This review is for Hailey, one of the swim instructors. My son started swimming with her about a year and half ago. She really improved his strokes and taught him various things such as a flip turn, two hand touch in butterfly and breaststroke, diving, corrected his breaststroke kick and his butterfly kick. She is excellent with technique! My son was able to join a summer team last year and this year. He knows all 4 strokes now and has become a really good swimmer, and he just turned 8! I highly recommend her! read more

What a waste of a lovely pool. We were told off for: 1 doing somersaults off the diving board, 2 bouncing more than once on the diving board, 3 standing halfway up the water slide steps before one of my sons had excited the buoy enclosure in the water, 4 one child looking unhappy 5 trying to hold breath underwater, 6 Kids swimming underneath each other, 7 me not physically holding onto my son who is learning to swim when he was half a yard away, 8 walking fast around the pool, 9 pushing up from bottom of pool taking a breath and going to bottom of pool again. All this and more for $40 dollars (3 kids and me). Waste of money, unfriendly, and will never return - what do they want kids to do in a pool - swim lengths in silence...??? read more

I started an after school program here and aerobics. I grew up in the Highlands, and love our little rec center. My whole family has worked here. I love our 4th of July's. I learned how to swim here. I had tennis lessons. I went to school here. Ect... It's a nice neighborhood to grow up in. I love small neighborhoods. read more

This a review of the lap swimming program. I've swam laps here for the last two years. Most things at this pool are pretty good. However, it's a busy pool with a limited number of laps, so the laps can become a bit crowded at peak hours. The biggest problem is they often close suddenly and don't post their closing on their website. I've driven to the pool five times in the last year to find it's closed. I typically call their office when it's open (on a weekday) to make sure the pool is open before I drive over. However, their office is closed on weekends. I've shared this complaint with the people in their office and have gotten no response. So I thought I'd start a list list here of all the times they've been closed and not announced it on their website: 2019.09.02 (Labor Day): They were supposed to be open from 10 am to 1 pm. I drive over at 10 am to find a sign saying the pool will be closed from Saturday to Monday due to a fecal incident. This information was not on their website. I'm sure more of these incidents will come soon.... read more

Love this pool. My son loves swim lessons here. The instructors keep him engaged, focused and excited to learn new skills. They push him to improve. The instructors fill in a form at the end of the sessions that let me know what skills he accomplished and which skills he still needs to work on. Lessons fill up fast, so sign up early. They are really accomodating if your child advances to the next level and you need to switch classes. Getting a pool membership is the way to go, we are rec swimming at least 3 days a week. My kids want to spend every day of the summer here. The water is warm even when it's windy. There are toys, floaty noodles & slide in the pool. I dissagree with Karen E.'s comments. The lifeguards and rules are not unreasonable to me. No public pool (or parent) should let kids run around the wet pool deck! In my experience, the lifeguards are very conscientious about the seriousness of watching the kids safety, but also considerate of the children's feelings. They usually say, "Sweetie walk, don't run". They don't intimidate the kids with their requests to follow rules. Only change I'd like to see is more rec swim hours in the afternoon in spring time. The lifeguards and staff are super nice and we are so lucky to have the Highlands pool and rec center in the neighborhood read more

I have relatives who live in the highlands and they use this rec. center all the time. It has a playground, a pool, and I believe a fitness center. The pool is a nice place to bring the kids for a swim (free for members, $5 for non-member residents, $10 for non-residents w/o a member, $3 for guests of a member). It can get a bit windy up there, so it is best to visit on a clear day. read more

REGARDING THE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: Highland Recreation cares for my child after school. Known as ASP (After School Program), they meet the children when school gets out at the school and walks them to the center. They have a wonderful staff of adults who are fun, caring and helpful to the broad age-range of children. They are not understaffed, which can be a problem at some after school program fascilities. HIghlands offer an afternoon snack, many activities throughout the day for the kiddies to pick and choose from, and a homework hour, where some of the staff help the students with their studies. If you put your child in a program at the HRD (for instance swim lessons or karate), the staff will get them ready, walk with them to the activity and meet them after. This program also offers a "Kid's Night Out" event every month which includes staying at the rec until 10pm, having a pizza dinner, a movie and other fun activities. read more

I was planning for my son's 2nd birthday a few months ago. We never booked a recreation center before. I found this on yelp. So I called and had a lot of questions. Jeff Schwartz was absolutely helpful with all my questions even mentioned I can take a look at the place. Melissa was there on the weekends. So my husband and I looked around. We decide to book the gym. Everything was smooth. I had my son party yesterday. Melissa been very accommodating to us and helpful. She checked up on us making sure if we needed anything. This place was definitely worth it. The management was extremely helpful. I wouldn't mind booking party here again in the future! read more

My 2 daughters going to the Rec after school program for 7 yeas now. Every summer, winter and spring break they are going to the seasonal camp. We all love the atmosphere there, the setting is perfect, a lot of activities and classes to choose from. As a working mom, I think that this place is great, my kids are always supervised, the younger daughter goes to the swimming and I don't need to drive her there during the day. The Rec stuff is very nice, and if I have some questions or concerns they always respond right away. I would recommend the place to all parents. read more

This is one of those all-too-rare gems that I just love. Good facilities, great staff (really!), reasonable fees (even for those of us not in the neighborhood), good classes, overall just a treat. My kids have done swim lessons, dance lessons, soccer, rock-climbing, and summer camps through Highlands and we've always had a great time. We're pool members now and enjoy swimming there year-around. My one request would be for more "rec swim time" at the pool. On Saturdays in the summer, how about an evening-swim option? Heck, add a BBQ and they could make a ton of money selling tri-tip. Maybe I'll offer to help set it up... read more

Nice wooden park with an abundance of space for any kid recreational activity.

This review is for their swimming lessons. Like many previous reviews state, the instructors keep changing from week to week. We decided to do the semi-private lessons with hopes for better focus and progress. However, each lesson starts back from square one, with my kids getting to know the teachers. Also, most of the teachers are young college kids and don't really seem to know how to handle young children. read more

We have come here for several activities with my kids; there are good things and bad things about my experiences here: SWIMMING LESSONS: 2 Stars Pros: Full-length pool, diving board, deep end, slide, inexpensive for monthly lessons Cons: Instructors change every session (4-5 weeks = session), no continuity of instructor for ongoing classes. Feels like you are starting 2 steps backwards each time you get a new instructor for them to figure out where kids are in their swim abilities and learning style. Notes: Good if your child knows how to swim already and is learning to swim distance, stroke techniques, diving in deep end. Not good if you have a beginner child. Instructors are not consistent and the small kids don't learn anything. TENNIS LESSONS: 3 Stars Pros: Cheap lessons, good for the first part of the summer when the regular kids' tennis instructor is around. He is consistent and responsible. Nice courts with viewing deck above with benches. Cons: Lead guy of the tennis program can't schedule substitute teachers and gives them the wrong times of the lessons. Several times (30% of time) during the summer, instructors just didn't show up for lessons. Or they were given the WRONG time to show up. Frustrating. Notes: We had several of our lessons missed because substitute teachers didn't show up or they showed up at the wrong time. The main kids' instructor who is available during the summer is great, but when he goes back to college, chaos ensues with replacement teachers and substitutes. Complained several times to Jeff, head of tennis program for no show teachers, and received refund for lessons. PARTY FACILITIES/PLAYGROUND: 4 stars Introduced to this facility through a birthday party at the rec center. The facilities were clean and the playground area is pretty big with lots of play structures. It's enclosed so you can let your little ones run around without fear of them leaving. A good space for a kids party. read more

My daughter started at the ASP at Highlands Rec since she was in Kindergarden. I't's been 2 years now. Before that we did attend swim lessons there. She also spent last summer in camp. Love the staff! They very flexible with days of attendance. Kids are taken to additional classes if you sign up. Free swimming twice a week during ASP. We love it. We recently had to take a break for a reason grandparents visiting from another country. The staff was Very understanding and my daughter misses it very much and can't wait to go back. I highly recommend to check it out. Definitely going back for weekly ASP and summer camp! Thanks to Mike, Brenda, Ashley, Colene, Michelle, Jon, Zack, Steve and Charley! read more

HIDDEN GEM!! In regards to the preschool program. My daughter first started off at junior adventure camp during the summer and now has started preschool at highlands recreation. I absolutely love this place!! The director and all the teachers are genuinely sweet and caring people. My daughter is always very happy there and always looks forward to going back. My daughter always comes home with a lot of different art and projects.. highly recommend this preschool!! read more

Bad news first: the lifeguards at Highlands are completely out of control. They are mostly college-aged young adults who enforce a very rigid set of requirements for the pool and diving area that are way beyond what one would reasonably expect. These rules are especially tough on families with young children. (What 3 year old is able to 'walk, not run' around a pool? Child of that age run everywhere!) More than one swim instructor has privately complained to me that the lifeguards need to be reigned in. One lifeguard recently yelled loudly at my 7 year old disabled son to 'swim faster' to the side of the diving area! Good news: the pool is domed in the winter so it's easier on the bystanders during the cold months. The groups for swim lessons are small and the instructors are quite good. My sense is that Highlands is run or at least heavily influenced by a local group of elderly people who regard the center as their own private club. The rules enforced by the lifeguards are reflective of an elderly mindset and it's pretty clear that familes and children are seethingly tolerated. Highlands recently brought in a new director, hopefully this person will talk to swim instructors, parents and families that frequent the center and come up with a more balanced set of rules - they should start by talking to their counterparts at other nearby pools and community centers. In the meantime, I suggest you look at the nearby BAC, PAC, PJCC or local country club if you can afford it. The Highlands pool just isn't worth the hassle. read more

My older daughter has been to a couple of swim schools in the area and has been taking a break for a year. I was looking for a week of swimming lessons for this last week of summer just to get her back into the water. Our usual place didn't have it available and someone recommended Highlands. I am a FAN!!! My girls slotted in to level 1 and 3 and I am very impressed with the teachers and the facilities. This was my little one's first time in swimming lessons and I thought the class was good. They don't have a step or seat like some schools and that's a bummer because my little one is too tiny to touch the ground. But she had a blast, giggles through out class and enjoyed her week. My older girl who had taken swim classes before slotted into level 3. Something about 4 days in a row compared to weekly classes really helped her progress. Her teacher Jackie was amazing. Just enough fun to keep the girls smiling but a good amount of pushing and strong direction to make them great swimmers. She focused on technique, explained things well and I thought she was excellent. I don't know if this is typical, but both classes had teen helpers. At most times, all kids were moving at the same time for level 3. A lot less waiting around than we are used to. They have 5 showers (in the womens bathroom) and parents have chairs to sit in the sun or shade to watch the kids in class. The parking lot is on the smaller side and I imagine on busy days it is hard to find parking. There is a playground with picnic benches that's a great place after class to hang out at. We would see tennis classes going on at the tennis courts as well. We will definitely be back. This was a great find! read more

I live in the Highlands and absolutely love our neighborhood treasure that is supported by the Highlands Recreation District. There are wonderful facilities: a great playground, beautiful tennis courts, amazing childcare center, great after school program, gym, huge pool, and picnic tables. It is a gem that makes the neighborhood so incredibly special. As a parent with young kids, we couldn't be any luckier to have this amazing place so close by. We just love it! Here is my experience in more detail about the fabulous daycare/preschool facilities: http://www.yelp.com/biz/highlands-early-education-center-san-mateo?hrid=U4UbgmjaQGqIABQlE5EjjQ To be completely honest, I do have a few beefs with Rec: the gym needs a bit of a face lift (which is supposed to happen soon!), the workout room is small and equipment outdated, and during recreation swimming all of the kids have to get out of the pool for 15 minutes every hour while the adults can stay in (personally I think this is completely ridiculous and have called to complain). read more

REGARDING THE FITNESS CENTER: HRC advertises that the fitness center is open at 6:00 am. What they don't tell you is that the lifeguard is in charge of opening the fitness center door and the first person to use the fitness center in the morning needs to find the life guard to open the door. I was told the lifeguard gets there at 6:15 am. Knowing that would have prevented my dissapointment this morning, when I finally decided to follow my doc's advice to get some excercise. I arrived at 6:30 and found all of the doors locked. I waited until almost 7:00 and was very disappointed that I couldn't get in. It would be nice if there were a sign on the fitness center door saying to go to the pool to get the door opened. I could have maintained my motivation. Priscilla S read more

We live in the Highlands neighborhood and use the rec often. The playground is great for younger children, and now that the kids are older, we use the tennis courts, basketball court and pool often. The Highlands Dolphins swim team is fantastic thanks to the coach, Zach. He encourages the kids to improve their swimming and to participate in swim meets, and the kids really enjoy swim practice. Zach has developed a strong team with swimmers who encourage and cheer for each other. He has high expectations and at the same time is patient and kind to the swimmers. There is a waiting list for the swim team but it's worth the wait. read more

My son is taking swimming lessons here and I am very pleased so far. The instructors are attentive and engaging. Looking forward to trying the swim team. read more

Our older daughters attended the Rec ASP (After School Program) and summer camps for 6+ years. Now our youngest is in her 5th year. So many activities, so many caring people. I love that the kids stay active. Homework hour is also a blessing as it opens up our evenings for family time. read more

avoid taking swimming lessons while there is rec swimming ! rec swimmers (moms w kids) come and go as they please where they hold lessons, it is very distracting and in my opinion not safe for the little ones who are with instructors at a 4:1 ratio. If lesson time overlap recreational swimming, the least they can do is have the lessons in a reserved area. otherwise, the pool is domed in the winter months, so you can actually swim in an outdoor pool all year round. Per visit fees can get expensive if you don't live in the neighborhood. read more

My sons have been to both the after school program and some weeks of summer camp. What I most like about the Rec is the counseling staff. They are young, energetic and really seem to like kids. EVERY time I picked them up, the counselors are playing tag or baseball or soccer or chase. I have never seen them on their phones and rarely sitting down. They all know all the kids and are very friendly to the parents. To an outsider it may seem as if it's a "free for all", but there is indeed organization and accountability. I like that there is an element of letting kids be kids to run and play or read their book if they choose; they don't try to force activities. The setting among the trees and wooden structures of the Highlands gives it a relaxed, old-fashioned camp feel which I like. read more

My son really enjoys going to the Rec after school! I think he looks forward to their Kids Nite Out more than his mother and I do. The fact that they are so closely in tune with the local elementary school just makes it a perfect solution for families that have their kids enrolled there. The staff is really friendly and they seem to have activities going all the time, which is perfect for our son. Also, the homework hour is a great way to let him get a jump on things and gives him more time with mom and dad and home that isn't focused on work, which is awesome. Bottom line, we love the Rec. read more

My sons have attended the After School Program throughout their elementary school years and it's been wonderful. The staff is always friendly and attentive. The kids have time and space for unstructured or structured play and a place and time to work on homework. I have felt very confident that when I'm at work, my boys have been safe and well cared for. read more

We had a surprise birthday party inside the gym for our daughter. Just wanted to say that Jeff and he's staff are very nice to work with, Jeff makes you feel comfortable and works with what you need. My daughter had an amazing time and was surprised, my family also enjoyed the area. I recommend renting out there facilities for any event. read more

This place is soooooo horrible that I'm actually writing a review. I have never done this even when thinking I should, that's how bad it is! First off the staff is incredibly unprofessional. I hate to think what they are doing when no parents are around. The administrative staff, specifically Ms. Shearer, take no accountability for their staff or mistakes. I find that the adults here lack life skills and respect, things we are all trying to teach our children. A total disappointment. Yes, the after school program picks up the kids and walk them down to the rec. Convenient, yes. Safe, questionable. I am on staff at Highlands and see the ASP group everyday. The childcare at the rec is a no, no! Your told one thing and then they do something else. It's all smoke and mirrors, don't be tricked. In fact the program is very expensive and according to current administration you should place your child on the wait list 2 years in advance of admission. Ridiculous! Really good preschools don't even have a wait list comparable to that. I assure you there is nothing that makes this place special or even worth your time. Spare yourself and child some pain. I recommend Bunker Hill Nursery School to anyone needing care in the Highlands area. read more

The swimming instructor work here are are very very unprofessional. Like some other peoples says.. they are college level. Bad communication. Never go there again. Please whoever wants to book some private lesson. The teacher blame on me for not confirming with her by email for my son's lesson time. Gosh. She never email me for that. She always Text message me for confirmation. She never email from the beginning. and now she forgot she have swimming lesson with my son. then try to make a excuse for herself that i didn't answer her. What's wrong with her? And when she want to cancel the class.. she will tells me 2 hrs prior the swimming lesson. Will Never go with them. read more

This is a wonderful facility offering many activities for people who live in the area. We are visiting grandparents and love the opportunity to use the park area for play and picnics. There is a great child care facility that have great teachers. They are very caring and you aren't worried about leaving your kids with them. The Rec District also put on events throughout the year which gives the area a small town feel. If you are looking to move I would check out the area but the houses don't come up very often and when they do they are snapped up. Be sure and check out the child care facilities if you are in the market, you won't be disappointed. read more

My 2 girls have taken group swim & tennis lessons and done summer camp and the after-school program (ASP) at "the Rec" for several years. They love it! The pool is outdoors and it can be a bit windy at times, but for the price and 4-to-1 ratio, their swim lessons are a great value. They also have a Kids Night Out on one Friday night a month: dinner and a movie for the kids, a few hours off for the parents, very reasonably priced. The staff for the ASP and camps is wonderful - young, energetic people who are very interactive with the kids. My girls have only had great things to say about their experiences at Highlands Rec. read more

I moved my child from another school in San Mateo so that he could attend the Rec Center's ASP (after school program). They are fully staffed with energenic leaders who interact with the kids and guide them in activities, such as sports and crafts. The other after school program my child was at was understaffed and expected the kids to fend for themselves when they had issues with other kids. I see the staff at Highland ASP helping the children to learn how to communicate with one another and to have consequences for their own behavior that they can learn from. The ASP is a dream come true for working parents and kids, espcially high energy children. read more