Plan Your Northwood Visit: Classes, Rentals, Park & Directions
Northwood Community Center is a City of Irvine recreation facility at 4531 Bryan Avenue, Irvine, CA 92620, near the intersection of Bryan Avenue and Yale Avenue. It offers children’s recreation programs, adult fitness classes, meeting and event rooms, picnic shelters, and direct access to Northwood Community Park.
Reviewed October 23, 2026. The information below refers to Northwood Community Center in Irvine, California, not the similarly named facility in Northwood, Ohio.
Northwood Community Center Hours & Contacts
| Day / contact | Official information |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Sunday | Noon–6:00 PM |
| Facility phone | 949-724-6728 |
| Facility Reservations | 949-724-6620 |
| Rental email | reservations@cityofirvine.org |
| Reservation hours | Monday–Friday 9 AM–9 PM; Saturday 9 AM–10 PM; Sunday Noon–6 PM, subject to approval and holiday changes. |
The City also notes that additional reservation hours may be accommodated on request. For holidays or special events, call the rental office instead of assuming regular availability.
What Facilities Are Available at Northwood?
A 1,540-square-foot carpeted room supporting banquet and theater seating, with an optional dance area. Capacity is 54–105 guests depending on layout.
A 670-square-foot room suitable for small meetings, presentations and group activities, with capacity for 24–46 people depending on seating.
An 880-square-foot space with carpeted and tiled areas. It can hold approximately 30–61 people depending on setup.
A 985-square-foot room with bamboo flooring, designed for dance, movement and exercise. Maximum capacity is 69; tables and chairs are not permitted.
Optional add-ons for qualifying room reservations. The kitchen is for warming or keeping prepared food cold, not cooking.
Two outdoor shelters with six tables and two barbecues each. Shelter capacity is 75 people. At least one shelter is kept available for smaller first-come, first-served groups.
Northwood Community Park: Outdoor Amenities
The Community Center is part of Northwood Community Park, an approximately 17.7-acre public recreation site.
- Two soccer fields
- Two lighted tennis courts
- One partial basketball court
- One handball wall
- One ball diamond
- Fitness parcourse
- Children’s play area
- Open play area
- Picnic shelters and tables
- Barbecue facilities
- Little Free Library
- Bicycle trail access
Additional park facilities include three restrooms, drinking fountains, electrical outlets in selected areas, and the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial.
For sports-field permits, the City uses a separate athletics reservation process. Call 949-724-6830 or email fieldreservations@cityofirvine.org rather than using the indoor-room rental request.
Programs and Classes at Northwood Community Center
Northwood hosts City of Irvine recreation programs for children, teens and adults. Offerings change by season and enrollment demand.
| Program type | Examples and visitor details |
|---|---|
| Youth sports | Karate, tennis and soccer instruction. Ages, session length and enrollment are program-specific. |
| Arts and crafts | Creative recreation classes for children and young people, with individual registration requirements. |
| Cooking and science | Hands-on youth enrichment activities. Check age restrictions, supplies and any required waivers. |
| Adult fitness | Pilates and other scheduled fitness activities. |
| School readiness | Ready, Set, School has been offered for ages 2 years 9 months through 5 years. |
| After-school activities | Programs such as Castle Kids have served children enrolled at designated Irvine schools. |
The City’s August 2026 announcement listed Ready, Set, School at $32 per day, weekdays from 9 AM to noon, with a toilet-training requirement. This was a specific program price, not a general admission charge or guarantee of future sessions.
For school-readiness programs, contact the center at 949-724-6728. Program enrollment may require an in-person visit, while many other Irvine recreational activities use online registration.
2026 Room Rental Fees and Deposits
The City of Irvine’s 2026 Community Facilities Reservation Fees schedule gives separate rates for applicants in Categories A, B and C, with resident and nonresident charges in each category.
The table below shows Category A and Category C examples. Do not assume that Category A is automatically available to every Irvine resident; the City determines the applicant’s category under its reservation policy.
| Northwood rental space | 2026 hourly fees and deposit |
|---|---|
| Multipurpose Room | Deposit $200. A: $16 resident / $110 nonresident. C: $107 resident / $135 nonresident. |
| Exercise Room | Deposit $150. A: $13 resident / $96 nonresident. C: $92 resident / $116 nonresident. |
| Classroom | Deposit $150. A: $13 resident / $90 nonresident. C: $88 resident / $108 nonresident. |
| Meeting Room | Deposit $150. A: $13 resident / $84 nonresident. C: $82 resident / $102 nonresident. |
| Picnic Shelter 1 or 2 | Deposit $200. A: $13 resident / $60 nonresident. C: $58 resident / $71 nonresident. |
Additional Fees to Budget For
| Item | 2026 published charge |
|---|---|
| Reservation change processing | $30 for each change to an approved reservation |
| Premium multipurpose room during primetime | Additional $20 per hour |
| Warming kitchen | $42 per reservation day, plus $200 deposit |
| Courtyard | $52 per reservation day |
| Required additional staffing | Varies according to the event and City requirements |
| Additional contract support | Charged according to applicable contract terms |
Primetime: The 2026 fee schedule defines primetime for premium rooms as Friday 5–9 PM, Saturday 9 AM–10 PM and Sunday Noon–6 PM. Northwood’s multipurpose room is listed as a premium room.
The category definitions, permit rules and exact fees are in the official Irvine reservation policy and 2026 fee documents.
Choosing the Right Room
| Your event | Most relevant space |
|---|---|
| Small business meeting | Meeting Room, capacity 24–46 |
| Workshop or class | Classroom, capacity 30–61 |
| Exercise or dance session | Exercise Room, maximum 69 |
| Birthday, reception or presentation | Multipurpose Room, capacity 54–105 |
| Outdoor gathering | Picnic shelter, maximum 75 per shelter |
| Event with food storage/warming | Eligible room with kitchen add-on |
Capacity varies with the arrangement of chairs, tables and dance space. An advertised maximum is not a guarantee that your preferred layout can accommodate that many guests.
How to Reserve Northwood Community Center
Choose the multipurpose room, classroom, meeting room, exercise room, courtyard or picnic shelter.
Compare the number of attendees and desired layout with the City-listed capacities.
Include setup, cleanup and any added equipment requirements.
Ask whether Category A, B or C applies, and whether resident pricing is available.
Complete the official facility reservation request and provide any required event information.
Review the final contract, deposit, insurance or permit requirements before making the official payment.
Facility Reservations: 949-724-6620
Email: reservations@cityofirvine.org
Special circumstances such as alcohol, commercial activities, filming, outside vendors and extra equipment may require approval, separate fees or supporting documents.
Northwood Picnic Shelter Reservations
Northwood has two picnic shelters. Shelter 1 is nearer the playground; Shelter 2 is toward the rear of the Community Center building. Each shelter provides six picnic tables and two barbecues.
- Maximum capacity is 75 guests per shelter.
- One shelter remains unreserved for smaller first-come, first-served use.
- A reservation is required for groups larger than 49 and for groups using outside vendor services.
- Commercial services or special equipment may require additional permits or review.
- Standard picnic shelter reservations use the City’s published hourly rates and deposit schedule.
Practical tip: Before hiring a bounce-house company or caterer, confirm that the activity is permitted and approved for the selected shelter. Having a reservation does not automatically authorize every vendor or equipment type.
Getting to Northwood Community Center
Northwood Community Center
4531 Bryan Avenue
Irvine, CA 92620
Phone: 949-724-6728
The facility is near Bryan Avenue and Yale Avenue in the Northwood area of Irvine. Use the 4531 Bryan Avenue address rather than searching only for “Northwood Community Center,” because a separate facility with the same name exists in Ohio.
Follow navigation to Northwood Community Park and allow time to locate the appropriate community-center or picnic-shelter entrance. For a large event, ask the organizer about parking arrangements.
The City lists bicycle trail access and walking paths within the park. Use a current route map and follow marked park pathways.
Before Visiting: Avoid These Common Problems
- Check whether your class requires advance enrollment.
- Verify the exact classroom or program location.
- Do not assume rooms can be entered without an approved reservation.
- Ask for a written rental quote showing your fee category, deposits and extras.
- Check whether your event falls during a premium-rate time window.
- For large picnics, reserve before arranging catering or vendor services.
- Confirm fitness-class age limits, supplies and clothing requirements.
- Call before traveling on a public holiday or for a time-sensitive activity.
Compare Facility Types Before Choosing a Community Center
Northwood works well for Irvine recreation classes, outdoor park activities, smaller gatherings and room rentals. If the activity you need is not offered here, comparing the actual facilities can help you choose the right type of center.
For a larger recreation complex with a gym, fitness area, play space and birthday packages, our Eagan Community Center facility and party-planning guide explains how those services operate at a Minnesota location.
If a family wants an indoor aquatic destination rather than outdoor Irvine park amenities, the Shoreview Community Center waterpark guide covers swim admission, family facilities and recreation planning in Minnesota.
People interested in pool schedules, fitness discounts and youth programs can review the Matt Dishman Community Center program and swimming guide, which covers a Portland, Oregon recreation facility.
For an example of recreation services combining pool activities, ice arenas, gyms and childcare, see our Eden Prairie Community Center visitor guide. These are out-of-state service comparisons, not nearby Irvine alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northwood Community Center located?
Northwood Community Center in Irvine is located at 4531 Bryan Avenue, Irvine, CA 92620, near Bryan Avenue and Yale Avenue.
What is the Northwood Community Center phone number?
The Irvine facility phone number is 949-724-6728. For room reservations, call the City of Irvine Facility Reservations office at 949-724-6620.
What are Northwood Community Center hours?
The City lists Monday through Friday 9 AM–9 PM, Saturday 9 AM–10 PM, and Sunday Noon–6 PM. Holiday and program schedules may vary.
Does Northwood Community Center have fitness classes?
Yes. The City advertises adult recreation activities including Pilates, along with youth sports, arts, cooking, science and other seasonal classes.
Can I rent a room at Northwood Community Center?
Yes. The facility has a multipurpose room, meeting room, classroom, exercise room and eligible kitchen and courtyard add-ons. Rental approval and charges depend on City policies.
How much does a Northwood room rental cost?
Rates vary by room, applicant category and resident status. The 2026 City schedule lists Category C multipurpose-room rates of $107 per hour for residents and $135 for nonresidents, plus a $200 deposit and applicable additional fees.
Does Northwood Community Center have picnic shelters?
Yes. There are two picnic shelters, each with six tables and two barbecues and a maximum capacity of 75 people. The City keeps one shelter available for smaller first-come, first-served groups.
Is Northwood Community Park free to visit?
The City lists outdoor park amenities for general recreation. Ordinary passive park use is distinct from paid registered classes, room rentals, picnic reservations and permit-required organized activities.
How do I register for Northwood Community Center programs?
Browse current classes through the City of Irvine recreation registration system at yourirvine.org. Check the activity’s age range, schedule, registration method and fee before enrolling.
Is Northwood Community Center in Ohio or California?
This guide covers Northwood Community Center at 4531 Bryan Avenue in Irvine, California. A different Northwood Community Center operates at 3700 Main Street in Northwood, Ohio, with different hours and amenities.
Official Resources for Booking and Registration
The City of Irvine operates the facility and manages the final registration, permit, fee and reservation process.
- Northwood Community Center hours, rooms and facility contacts
- Northwood Community Park sports, playground and outdoor facilities
- City recreation classes and program registration
- City reservation rules, applicant categories and 2026 fees
- Official 2026 Community Facilities Rental Fees PDF
This independent visitor guide is not an official City of Irvine website and cannot approve reservations, register participants, or collect facility payments.