Visit Barwell Road: Gym, Fitness, Playground & Room Rentals
Barwell Road Community Center is a City of Raleigh recreation facility at 5857 Barwell Park Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610. It has two air-conditioned gymnasiums, a fitness room, classrooms, a dance room and outdoor playgrounds. Visitors can join scheduled sports, register for classes or reserve spaces for events.
Information reviewed October 29, 2026. Regular building hours are different from open-gym, fitness, class and rental availability.
Barwell Road Community Center Hours
| Day | Regular hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM–6:00 PM |
Open-play schedule telephone: 919-996-6736. Use this number to confirm the current week’s gym timetable.
For general questions, closures and front-desk assistance, call 919-996-5994.
What Facilities Are Available?
Air-conditioned gym spaces for basketball, organized sports, recreation activities and approved rentals. Event capacity varies by arrangement.
Two treadmills, two recumbent bikes, three ellipticals, a universal exercise machine, dip machine and free weights.
Wood flooring, a full-length mirror and ballet barre. Used for scheduled dance, movement and approved rental activities.
Small, medium and large multipurpose rooms for classes, meetings, family gatherings and approved events.
Separate play structures for younger children and older children, age-appropriate swings, rubberized surfaces and covered picnic tables.
An outdoor challenge course with 11 climbing structures and a 40-yard dash area with a timer on synthetic turf.
The City describes Barwell Road Park as approximately 54.5 acres, with the recreation facility and outdoor amenities serving families across southeast Raleigh.
Open Gym Basketball & Volleyball
Raleigh publishes separate open-play schedules for Barwell Road. A published open-gym flyer identifies these activity periods; they are useful for planning but must be verified because the City says schedules can change without notice.
| Activity | Published schedule |
|---|---|
| Adult basketball, 18+ | Monday–Thursday 6:30–8:30 PM; Saturday 9:30–11:30 AM |
| Youth basketball, 17 and younger | Friday 6–8 PM; Saturday noon–2 PM |
| Youth basketball, seasonal Sunday | April–October, Sunday 2–5 PM |
| 50+ open play | Monday and Thursday 3–6 PM |
| Volleyball, ages 13+ | November–March, Sunday 1–5 PM |
Open Play Identification Rules
- Players age 17 and younger: A parent or guardian must complete the Youth Open Play form annually.
- Players age 18 and older: Bring valid government-issued photo identification. The flyer says school and work IDs are not accepted.
- Fees: Ask the front desk whether the particular open-play session has any admission charge.
- Equipment: Confirm whether balls and other equipment are provided.
- Availability: Courts may close for scheduled classes, leagues or rentals.
To participate, review Raleigh’s official Open Play Sports information, then confirm your session by telephone.
Fitness Room: Equipment & Pass Options
The Barwell Road fitness room is intended for visitors who want basic cardio and strength equipment without using a large commercial gym.
| Equipment | Quantity or description |
|---|---|
| Treadmills | 2 |
| Recumbent exercise bikes | 2 |
| Ellipticals | 3 |
| Universal weight machine | 1 |
| Dip machine | 1 |
| Free weights | Available |
The City says visitors may use a daily pass or 30-day membership. A reliable location-specific pass price was not established from the current Barwell facility listing.
Before paying, ask about the current daily rate, 30-day rate, age restrictions, accepted payment methods and equipment rules. Confirm whether your pass applies only to Barwell Road or also other participating Raleigh facilities.
Fitness contact: 919-996-5994.
Programs, Dance Classes & Youth Activities
Barwell Road Community Center provides seasonal classes and community recreation opportunities. The City uses RecLink for registration.
Fall 2026 Dance Programs
The City published ballet and African dance opportunities in September 2026 with these details:
| Class | Age | Saturday time |
|---|---|---|
| Ballet I | 3–8 | 9:30–10:15 AM |
| Ballet II | 5–13 | 10:30–11:15 AM |
| African Dance for Youth | 7–15 | 11:30 AM–12:15 PM |
The published price is $55 for Raleigh residents and $70 for nonresidents. Check the available session and remaining places before paying; the price is a published program example, not a universal class fee.
Other Seasonal Opportunities
The City has also announced preschool activities, including Fallin into Fun, which focuses on early literacy and motor skills for ages 3–5. Its October and November 2026 sessions were advertised at $5 for residents and $8 for nonresidents.
You may also find tumbling, camps, youth recreation, sports activities and community events in the registration catalog.
How to Register on RecLink
- Open the City facility page. Visit the official Barwell Road Park listing.
- Choose programs. Follow the link to Raleigh’s RecLink activity-registration system.
- Search the location. Select Barwell Road Community Center as the activity location.
- Select the activity. Review age requirements, class dates, instructor information and any necessary equipment.
- Check registration status. See whether the session is open, full or waitlisted.
- Complete enrollment. Sign in to your recreation account, supply participant details and pay any required fee.
- Save confirmation. Keep the registration receipt and follow any attendance or cancellation instructions.
Barwell Road Community Center Rental Rates
The City’s rental page, updated October 19, 2026, lists several rentable spaces. The figures below are base hourly rates before additional fees and any nonresident surcharge.
| Rental space | Capacity | Base rate |
|---|---|---|
| Gymnasiums | 100–300 | $85/hour |
| Small classroom | 15 | $30/hour |
| Medium classroom | 40–60 | $40/hour |
| Extra-large multipurpose room | 100–125 | $75/hour |
| Dance room | 25 | $40/hour |
| Warming kitchen | Confirm permitted use | $25/hour |
Additional Rental Charges
| Charge | Amount or rule |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $15, nonrefundable |
| Damage deposit | $100, refundable subject to deductions |
| Outside-hours staffing | $30/hour |
| Nonresident surcharge | 25% of the hourly room rate |
| Minimum reservation | 2 hours |
Nonresident Cost Example
The same two-hour small-classroom rental costs a nonresident $37.50 per hour after the 25% surcharge, or $75 for the room. Adding the $15 application fee and $100 deposit brings the initial total to $190, before other applicable charges.
How to Reserve a Room or Gym
Raleigh accepts reservations no more than four months and no fewer than 14 days before the event. Rentals have a two-hour minimum and are subject to staff approval.
- Choose a suitable space. Match the guest count, activity and room features. Visit the facility if you need to check the layout.
- Set your date and hours. Include time for decorating, setup, guest arrival and cleanup.
- Check the booking window. Request the date between 14 days and four months in advance.
- Ask about availability. Call 919-996-5994 or use the City’s online facility request process.
- Identify extra requirements. Discuss food, commercial activities, admissions, vendors, music, large attendance or teen parties.
- Submit the agreement. Provide the required rental details and complete any applicable forms.
- Wait for staff approval. An online request alone does not reserve the room.
- Pay and save confirmation. The City says a reservation is not final until payment confirmation is received.
Important Event Rules
- Cleanup: Renters must remove trash, put away tables and chairs, and leave the room clean. Mopping may be required.
- Decorations: Freestanding decorations are allowed, but attaching items to walls is prohibited.
- Kitchen: The warming kitchen includes a microwave, stove and refrigerator. Grills and fish fryers are not permitted.
- Insurance: Certain activities require a certificate of insurance with $1 million coverage and the City named as additional insured.
- Catering: A catering permit may be needed if food is served by a caterer.
- Large events: Events expecting more than 100 people may need an assembly permit.
- Sales or admission: Taking funds, operating concessions or charging admission can trigger additional approval.
- Teen and dance parties: The City requires a guest list at least 14 days before the event and a chaperone plan; an off-duty police officer may also be required.
- Equipment: Do not assume a projector or microphone is supplied. The City’s rental FAQ says electronic presentation equipment is not available for renters.
The City’s rental guidance allows some rentals between 7 AM and 11 PM, subject to staffing, approval and extra charges outside regular operating hours.
Playground & Panther Play 60 Challenge
Barwell Road has outdoor play options for families who do not need an indoor class or gym reservation.
| Area | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Playground for ages 2–5 | Age-appropriate play structures and swings. |
| Playground for ages 5–12 | Climbing and play equipment with rubberized surfaces. |
| Panther Play 60 | 11 climbing challenge structures. |
| 40-yard dash | Timed running challenge on synthetic turf. |
| Picnic area | Covered picnic tables near play areas. |
The City describes outdoor playground and challenge-course access as dawn-to-dusk use in its visitor information. Check park notices and posted rules for any maintenance-related closure.
Map, Parking & Directions
Barwell Road Community Center
5857 Barwell Park Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610
Visitor parking is available in the park area. The City does not provide a verified number of general or accessible parking spaces on the current facility page.
If attending a major event, arranging accessible entry or unloading supplies for a rental, call ahead for instructions about the correct entrance and parking arrangements.
Other Community Centers & Helpful Guides
For another City of Raleigh recreation facility combining indoor activities with outdoor park space, our Lake Lynn Park Community Center visitor guide covers the center’s lake trail, sports amenities, hours and reservations.
If you are planning a birthday, family reunion or group meeting, read the community center rental fee and booking guide for help comparing deposits, staffing, insurance and additional event charges.
Visitors unsure whether they need a membership, day pass or scheduled activity can use our community recreation center admission and class guide to understand common recreation-facility arrangements.
To compare another municipal recreation center’s fitness programs, gym access and reservation policies, see the Southeast Community Center rental and recreation guide. That facility is in Nashville, Tennessee, and has different rules and fees.
Before You Visit: Quick Checklist
- Confirm the correct address: 5857 Barwell Park Drive.
- Check regular building hours and holiday or weather closures.
- Call the Open Play Line if visiting for basketball or volleyball.
- Bring government-issued photo ID for adult open gym.
- For youth open gym, confirm the annual parent/guardian form is complete.
- Ask about daily or 30-day fitness pass pricing.
- Check RecLink registration for classes and seasonal programs.
- For rentals, allow at least 14 days and include setup and cleanup time.
- Confirm deposits, permits, insurance and nonresident charges.
- Save class registration or approved rental confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Barwell Road Community Center?
Barwell Road Community Center is at 5857 Barwell Park Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27610. It is operated by the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department.
2. What are Barwell Road Community Center hours?
Regular hours are Monday–Friday 7 AM–9 PM, Saturday 9 AM–3 PM and Sunday 1 PM–6 PM. Holidays, rentals and special events can change individual activity availability.
3. What is the community center phone number?
The front desk number is 919-996-5994. For updated open-play sports schedules, call 919-996-6736.
4. Does Barwell Road have a basketball gym?
Yes. The facility includes two air-conditioned gymnasiums used for basketball, recreation programs, organized activities and approved rentals.
5. When is open gym basketball available?
A published City flyer lists weekday evening adult basketball and selected youth, senior and weekend sessions. These schedules can change. Call 919-996-6736 for the current weekly timetable.
6. Does the center have a fitness room?
Yes. Its fitness room includes treadmills, recumbent bikes, ellipticals, resistance equipment and free weights. Daily passes and 30-day memberships are available.
7. How much does it cost to rent a room?
Published base rates include $30/hour for a small classroom, $40/hour for a medium classroom or dance room, $75/hour for the extra-large room, and $85/hour for gymnasiums. Deposits and other charges apply.
8. How early can I reserve a rental?
Raleigh accepts reservation requests no more than four months and no less than 14 days in advance. Rentals require a two-hour minimum and staff approval.
9. Does Barwell Road have a playground?
Yes. The park includes separate play structures for younger and older children, swings, covered picnic tables and the Panther Play 60 Challenge course with 11 climbing structures.
10. How can I register for recreation classes?
Use the City of Raleigh’s RecLink registration system. Search for Barwell Road Community Center, choose a class, confirm eligibility, session dates and pricing, and complete official enrollment.
Official City Resources
- Barwell Road Park — Official City Facility Page
- Barwell Road Rental Fees, Capacities & Rules
- Raleigh Open Play Sports
- Fall 2026 Ballet & African Dance Classes
- Fallin into Fun Preschool Program
- Official Barwell Rental Guidelines PDF
Phone: 919-996-5994
Open Play Line: 919-996-6736
Email: Barwell.Road@raleighnc.gov
Independent visitor guide, not operated by the City of Raleigh. The City’s current pages control official hours, fees, registration and reservations. Reviewed October 29, 2026.