations belong.”

As background, today the Cubberley Community Center provides recreation and educational programs, and cultural experiences through leasing affordable and accessible space to local nonprofits, artists, and businesses and hourly rentals as well. At the end of its useful life, following the master planning effort underway and upon voter approval to acquire and develop an additional 7 acres of land at Cubberley from the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD), this provides an incredible opportunity for the City to reimagine a community hub for all with year round recreational, educational, art and cultural programming, community resiliency and public safety support and activities.

What is the city doing about this?

The City and the School District have reached a tentative agreement to purchase seven acres of property on and around the center, upon passage of a voter approved tax or bond measure. Because the district cannot update any facilities not directly related to K-12 education, the city will renovate and restore the community center property. This includes providing an earthquake-safe space for community to gather during emergencies as well as continuing to provide the low-and -no-cost senior and youth programs on which our community relies.

Who are the key stakeholders involved in the early discussions about the community center?

The whole community are stakeholders in our master planning effort, and everyone is encouraged to join the conversation to reimagine the future of this important community space. This new effort is an extension of the community’s work in 2019, to develop creative solutions and problem-solve. Ultimately, Palo Alto voters will be asked to consider a General Obligation bond to fund acquisition and develop a reimagined Cubberley hub co-designed through the effort underway now to reconfirm the vision of the new community center.

How do you envision collaboration with community organizations or local leaders in shaping the project?

Community collaboration is at the heart of our co-design process that includes everyone, from our community organizations and local leaders, to residents, tenants and renters consisting of local artists, non-profit groups and more. Co-design meetings are planned to ensure an inclusive process, and we are planning other engagement opportunities throughout the process.

Bookmark the project page set up to share milestones and ways to engage in this effort at https://www.paloalto.gov/CubberleyProject

What makes this new effort different than the 2019 effort to reimaging Cubberley?

The unique difference with today’s reimagined effort is that there is alignment on a successful path forward, noting an agreement between the City and PAUSD outlines steps where the City will purchase 7 acres of the PAUSD-owned Cubberley site, combined with its existing 8 acres for a new community center. Upon voter approval of a General Obligation Bond to fund acquisition and development of the Cubberley site in November 2026, the City will purchase the 7 acres from PAUSD (including the area currently developed with permanent buildings). The master planning effort will ensure everyone has input on the vision for the Cubberley community center.

How do you envision the Cubberley Community Center evolving over time to meet changing community needs?

We envision the center evolving to adapt to changing community needs by creating flexibility in the design. With community input as the foundation of our work, we believe this will support relevant, inclusive, and responsive spaces, and planning that prioritizes key features now while allowing for future enhancements as needs change and resources evolve.

How can I share feedback?

We want to hear from you! Share online feedback below and plan to attend upcoming community meetings!

June 12 - Cubberley Meeting 2, Three Concepts Presented

September 17, Cubberley Meeting 3, Program Organization, Circulation, & Greenspace

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