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- Year 1973 | Acres 30.7 | Landmarks Located behind Sanderson High School in the Northclift Subdivision
- Trail connects out to Shelley Lake Greenway Trail
Optimist Park
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
Community Center
Programs
- Optimist Community Center offers a variety of programs. Browse and register for programs and classes on RecLink.
- Learn more about open play sports
- Interested in teaching a program or class for Raleigh Parks? Complete the Instructor Interest Form.
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.
Gymnasium
- Air-conditioned
- 69 feet by 96 feet
- Capacity: 300
- $85 per hour
- No food is allowed in the gym
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
- Main pool operated year-round (covered by a fabric tension structure)
- Wading Pool (seasonal operation)
- Hours of Operation and Facility Information
Nature Amphitheater
- First come, first serve basis
- Capacity: 25
- No electricity
- Located behind the community center, near the walking paths
Courts
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
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
Playgrounds
Ages 2-5 and 5-12
- The playground is designed to be accessible, 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.
- 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:
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9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Sunday:
-
1 p.m.–6 p.m.
