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https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/places/optimist-park
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Signage at Optimist Park

Optimist Park

Updated: May 23, 2025

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Community Center Pool Nature Amphitheater Courts Fields Playgrounds Community Center Hours
  • Year 1973 | Acres 30.7 | Landmarks Located behind Sanderson High School in the Northclift Subdivision
  • Trail connects out to Shelley Lake Greenway Trail

Contact

 

919-996-2880
optimistc@raleighnc.gov

Optimist Community Center
Susan Adams Director
susan.adams@raleighnc.gov
Joshua Lindsey Assistant Director
Joshua.Lindsey@raleighnc.gov

Optimist Pool
919-996-2790
Ronnie Banks Aquatic Center Director
james.banks@raleighnc.gov 

Get Directions
Know Before You Go

Address

Optimist Park
5900 Whittier Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27609

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Community Center

Kids participating in an art program at Optimist

Center Programs

Center Facilities

  • Rentals in our facility require a $100 refundable damage deposit and a $15 application fee.
  • Outside operating hours fee is an additional $20 per hour.
Wide shot of Optimist Park gym including volleyball net, bleachers and multiple basketball hoops.

Gymnasium

  • Air-conditioned
  • 69 feet by 96 feet
  • Capacity: 300
  • $85 per hour
  • No food is allowed in the gym
A second open classroom used for programs and classes

Classroom

  • Capacity: 45
  • $40 per hour

Warming Kitchen 

  • $25 per hour

Request your rental online using RecLink or by reaching out to the facility. 

Take note: Requests will be subject to staff approval. Upon approval, payment will be required to confirm the reservation. Your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment.

Pool

Exterior shot of Optimist Park pool

919-996-2790

Nature Amphitheater

Optimist Park nature amphitheater outdoors featuring a stadium seat layout with several benches
  • First come, first serve basis
  • Capacity: 25
  • No electricity
  • Located behind the community center, near the walking paths

Courts

Shot of exterior tennis courts, eight total, at Optimist Park

Tennis Courts

  • 8 courts
  • Push Button Lighting from Dusk to 10 p.m. (year-round)
  • Has backboards

Courts are typically available first-come, first-serve. View other court locations.

Fields

One of three large, open baseball fields at Optimist Park

Request your field rental online using RecLink or contact Athletics at 919-996-6836.

Take note: Requests will be subject to staff approval. Upon approval, payment will be required to confirm the reservation. Your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment.

Youth Baseball Field #1

  • Distance: 183ft
  • Lighting: Yes
Shot of part of a second, slightly larger youth baseball field at Optimist Park

Youth Baseball Field #2

  • Distance: 292ft
  • Lighting: Yes
A shot of baseball field #3 at Optimist Park

Older Youth & Adult Field #3

  • Lighting: Yes

View other field locations.

Playgrounds

A large outdoor playground with climbing rocks, a slide, swings and more.

Ages 2-5 and 5-12

  • The playground is designed to be accessible and inclusive, including the rubberized surface and certified playground mulch.
  • Ages 2-5 can enjoy the toddler "expression swings" and log tunnel. "Expression swings" allow the parent and child to face each other while swinging.
  • Ages 5-12 can enjoy the larger play structure, spinner, climbing boulder, and nest swing.

View other playground locations.

Community Center Hours

 
Monday:
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Tuesday:
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Wednesday:
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Thursday:
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday:
10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday:
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sunday:
1 p.m.–6 p.m.