The building is temporarily covered by a vinyl banner that announces the name change, with capitalized letters reading the “NEW Citrus Heights EVENT Center.” Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights Community Center at 6300 Fountain Square Drive officially has a new name.

The original bronze lettering on a curved retaining wall outside of the building is temporarily covered by a vinyl banner, which announces the name change, with capitalized letters reading the “NEW Citrus Heights EVENT Center.”

A comprehensive new marketing plan for the facility is set to start during the first quarter of 2025, according to Citrus Heights communications officer Marisa Brown.

“The name change to ‘Citrus Heights Events Center’ better reflects the facility’s multi-purpose role as a regionally recognized venue for various events,” Brown said.

Visitors are greeted at the main plaza entrance, which is surrounded by tall palm trees near a bubbling water fountain dedicated to the city by Jean and Jack Duncan.  

The former Citrus Heights Community Center was officially dedicated to city residents on Jan. 23, 2010, by then Mayor Dr. Jayna Karpinski-Costa, Vice-Mayor Jeannie Bruins, and council members Steve Miller, James Shelby and Jeffrey Slowey. Henry Tingle was then city manager.

Another large black commemorative plaque dedicated on April 20, 2012 recognizes the “hundreds of volunteers, past present and future whose devotion and commitment to the city of Citrus Heights has made a difference.”

City officials hope that rebranding and enhanced marketing of the former Community Center starting in 2025 will show measurable results both in utilization and increased rental revenue.

“This branding also supports our city marketing efforts to enhance utilization and attract more opportunities,” Brown said.

The 29,173-square-foot facility, located across from the Citrus Heights Police Department and south of City Hall, has meeting and entertainment space to accommodate up to 966 people. 

The building also features a high-tech audio-visual system, a first-class commercial catering kitchen which can accommodate two separate events simultaneously and patio and barbecue areas, according to a current city marketing brochure. 

Inside, its 11,000-square-foot Community Hall can be separated into three different sections (A, B and C) or rented in full to accommodate large events. Banquet seating in the Community Hall can range from 150 to 700, depending on available resources.

The facility also houses the Citrus Heights Senior Center in a semi-self-contained area that is set aside for social gatherings and features its own indoor and outdoor fireplace and trellised patio area.

“While many ‘community centers’ traditionally focus on offering recreational activities and classes, our center does not now specifically serve that function,” Brown said. “Instead, we as a city have historically deferred to Sunrise Recreation and Park District (SRPD), which specializes in providing these activities for our residents.”

According to Brown, the Citrus Heights Event Center rebranding will run throughout the year and include social media and website updates.

“Our team is planning an open house/ribbon-cutting event to showcase the venue at a yet to be determined date,” Brown said.

For current facility rental and pricing information, email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 916-727-5400. Appointments are required to view the facility during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.