Lake Lynn Community Center: Hours, Activities, Rentals & Park Map
Lake Lynn Community Center is a City of Raleigh recreation center at 7921 Ray Road, Raleigh, NC 27613. Located within Lake Lynn Park, it combines indoor basketball, pickleball, volleyball, fitness and youth programs with a scenic lake trail, playgrounds, tennis courts and reservable event spaces.
The center is a popular option for family recreation, casual sports, community meetings and walks around Lake Lynn.
Reviewed October 19, 2026. Program times, court availability, holiday hours and rental openings may change independently of building hours.
Quick Guide: What Are You Looking For?
Lake Lynn Trail
Plan a scenic walk or visit to the playground, courts or fishing docks.
Park amenities →Lake Lynn Community Center Hours
According to the City of Raleigh’s official Lake Lynn Park webpage, the community center has the following regular opening hours:
| Day | Community center hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM–6:00 PM |
Call 919-996-2911 before visiting during holidays or for activities that require a specific court or room.
Indoor Facilities and Amenities
The center includes spaces for recreation, classes, athletic programs and community events.
Double Gymnasium
Two air-conditioned full courts with hardwood floors, basketball goals, volleyball equipment and pickleball markings.
Meeting Room
A 1,629-square-foot upstairs room with a stage, HDMI projection screen and Bluetooth speaker.
Dance Studio
A 783-square-foot studio with a mirrored wall and three ballet barres.
Warming Kitchen
Available alongside the meeting room for warming prepared food, not cooking meals from scratch.
Classes and Camps
Seasonal recreation programs for children, teenagers and adults through Raleigh Parks.
Indoor Restrooms
Community center restroom access during building operating hours.
Basketball, Pickleball, Volleyball and Open Play
Lake Lynn participates in the City of Raleigh’s Open Play Sports program. Activities can include basketball, pickleball, volleyball and other gym-based sports depending on the posted schedule.
Raleigh Parks requires a free annual Open Play Pass and front-desk check-in for participants and spectators.
How to get a free Open Play Pass
- Visit the Raleigh Parks RecLink system or a participating community center.
- Choose a Youth Open Play Pass for ages 17 and younger or an Adult Open Play Pass for ages 18 and older.
- Complete the free registration and have a participant photo taken.
- Keep the pass for use during the current calendar year.
- Check the Lake Lynn sport schedule before arriving.
- Sign in at the front desk before entering the gym.
Citywide open gym rules
- All participants and spectators must check in.
- The ordinary maximum is 30 people per gym, or 40 for double-court volleyball, subject to staff direction.
- Food and drinks are prohibited in the gym, except water.
- Athletic footwear and appropriate clothing are required.
- Private coaching, paid lessons and organized team practices are prohibited during open play.
- Participants should rotate fairly and follow the posted code of conduct.
- Raleigh Parks staff can adjust access based on safety and attendance.
Are there fixed Lake Lynn pickleball hours?
The City publishes a separate Lake Lynn open-play schedule. Rather than relying on a generic weekly time table, visitors should check the currently linked schedule because classes, leagues, rentals and tournaments can change the gym allocation.
The air-conditioned gym has two full basketball courts separated by a mechanical curtain. Staff may configure the space for different sports, including pickleball.
Lake Lynn Community Center Classes & Programs
The City of Raleigh offers registered recreation activities across different ages and skill levels. Lake Lynn’s current official announcements include the following programs.
Zumba at Lake Lynn
Day: Saturday
Time: 10–11 AM
Age: 18+
Published price: $5
A dance fitness class combining Latin and international music with aerobic movement.
Youth Wah Lum Kung Fu
Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Age: 6–12
Published price: $100 residents / $115 nonresidents
Traditional kung fu instruction focusing on flexibility, discipline, coordination and confidence.
Other activities to search for
Youth Sports
Basketball instruction, physical development and other seasonal youth activities.
Dance and Movement
Fitness, dance studio activities and group exercise opportunities.
Summer Camps
Seasonal recreation and camp programs when listed in the City catalog.
Adult Recreation
Sports, fitness and skills-based classes for adults.
School-Break Activities
Raleigh’s Youth Escape School program includes Lake Lynn as a location.
Special Events
Community recreation events, seasonal activities and tournaments.
2026–27 Youth Escape School Program
The City’s Youth Escape School (YES) program offers recreation on eligible school-free weekdays, with Lake Lynn included among participating community center locations.
| Item | Published information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Lynn Community Center, 7921 Ray Road |
| Daily schedule | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Raleigh city resident | $40 per day |
| Nonresident | $55 per day |
| Registration | Through Raleigh Parks RecLink |
| Information telephone | 919-996-6165 |
Eligibility, enrollment limits, drop-off rules and participating dates are set by the program. The YES daily schedule is separate from ordinary Lake Lynn building hours.
Youth Escape School RegistrationHow to Register for Lake Lynn Recreation Programs
Raleigh Parks uses RecLink for class enrollment, passes and many recreation facility rental requests.
Open the official Raleigh Parks catalog
Visit the City’s Lake Lynn page and follow the RecLink registration link.
Choose an activity
Search by Lake Lynn, sport, age, program name or activity number.
Review the session details
Confirm participant age, date, start time, class duration, fee, location and available capacity.
Create or sign into your account
Add household members and provide the participant information required by the City.
Complete enrollment
Follow the official checkout process for paid classes or the pass-registration instructions for free Open Play.
Save your confirmation
Check for follow-up instructions about supplies, athletic equipment, weather cancellations or the first-day meeting location.
Lake Lynn Community Center Rentals: Spaces, Fees & Capacity
Lake Lynn offers indoor rental rooms and outdoor park facilities through Raleigh Parks. The City publishes specific starting hourly rates and requires staff approval.
Official rental spaces and prices
| Space | Capacity | Published base rate |
|---|---|---|
| Gymnasium — one full court | 200 people per gym | $85/hour |
| Meeting Room | 100 people | $75/hour |
| Dance Studio | 49 people | $40/hour |
| Warming Kitchen | Only with meeting-room booking | $25/hour |
| Outdoor Picnic Shelter | 60–80 people | $20/hour |
What each rental includes
Double Gymnasium
Two courts with air conditioning, basketball hoops, volleyball equipment and a divider curtain. Gym rentals do not permit events using food, drink, tables or chairs.
Meeting Room
1,629 square feet on the upper floor, with a stage, HDMI-capable projection screen and Bluetooth speaker.
Dance Studio
783 square feet with mirrored wall and three ballet barres, suitable for approved classes, dance practice and group activities.
Warming Kitchen
Can only be booked with the meeting room. Food may be warmed, but scratch cooking is not permitted.
Picnic Shelter
10 picnic tables, one grill, no electrical service and nearby playground access. Indoor restrooms depend on center hours.
Sports Field
Outdoor youth baseball field rental requests are handled separately through Raleigh Parks Athletics.
Required rental fees and conditions
| Fee or condition | City’s published rule |
|---|---|
| Minimum rental | 2 hours for all listed rooms/spaces |
| Application fee | $15 |
| Refundable damage deposit | $100, subject to contract compliance |
| Cleaning fee | $100 if required cleanup is not completed |
| Rental contract change | $10 |
| Sports net equipment | Potential $25 charge for pickleball or volleyball nets |
| Indoor after-hours staffing | Additional $30/hour |
| Nonresident rental surcharge | 25% of base hourly rental rate |
The Citywide fee policy also allows some qualifying organizational discounts or surcharges, depending on rental classification. Staff must establish the final rate.
Example: Two-hour meeting room rental
| Cost item | Illustrative amount |
|---|---|
| Meeting room: 2 × $75 | $150 |
| Application fee | $15 |
| Refundable damage deposit | $100 |
| Initial payment example | $265 |
This assumes the published resident base rate, normal operating hours and no additional services. If the deposit is fully refunded, the effective rental and application cost would be $165. Nonresident and special-use costs can be higher.
How to Reserve a Room or Gym at Lake Lynn
Choose the right space
Select a gym court, meeting room, dance studio, kitchen add-on or outdoor shelter.
Set the date and guest count
Include setup, activity and cleanup time when estimating your rental period.
Check RecLink availability
Use the online request link on the official Lake Lynn Park page or ask staff for assistance.
Confirm permitted event activities
Ask whether your event involves food, sports nets, chairs, audiovisual equipment or special staffing. Food-centered parties should not be planned inside the gym.
Request the complete price
Confirm any surcharge, damage deposit, application charge and additional staffing or equipment costs.
Submit the rental request
Follow Raleigh Parks’ required application and review process.
Wait for official confirmation
Receive staff approval, complete payment and keep the confirmed rental agreement.
For assistance, contact Lake Lynn Community Center at 919-996-2911 or LakeLynn@raleighnc.gov.
Lake Lynn Park: Trail, Playgrounds, Tennis & Fishing
Lake Lynn Community Center is located within Lake Lynn Park, a 52-acre park established in 1996. Its outdoor amenities provide a full recreation destination beyond the building.
2.8-Mile Greenway Trail
A paved trail circles Lake Lynn, providing opportunities for walking, jogging and enjoying wooded lake views.
Two Playgrounds
Separate playground spaces are designed for children ages 2–5 and 5–12, with woodchip surfaces.
Four Tennis Courts
Outdoor courts have backboards and push-button lighting from dusk until 10 PM.
Two Bocce Courts
Outdoor bocce courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Youth Baseball Field
A lighted youth baseball field with a 300-foot outfield distance is available for organized play and rentals.
Batting Cage
Public access is first come, first served when not occupied by youth athletic leagues.
Lake Lynn Trail: What to Expect
The 2.8-mile greenway path travels around the lake and includes boardwalk or bridge sections. It is a popular destination for walking and outdoor recreation in North Raleigh.
Practical trail tips
- Wear suitable walking or running shoes.
- Carry water during hot weather.
- Share the path courteously with other trail users.
- Keep dogs leashed and clean up pet waste.
- Be mindful of wildlife and avoid feeding animals.
- Plan daylight visits because outdoor park amenities generally operate dawn to dusk.
Fishing at Lake Lynn
The City’s current rules permit fishing from fishing docks or the pedestrian bridge, not directly from the lake bank.
- A valid fishing license is required.
- The City specifies live bait.
- Bank fishing is prohibited.
- Personal watercraft are not permitted on the lake.
Outdoor Picnic Shelter: Cost and Capacity
The Lake Lynn Park picnic shelter is next to a playground and can be reserved through Raleigh Parks.
| Published capacity | 60–80 people |
|---|---|
| Tables | 10 |
| Grill | 1 |
| Electricity | No electrical service |
| Base rental fee | $20 per hour |
| Restrooms | Inside the community center during applicable building hours |
For larger gatherings, check whether permits, the application fee, damage deposit or other conditions apply. The City must approve the requested time before a shelter reservation is confirmed.
Shelter Information & ReservationsLake Lynn Community Center Map, Parking & Directions
Use 7921 Ray Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 for directions to the community center in North Raleigh.
Driving and Parking
Navigate to the Ray Road address. The park has onsite parking, although spaces can fill during camps, court events or busy trail periods.
Walking and Transit
The community center connects with the Lake Lynn greenway trail. Visitors using transit should check current GoRaleigh routes and the walking distance to the park entrance.
Visitor Tips and Accessibility
Lake Lynn is a flexible destination for sports, classes, family recreation and outdoor exercise. Preparation depends on what you plan to do.
Sports and Classes
- Confirm the current sport schedule.
- Get a free Open Play Pass if needed.
- Check in at the front desk.
- Wear suitable athletic shoes.
- Bring water.
- Confirm class registration and age requirements.
Park Visits and Events
- Check weather conditions.
- Allow time for parking.
- Confirm shelter or room bookings.
- Check playground age ranges.
- Ask about accessible entrances and routes.
- Remember the park and center have different hours.
For information about accessible parking, entrances, indoor facilities or program accommodations, contact the center directly before traveling.
Other Raleigh Recreation Centers
If Lake Lynn’s courts or meeting rooms are unavailable, Raleigh operates other community centers nearby. These are separate City facilities, each with its own schedule and rental rules.
Laurel Hills Community Center
3808 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27612. Offers a gym, meeting room, dance studio and park amenities.
Optimist Community Center
5900 Whittier Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609. Check the City listing for programs, sports and availability.
Millbrook Exchange Park
1905 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. Another North Raleigh recreation destination.
These links lead to verified City information. Relevant community-center.org internal article URLs should be added only after confirming their live WordPress permalinks.
Official City of Raleigh Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Lynn Community Center located?
Lake Lynn Community Center is located at 7921 Ray Road, Raleigh, NC 27613, inside Lake Lynn Park in North Raleigh.
What are Lake Lynn Community Center hours?
The regular building hours are Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 9 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM, and Sunday from 1 PM to 6 PM. Holiday schedules may differ.
What is the Lake Lynn Community Center phone number?
The main phone number is 919-996-2911. The center can also be contacted at LakeLynn@raleighnc.gov.
Does Lake Lynn Community Center have basketball and pickleball?
Yes. The double gymnasium has basketball courts and lines for volleyball and pickleball. Access depends on open-play schedules, programs and rentals.
Is open gym free at Lake Lynn Community Center?
Raleigh Parks provides a free annual Open Play Pass for eligible participants. You must check in at the front desk and attend a scheduled open-play session, subject to capacity and activity rules.
How much does it cost to rent a room at Lake Lynn Community Center?
Published base rental prices are $75 per hour for the meeting room, $40 per hour for the dance studio and $85 per hour per gym court. Additional application, deposit, staffing or nonresident charges may apply.
Can I rent a picnic shelter at Lake Lynn Park?
Yes. The picnic shelter accommodates approximately 60–80 people, includes 10 tables and one grill, and has a published base rental price of $20 per hour.
How long is the Lake Lynn walking trail?
Lake Lynn Park features a 2.8-mile greenway trail around the lake. The trail is used for walking, jogging and outdoor recreation.
Can I fish at Lake Lynn?
Yes, fishing is permitted from designated docks and the pedestrian bridge with a valid fishing license and live bait. Fishing from the lake bank and using personal watercraft are prohibited.
Does Lake Lynn Community Center offer classes for children and adults?
Yes. Raleigh Parks offers seasonal programs at Lake Lynn, including youth sports and adult fitness. The 2026 announcements include youth kung fu and Saturday Zumba. Registration and availability are managed through RecLink.