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Facility Rentals
   

Facility Rentals at the Washington Park Arboretum

 

General Information

The Graham Visitors Center, which is located on the north end of the Arboretum, not only serves to welcome the public, but also offers rental spaces that are available for meetings, classes, conferences, exhibitions, weddings, and other social gatherings.  Nestled within 230 acres of beautifully maintained collections and in close proximity to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington, the Graham Visitors Center is an ideal setting for any type of event.

Graham Visitors Center, WPA

Facilities & Services

There are two spaces available for rent at the Graham Visitors Center:
           

  • Large Meeting Room and adjacent Patio (capacity 100-150)
  • Small Conference Room (capacity 10)

For evening and weekend events, we have an on-site Event Staff Assistant that is responsible for set-up/breakdown (GVC-owned tables and chairs only), vacuuming, and garbage/recycling disposal.  They also provide assistance for any facility-related issues including AV equipment troubleshooting and security.   

 

GVC Large Conference Room, WPAThe Large Meeting Room is 26’ x 42’ (approximately 1,092 sq. ft.) and has a capacity of 95 standing or 75 – 80 seated.  Capacity is significantly increased with usage of the adjacent Patio; however, inclement weather would require tenting to accommodate additional guests since the Patio is open-air.

 

 

Rental of the Large Meeting Room includes:

  • 14 rectangular  tables (6’ x 2.5’)
  • 80 chairs
  • Projector screen
  • Kitchen:  oven, two burners, refrigerator (no freezer), dishwasher, and restaurant-style coffee machine
  • Garbage and recycling receptacles (including plastic liners)
  • Cleaning supplies and rags
  • Ethernet connection
  • Podium with built-in microphone

 

We also have available for rent:

  • LCD Projector
  • Laptop
  • Slide Projector
  • TV Monitor and VCR

 

Renters are responsible for supplying everything else: tents for the Patio, silverware/plates/cups, coffee filters, tablecloths, and any additional furniture.   

 

GVC Small Conference Room, WPAThe Small Conference Room is 10’ x 15’ (150 sq. ft.) and seats a maximum of 12 people.  A round conference table accommodates seating for 8 and a telephone is available for use.  This space is ideal for small meetings or it can be rented with the Large Meeting Room to provide additional space that is private from the rest of the event space (ex. wedding changing room, etc.). 

 

 

Usage Restrictions

  • Event ending time:  Premises must be vacated by 11 p.m. on weekdays and by midnight on weekends.
  • Alcohol:  Renters may serve alcohol only with a permit from the office of the Superintendant of Parks (City of Seattle).  This is a simple process and we can advise you on the procedures for obtaining this permit.  Most caterers are also familiar with this process. 
  • Parking:  The public is allowed to park in any designated parking area throughout the Washington Park Arboretum, including the Graham Visitors Center parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis.

GVC East Entry Patio

Rental Fees

All rental fees are quoted per event and are determined primarily by the type and length of event.

A partial payment deposit in the amount of 25% of the total rental fee is required to finalize confirmation of your requested reservation date.
 
The remaining 75% of the rental fee and a $250 refundable damage deposit is due 14 days prior to the day of the reserved date.    

Cancellation policy: 

  • The 25% partial payment deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made more than 60 days prior to the reserved date. 
  • The partial payment deposit is 50% refundable if cancellation is made 31-60 days prior to the reserved date.
  • Cancellations 30 days or less prior to the reserved date are non-refundable. 
  • All cancellations are subject to a $25 cancellation processing fee.  

Reservation Process

All reservations for the Graham Visitors Center are made through the UWBG Rental Program Office, which is located at the Center for Urban Horticulture near University Village. 

  1. Call or email the Rental Program Office to inquire about date availability.  Our phone number is (206) 221-2500 and our email is uwbgfac@u.washington.edu.    
  1. Submit a GVC Room Reservation Request Form to the Rental Program Office via mail or fax. 
  1. Once your reservation is approved, you will receive a written confirmation/invoice of your reservation.  We must receive the 25% partial payment deposit 14 days after your confirmation/invoice is sent to continue reserving your space.
  1. The remainder of your quoted rental fee and $250 damage deposit is due 14 days prior to the beginning of your reserved date.
  1. In the case of last minute bookings (if space is available), full payment is due at least one business day before the start of your event.    

At any time during the reservation process, please feel free to call or email us should you have any questions. 

Forms & Additional Rental Information

Please contact the UWBG Rental Program Office at (206) 221 – 2500 for reservation information.  To schedule a tour of rental spaces at the Graham Visitors Center, please call (206) 616-3994.   

Room Reservation Request Form (PDF)
General Regulations at GVC (PDF)
GVC Rental Space Directions & Details (PDF)  
Map


Rental Information for the Union Bay Garden/Center for Urban Horticulture

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