Rates and rental policies/procedures are currently under review. Please contact samantha.richter@aguahedionda.org to receive the most up to date pricing. Please note that the pricing is not yet reflected on our webpage, and Samantha's communication is the accurate cost.

The AHLF Discovery Campus overlooks the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, a 400-acre estuary and wetland situated in Carlsbad, California. The Discovery Center is a 3,800 square foot building that features both indoor and outdoor facilities that may be rented as a whole or a la carte.

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The Discovery Campus has hosted a wide variety of events, including lectures, business meetings, anniversaries, birthday parties, gala dinners, book signings, yoga classes, fundraisers and more.

eco features

This intersection in Carlsbad is at the tip of the spear, the very vanguard of technology for clean water, drinking water, emission free energy and environmental stewardship, for not just Carlsbad but for our state and our nation." – Peder Norby, April 7, 2014

 

An 8.9 kW solar system installed in our parking lot and on the roof above the Executive Office provides the Discovery Campus with 45% of its electric needs!

 

The gutters and downspout connected to the roof of the Executive Office collects rainwater and spreads it across the patio pavers. Rain water seeps into the soil, sustaining the garden and helping protect the quality of Agua Hedionda Lagoon.

 

The Discovery Campus is a no Styrofoam zone and has receptacles for proper recycling sorting. 

 

In addition, it is surrounded with Native Landscaping which is drought tolerant and a low water use garden fueled by recycled water.

Gardens and Patios

All rooms in the Discovery Center open to patios and gardens. The patios weave around the building, creating cozy gathering spaces amongst +750 native plants.

 

Special Features: The gardens feature art, murals, informational placards, and more. Have a sharp eye? When you are wandering the gardens, look for all of our amazing Eagle Scout projects! ​

Nearby Lodging

The Discovery Campus is less than one mile from the renowned Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa and the Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa. If you need to block a set of rooms (minimum requirement is 10 rooms) a special discounted rate will be applied, determined by the date. *Rates subject to change and availability.

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Download PDF flyer, CLICK HERE.

spaces

The Discovery Campus can be rented as a whole, or a la cart. Below are the different rooms and outdoor areas to help you visualize your experience.

rotunda room

(max 45 seated, 100 standing)

  • The Rotunda Room, located in the heart of the Discovery Center, is a magnificent 624 square foot space (dimensions: 26 feet by 24 feet). This airy room features wood beam cathedral ceilings, a candelabra chandelier, and two sets of double doors that open to Newell's Terrace (back patio) and native gardens. The western doorway frames the lagoon at her most spectacular time of day – sunset!
  • The overall room color scheme consists of white and beige, allowing for both dressed up or dressed down décor. Perfect for any occasion.
  • Special Features: Touch tank. Fish tanks. Reptile enclosures. Educational Displays. Smart TV. Projector Screen. Tinted Windows. Optional Shade Blinds.

great room

(max 30 seated, 50 standing)

  • The Great Room is a 338 square foot open space (dimensions: 22.5 feet by 15 feet). The room features three sets of glass double doors, which open to Newell's Terrace (back patio), front sidewalk entrance and main building. The Great Room is decorated in white and beige and is carpeted. This room has been used for business meetings, birthday parties, lectures and educational opportunities. 
  • ​Special Features: Projector Screen. Optional Shade Blinds.
  • Lagoon Fact! Deer grass is one of the materials used by the Luiseño Indians to weave baskets.

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AHLF Kitchen

  • The Discovery Center has a small but fully functional kitchen. Appliances available in the kitchen include a glass-top four-burner stove, oven, microwave, dish washer, refrigerator/freezer, and stainless-steel double sink with a U-shaped faucet.
  • The kitchen features a glass door that opens onto the main patio and has been used as a food preparation and staging area for events.

Newell's Terrace (Back Patio)

  • The main terrace is a favorite setting to Wine, Dine, and Dance! The panoramic lagoon views make a gorgeous backdrop and captivating sunset. The terrace consists of three circular nodes of open space along the west side of the Discovery Campus. Couples enjoy exchanging their vows under the gazebo and then celebrating with their intimate friends. Click Here to view diagram for exact dimensions. 
  • Special Features: Market Lights are strung across the entire north portion of the patio for use and a twinkling atmosphere at night. A Succulent Living Wall frames one of the double door entrances to the Rotunda Room.

Nature Node #1

(max 35 seated, 60+ standing)

  • This paved outdoor space adjacent to our extended parking lot is a newer addition and perfect as an a la cart rental space, or cocktail gathering before the big event. 
  • Special Features: Shazeebo brand shade sails cover the entirety of this space with market lights strung across and views of the lagoon in the distance. Electricity Outlet in close proximity.

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Nature Nodes #2, #3 and #4

(max 12 seated, 25+ combo with seated/standing)

  • The outdoor educational spaces feature a variety of natural seating areas such as stones, wood benches and tree stumps. Each node is shaded and perfect for a small gathering of up to 12 people. 

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Maple's place pollinator garden

(max 20 seated, 35+ combo with seated/standing)

  • An outdoor space on the southernmost point of the building featuring a line of benches overlooking the lagoon and cleared space. This outdoor area is great for a cocktail before the big event, or a small gathering of up to 20 people. This area features a new exhibit – an observation “Bee-Aquarium”. 

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Mayor Matt Hall Hill

(max 25 seated, 40+ combo with seated/standing)

  • This outdoor space located directly below Newell’s Terrace provides 5 colorful picnic tables with umbrellas overlooking the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Adjacent to Sanders Turtle Pond, sitting amongst the native Coastal Sage Scrub habitat, this is great overflow space for your larger rental, or a-la-carte rental for kids activities or an informal meeting. 

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Our Preferred Vendors

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation has utilized these services and finds them to be highly valuable for any event. While you're not obligated to use these vendors, we highly recommend them due to their exceptional service and proven track record of serving AHLF events in the past. For further details regarding our Preferred Vendor guidelines, please reach out to Erin Hardin at erin.hardin@aguahedionda.org

RENTAL PRICING

*Due to Price Transparency Laws, prices must include the processing fee.

**Painters Tape is the only type of tape allowed to affix decor. $250 fine if anything else is used (glue dots, packing tape, duct tape etc.) 

Entire Discovery Campus Facility (Member Rate): 

  • After Hours rental $1,055.90 (if paying by check/zelle $1,000)
  • $264.35 per hour to close us down before 4pm (if paying by check/zelle $250)
  • $2639.00 flat rate for the entire day (8am – 10pm) (if paying by check/zelle $2500)
  • $897.59 if only wanting Bathrooms and Newell's Terrace (Back Patio) - No access to main rotunda room ($850 if paying by check/zelle)

Please note, we only rent one day out for the entire day each month, so we can continue to serve our guests. We also only allow two early closures at 2pm per month.

Purchase Discovery Membership

Entire Discovery Campus Facility (Non-Member Rate):

  • $369.89 per hour Non-Member Pricing ($350 per hour if paying by check/zelle)
  • Must purchase liability insurance and an ABC permit to serve alcoholic beverages.

Rick Grove

Wedding Officiant

A La Carte Options (During Open Hours Only)

Tables and Chairs Included (if available, you set up). 


Mayor Matt Hall Hill: 

  • $79.66 per hour 8am – 4pm ($75 per hour if paying by check/zelle)

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Great Room: 

  • $106.04 per hour 8am – 4pm ($100 per hour if paying by check/zelle)

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Nature Node #1: 

  • $79.66 per hour 8am – 4pm ($75 per hour if paying by check/zelle)

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Nature Nodes #2, #3 and #4: 

  • $53.02 per hour 8am – 4pm ($50 per hour if paying by check/zelle)

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Native Garden Circle

  • $53.02 per hour 8am – 4pm ($50 per hour if paying by check/zelle)

Includes: 

  • 10 5ft round tables (60 inches diameter x 29 inches height)
  • 2 4ft rectangular tables (48 inches length x 24 inches width x 29 inches height)
  • 5 6ft rectangular tables (72 inches length x 30 inches width x 29 inches height) 
  • Roll Away High Bar (77 inches length x 21 inches width x 33 inches height)
  • Back Bar (72 inches length x 18 inches width x 33 inches height)
  • 7 Circular Belly Bar Tables (32 inches diameter, 43 inches height) 
  • 60 white folding chairs 
  • Black Trash Can Covers 
  • Stage and Market Lights on Newell's Terrace (Back Patio) 
  • Smart TV Indoors 

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Additional Options: 

  • $300 Third Party Cleaning Team if paying by check/zelle ($317.12 if paying by credit card)
  • AHLF Team Member During Rental (pending availability): $55 per hour if paying by check/zelle ($58.04 if paying by credit card)
  • Rental of Exquisite Coffee Machine (includes cups, creamers and sugars): $132.43 if paying by check/zelle ($125 if paying by credit card)
  • Tier 1 - Set up AHLF tables and chairs: Up to 5 Round Tables, 3 Belly Bars, 30 Chairs (AHLF owned): $300 if paying by check/zelle ($317.12 if paying by credit card)
  • Tier 2 -Set up AHLF tables and chairs: Up to 10 Round Tables, 6 Belly Bars, 60 Chairs (AHLF owned) $425 if paying by check/zelle ($317.12 if paying by credit card)
  • Tier 3 - Set up of all AHLF owned Tables and Chairs and up to double the amount of third party vendor table and chairs, by an AHLF Team Member: $750 if paying by check/zelle ($792.05 if paying by credit card)
  • Décor Set-Up (Linens, Center Pieces, Various Items - requires detailed communication with AHLF on how you want items set-up): $528.20 ($500 if paying by check)
  • Move Exhibits in Rotunda Room and Great Room that are able to be moved (pending AHLF schedule/area space): $528.20 ($500 if paying by check)

wedding packages

Coastal Package: $3,250

  • Discovery Membership to AHLF (allows you not to have an ABC license, membership good for two years, and discount on second rental)
  • Facility Venue Space after 2pm (this includes any third-party vendors, décor etc.)
  • AHLF Set Up of our Tables and Chairs Only​ (all)
  • 10 - 5ft round tables (60 inches diameter x 29 inches height) - comfortably seats 8, tighter squeeze 10
  • 5 - 6ft Rectangular Tables (71 inches length x 29 inches width x 29 inches height) - comfortably seats 6, 8 tighter squeeze
  • 2 4ft rectangular tables (48 inches length x 24 inches width x 29 inches height) 
  • 6 - Circular Belly Bar Tables (32 inches diameter, 43 inches height
  • 1 - Rollaway Bar Table (77 inches length x 21 inches width x 33 inches height 
  • Back Bar (72 inches length x 18 inches width x 33 inches height)
  • 60 white folding chairs
  • 10 white padded chairs
  • Black Trash Can Covers
  • Market Lights on Newell's Terrace (back patio) and Nature Node #1
  • Stage on Newell's Terrace
  • Smart TV Indoors
  • Third Party Cleaning Team at end of night – coordination covered by AHLF
  • Team Member onsite during start of event for 2 hours to ensure smooth beginning.​​ (2pm - 4pm)


Add On’s: 

  • Closing the Facility down before 2pm: $250 per hour
  • Closing the Facility down from 8am – 2pm: $850 additional 
  • AHLF Setting Up Third-Party Vendor Items: $325 (this does not include linens, linens are in the décor package below at $500).
  • AHLF Team Member During Rental in addition to the included 2 hours (Pending availability, outside of coordinator if hired. Examples include animal interactions, bussers, general event help etc.): $55 per hour
  • Rental of Exquisite Coffee Machine (includes cups, creamers and sugars): $125
  • AHLF Setting-Up Décor: $500 (linens, centerpieces, signs, table numbers etc.)
  • AHLF Wedding Coordinator: $3000
  • We coordinate all pick-up and drop-off logistics with party rentals, equipment, entertainment, food & bar, help with design and layout of tables, and general logistics up to the event. 
  • Includes 5 walk-throughs onsite with coordinator.
  • Includes coordinator day of event to handle timing, logistics, support etc. 
  • Things coordinators need to know: all third party vendor details and contacts, wedding party details, music selections, toasts and order of events, etc.

Green Package: $6,000

  • Discovery Membership to AHLF (allows you not to have an ABC license, membership good for two years, and discount on second rental)
  • Facility Venue Space from 8am – midnight (this includes any third-party vendors, décor etc.) Event must end at 10pm, but you have until midnight to clear out.
  • AHLF Set Up of our Tables and Chairs​ 
  • AHLF Set-Up of Third Party Rental Tables and Chairs
  • 10 - 5ft round tables (60 inches diameter x 29 inches height) - comfortably seats 8, tighter squeeze 10
  • 5 - 6ft Rectangular Tables (71 inches length x 29 inches width x 29 inches height) - comfortably seats 6, 8 tighter squeeze
  • 2 - 4ft rectangular tables (48 inches length x 24 inches width x 29 inches height) 
  • 6 - Circular Belly Bar Tables (32 inches diameter, 43 inches height
  • 1 - Rollaway Bar Table (77 inches length x 21 inches width x 33 inches height)
  • Back Bar (72 inches length x 18 inches width x 33 inches height)
  • 60 white folding chairs
  • 10 white padded chairs
  • Black Trash Can Covers
  • Market Lights on Newell's Terrace (back patio) and Nature Node #1
  • Stage on Newell's Terrace
  • Smart TV Indoors
  • Third Party Cleaning Team at end of night
  • AHLF Decorates/puts table cloths on/centerpieces/glassware & plate ware set-up
  • Team Member onsite during event for 8 hours (assists with light clean-up, moving chairs and tables as desired, checking bathrooms, taking trash, and general support and logistics) 
  • Rental of Exquisite Coffee Machine (includes cups, creamers and sugars)
  • AHLF Wedding Coordinator
  • We coordinate all pick-up and drop-off logistics with party rentals, equipment, entertainment, food & bar, help with design and layout of tables, and general logistics up to the event. This is not deciding decor, or color schemes, purely logistics.
  • Includes 5 walk-throughs onsite with coordinator.
  • Includes coordinator day of event to handle timing, logistics, support etc. (8 hours)
  • Things coordinators need to know: all third party vendor details and contacts, wedding party details, music selections, toasts and order of events, etc. The coordinator does not offer suggestions, or ideas.

*If your wedding is over 100 guests, we require a wedding coordinator either with AHLF or a third party. 

*Wedding flower centerpieces cannot include invasive species such as pampas grass.

  • The Discovery Center is really a hidden gem in North County San Diego! I love bringing my child here to explore, play and learn. What I really love about the center is their awesome kids birthday parties! They have packages for different age levels and it’s really such a great party. The kids and parents all love it! You get a party host to help you run the party and there is plenty of time to explore and play with friends. The setting overlooks the back side of the lagoon which is perfect! I cannot recommend having a party here enough. What I love most is the money you pay to book the party goes back into nature! A win win for your child and the environment! This is the second party I’ve done at the center for my son and it’s been perfect every time. The parties are well organized. The party planner Samantha was communicative, accommodating and super helpful and our party host Isabella was great with the children and helped keep our activities going smoothly! 10/10 awesome kids party spot!

    I want to thank you and the staff at the AHLF for your support for our client appreciation event yesterday. It is truly a magical setting and our clients all just raved about the venue. In addition to our clients raving, my affiliate team was also very impressed and pleased to have such an amazing place to host our event.  I was especially delighted to see the latest investments you’ve made – the stage, the new canopy. It’s wonderful to know the money from our rental fee and membership goes back into the Discovery Center facility and grounds, the educational programs you offer to the children in our community, and of course to the animals. We appreciate your support and flexibility throughout our planning and through to the ending. Thank you!

    Ali Jackson

    Centennial Escrow - Account Executive

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    Good afternoon, Samantha, My family and I thank you and your staff for making Jim’s celebration of life at the discovery center so beautiful, so personal, and so filled with love. Everything turned out as perfectly as imagined. I received so many compliments about how lovely a celebration is was and how much they felt Jim’s presence there. My compliments to you and your wonderful staff for their help in making such a hard day and little brighter. Thank you again. Wishing you continued success and will recommend the AHLFDC to all for any event.

    Michele Wegman - April, 2023

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    Just wanted to thank you and your team for making Wednesday night a huge success! I have had such rave reviews on the setting and the fact that the sunset behind Encina. People enjoyed the venue so much. Thank you for all your guidance and commitment to making the evening flawless.

    Andrea Coghill

    NRG Energy

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    Thank you AHLF staff for everything. You were great and easy to work with. You helped make our whole party experience a pleasant one. Thanks also for the bottle of wine. You are great!!!

    Jose De Anda

    Carlsbad Education Foundation

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    Thank you so much for everything! I never thought that we could have such a magical evening as we had Friday night. We really appreciate the help and guidance throughout our journey with you. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity.

    Teanna Evans

    Sage Creek High School ASB Advisor

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    Thank you so much for allowing us to host our party here last night. You did such a wonderful job to get the place ready for us. We had a magnificent time... Thanks for all you do!

    Andy Roe

    Author at Book Signing Event

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DISCOVERY Campus RENTAL FAQ's

  • How much does it cost to rent the Discovery Campus?

    See rental pricing information above.

  • Do I get the entire Discovery Campus with the flat rate price?

    Yes

  • Can I just rent a room during open hours?

    Yes, see A-La-Carte options above. We cannot rent the Rotunda Room during our open hours. 

  • How long can I stay?

    The party must strictly end at 10pm. You can clean-up and tear down from 10pm - 11pm. Cleaning comes in at 11pm.


    Carlsbad has a noise ordinance of 10pm (all live music/DJ services  must end at 10pm). It is recommended that you call the Carlsbad Police non-emergency line ahead of time to let them know of your party: 760-931-2197.

  • Does AHLF have a kitchen?

    Yes, and it is available for you to use. We have some fridge space, no freezer space.

  • Can I bring in Alcohol?

    Yes. If you are a member, you may bring alcohol. If you are not a member, you must get an ABC license.

  • Can I bring in Catering?

    Yes. We do not allow any Styrofoam and CA Law requires compostable plates/cutlery. See our Preferred Vendor list to get the best recommendations!

  • Do you require certain Vendors?

    No. Just no Styrofoam. We do have recommendations based on vendors that have provided services before. Please inquire with your booking.

  • What is the lighting like outdoors?

    There are lights that automatically turn on the surrounding building at dusk and market lights strung across the back patio. 

  • Do you have heating and air conditioning?

    Inside, yes. We do not have outdoor heat lamps. You may rent them. No fire pits though (open flame).

  • Can I bring outside rental items in?

    Yes. The drop—off needs to occur at time of rental. Pick-up needs to occur before our opening hours the following day. We encourage you to use Ara’s Party Rentals, as they abide to the timeframes and know the center.

  • Can I bring in decorations and put up items?

    Yes. You will be charged the $200 fee if the decorations do not come down at the end of the night, or if any items destroy the paint on the walls, or furnishings.

  • Do you have linens?

    No.

  • How many tables and chairs do you have and what are the sizes?

    • 10 - 5ft round tables (60 inches diameter x 29 inches height) - comfortably seats 8, tighter squeeze 10
    • 5 -  6ft Rectangular Tables (71 inches length x 29 inches width x 29 inches height) - comfortably seats 6, 8 tighter squeeze
    • 2 - 4ft rectangular tables (48 inches length x 24 inches width x 29 inches height)
    • 7 - Circular Belly Bar Tables (32 inches diameter, 43 inches height
    • 1 - Rollaway Bar Table (77 inches length x 21 inches width x 33 inches height)
    • 1 - Back Bar (72 inches length x 18 inches width x 33 inches height)
    • 1 - 6ft Telescoping Table (71 inches length x 29 inches width x 29 inches height) - 2'' Increments from 24'' up to a 32'' max height.
    • 60 white folding chairs

  • What should I bring?

    Your own kitchen items (we do not have any serving trays, wine openers, utensils or accessories), your own lighter (to light candles), any decor, linens, and your party items.

  • How do I reserve?

    Join as a Discovery Member (memberships are non-refundable). Full payment required within two weeks of the rental. 50% Non-Refundable Fee charged in the months of June and December upon booking. Non-Refundable if cancelled within two weeks.

  • Does the AHLF Set-Up Chairs & Tables?

    We can set up our own tables and chairs at a cost of $300. If you want us to put linens on, set up décor, and other items, the cost is $500. If we are setting up third party vendor items this is an additional $100.

  • Can I store things at the Discovery Campus Prior to My Rental or After?

    No. All items need to be delivered within the window of your rental (unless we were decorating for you; those items need to come before).

  • Are the animals covered up or moved in the main room?

    We have one extra room divider if requested we can cover a portion of reptile city. 

  • Are we allowed to have fire pits on the back patio?

    No.

  • Can we bring a pinata?

    Yes.

  • Do you have extension cords for us to use?

    No.

  • Can we use the Kitchen/Fridge/Freezer?

    Yes. We clear a shelf in the fridge. The freezer has very limited space. We recommend you bring plenty of coolers. The entire kitchen you may use. 

  • Do you have scissors/tape/sharpies for use?

    No please bring all supplies form home. 

  • Do I Need to Lock Up at the End of the Night?

    YES. If you choose to use the Third-Party Cleaning Team ($250), they will put all chairs and tables away, take out trash, clean and return the Campus back to normal. You are still required to lock the doors because they come early in the morning, as not to cut your party short. If you chose not to use them, you are required to put the Campus back as you found it.

  • Can we have candles?

    Yes.

  • Is there WIFI?

    Yes.

  • Can I hire an AHLF Staff Member to be onsite to help with my Event?

    YES. The cost is $55 per hour, and cannot work past 8 hours. Dependent on staff availability.

  • Are there non-profit Rates Available?

    YES. Inquire with samantha@aguahedionda.org

  • What restrictions do I have on decor?

    No glitter, confetti, hay, flower petals or any small, pieced decor. Painters tape only allowed to secure any decor including tablecloths. *$250 fine if anything else is used (glue dots, packing tape, duct tape etc.) 

Deposit and Cancellation Policy

The Discovery Campus Membership holds your date. It is non-refundable, but you can move your event date up to two weeks prior should you need to. The Discovery Membership does not act as a deposit towards your party total. It allows you the membership rate, and holds the date. We can tentatively put a hold on the date with no money down. If someone else were interested in the date you would have 24 hours to pay the membership, before the date was released. 

 

In the months of June and December, we require a 50% non-refundable deposit of your venue rental price, on top of the membership. This is nonrefundable due to the high demand of the Discovery Campus in these months. If you were to need to move the date for any reason, the 50% deposit can be moved to this date, if we have a two weeks’ prior notice; it is still non-refundable. 

 

Full payment for your rental is required two weeks prior to the date. A credit card must be kept on file for any associated fees or charges if the rental agreement is violated. 

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If you are renting for a second time within your membership, you must put a $100 non-refundable deposit to secure the date. 

Rental Agreement 

VIEW RENTAL AGREEMENT

*This agreement is constantly being updated, and this version could not be the most up to date. When you work with your coordinator, you will receive the most updated agreement.

CLOSING

Renters have the option of hiring a third-party cleaning team to do most of the end of night closing duties (cleaning, putting away chairs and tables, taking out trash). If you do not hire the third-party cleaning team, AHLF expects the Campus back the way at the end of the night as you found it. With the third-party cleaning team, you will still be responsible for taking your own items (catering, décor etc.) as well as locking the doors, shutting off the lights and closing the front gate. The cleaning team arrives in the morning, as to not rush your end time of your event.


*These checklists are constantly being updated, and this version could not be the most up to date. When you work with your coordinator, you will receive the most updated checklist.

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