Newark Community Center: Hours, Preschool, Hall Rentals & Map
Newark Community Center is a City of Newark facility at 35501 Cedar Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560, located in Newark Community Park. It is best known for weekend event rentals, its licensed preschool and childcare program, and access to surrounding park amenities.
Unlike a typical walk-in recreation center, the main community center building is closed to ordinary weekday public use. Weekend hall rentals and weekday childcare have different access arrangements.
Information reviewed October 19, 2026. Rental prices are from the City’s published handbook and should be reconfirmed before a reservation.
Quick Guide: Choose Your Visit
Weekend Hall Rental
Check Saturday and Sunday rates, guest limits and booking requirements.
Rental prices →Preschool and Childcare
Find operating hours, ages and enrollment instructions.
Childcare information →Recreation Classes
Find the City’s current programs through its separate recreation facilities.
Other City programs →Newark Community Center Hours: Hall, Childcare and Rentals
Several activities share the Newark Community Center address, but their schedules should not be confused.
| Service | Published schedule or status |
|---|---|
| Main hall, weekday drop-in access | Closed; no general onsite staff during the week |
| Preschool and licensed childcare | Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM |
| Rental hall tours | Wednesday, 5:30–7:30 PM; use intercom on arrival and confirm with staff |
| Saturday hall rental window | 8 AM–10 PM, subject to a confirmed booking |
| Sunday hall rental window | 8 AM–10 PM, subject to a confirmed booking |
| Holidays | Restrictions apply; City lists Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day as unavailable for rentals |
For general recreation questions, contact the City of Newark Recreation and Community Services Department at 510-578-4620.
Newark Community Center Preschool and Licensed Childcare
The City operates an established preschool and licensed childcare program for children ages 3–5 on the Newark Community Center campus.
Program essentials
Location: 35501 Cedar Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560
Days: Monday–Friday
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM
Age: 3–5 years
Enrollment contact
Phone: 510-578-4438
Contact staff to discuss current openings, program tours, eligibility and the enrollment process.
What children experience
- Early childhood learning and kindergarten readiness.
- Age-appropriate guided activities.
- Social skills and cooperative play.
- Outdoor recreation near Newark Community Park.
- Interaction with experienced childcare staff.
- Family updates through the Brightwheel childcare platform.
The City describes the program as having operated for more than 25 years, with a focus on early learning and kindergarten preparation.
How to request enrollment
Check your child’s eligibility
The City’s program is advertised for ages 3 through 5. Ask about age cutoffs and any toilet-training or medical requirements.
Open the official childcare page
Use the City’s enrollment link to start the online request.
Create a Brightwheel account
Complete the required parent, child and contact information.
Submit the enrollment request
Use a working telephone number and monitor the Brightwheel app for replies.
Allow time for staff response
The City advises allowing up to five business days for an enrollment response.
Confirm tuition and next steps
Ask about the current weekly fee, subsidy options, enrollment packet, required forms and start date.
Newark Community Center Rentals: Rates, Capacity and Facilities
Newark Community Center’s principal public building use is weekend hall rentals for birthday parties, receptions, celebrations, meetings and other approved gatherings.
Rental spaces
| Space | Capacity or details |
|---|---|
| Social Hall | Up to 150 guests, banquet style |
| Patio Room / additional room | Published room reference indicates capacity of up to 105 |
| Outdoor Patio | Multi-terraced patio, available as a paid add-on |
| Kitchen | Included with approved hall rental; stove/oven, microwave, sink and refrigerator/freezer |
Published weekend rental rates
The City’s rental brochure and handbook list the following fees in US dollars.
| Booking type | Newark resident rate | Nonresident rate |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday hall rental | $120/hour | $130/hour |
| Sunday hall rental | $100/hour | $110/hour |
| Outdoor patio or second room add-on | $160 flat fee | $220 flat fee |
| Refundable damage/cleaning deposit | $500 | $500 |
The City has special classification rules for commercial and qualifying nonprofit organizations. Staff determine which rental category applies and whether any special nonprofit arrangement is available.
Minimum and maximum rental duration
| Day | Permitted rental window | Booking duration |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM | Minimum 7 hours; maximum 9 hours |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM | Minimum 4 hours; maximum 9 hours |
What’s included in the rental?
- Onsite building attendants.
- Tables and chairs with approved advance arrangement.
- Public-address system and podium.
- Trash cans and bags.
- Setup and removal of the approved furniture arrangement.
- Use of the designated kitchen.
- Air-conditioned indoor event space.
The kitchen includes a six-burner stovetop/oven, microwave and commercial refrigerator/freezer. The City does not supply utensils, dishes or ordinary cleaning materials.
Sample booking budgets
| Example | Hall rental | Deposit | Initial total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark resident, Sunday, 4 hours | $400 | $500 | $900 |
| Nonresident, Sunday, 4 hours | $440 | $500 | $940 |
| Newark resident, Saturday, 7 hours | $840 | $500 | $1,340 |
| Nonresident, Saturday, 7 hours | $910 | $500 | $1,410 |
These examples assume the published base rates, no add-ons, and a fully refundable deposit. Charges for damage, extra time, security or special requirements can change the final cost.
How to Tour and Book the Newark Community Center Hall
Tour times
The City lists Wednesday, 5:30–7:30 PM as the hall’s viewing window. The handbook instructs visitors to use the intercom upon arrival.
Because the main building otherwise has no ordinary weekday public staffing, contact the rental coordinator first to confirm the tour schedule.
Rental coordination: Ivy Nguyen, ivy.nguyen@newarkca.gov. The published handbook lists 510-578-4846 for inquiries; another section lists 510-578-4852 for nonprofit rate questions.
Steps to make a reservation
Choose a Saturday or Sunday
Identify your preferred weekend and an alternative date.
Estimate the guest count
Check that the banquet arrangement will not exceed the 150-person hall capacity.
Review the rental handbook
Read the minimum duration, deposit, cancellation, food, alcohol and decoration rules.
Check online availability
Open the City’s official recreation reservation system and select Newark Community Center.
Submit your date request
Provide the event details through the City’s booking process.
Pay the required deposit
The published handbook says a $500 refundable damage deposit is charged after the requested date is approved.
Review the rental contract
Staff send a contract for review and signature, with the handbook stating that the signed contract must be returned within 48 hours of receipt.
Finalize charges and event details
Confirm layout, patio use, guest rules and event timing. Do not treat the booking as complete until the City confirms it.
Event Rules: Food, Alcohol, Decorations and Cancellations
Food and kitchen use
Kitchen use is included with the hall reservation, but renters must provide their own utensils, plates and other supplies. Staff must approve any unusual equipment or cooking arrangements.
Alcohol policies
The City’s handbook permits beer, wine and champagne at approved private events, subject to its rules. Selling those beverages requires an appropriate California Alcoholic Beverage Control license and local approval. Hard liquor is prohibited under the posted rental policy.
Decorations and equipment
- Cover event tables and use only approved painter’s tape for decorations.
- Indoor smoke and fog machines are prohibited.
- Outdoor tents, canopies or inflatables may require patio rental and additional permits.
- Outside equipment must be removed before the rental ends.
- Renters are responsible for their guests and the condition of the facility.
Minors and event supervision
The handbook requires at least one responsible adult age 21 or older for every 15 minors. Additional licensed security may be required for selected events.
Cancellation rules
| Written cancellation notice | Published policy summary |
|---|---|
| More than 120 days before rental | Refund of deposit and rental fees, minus a $15 processing fee |
| 60–120 days before rental | Refund minus processing fee if the date is rebooked; otherwise deposit forfeiture |
| Fewer than 60 days before rental | Refund minus processing fee if rebooked; otherwise deposit and 25% of rental fees may be forfeited |
| No-show on rental day | All payments forfeited under published rules |
Newark Community Park: Playground, Sports and Dog Park
The Newark Community Center stands within a roughly 17-acre public park. You do not need to rent the hall to enjoy the park’s outdoor recreation areas where public access is permitted.
Children’s Playgrounds
Outdoor play areas for families, with age and safety rules posted onsite.
Tennis Courts
Outdoor tennis facilities used by local players, subject to posted hours and any reservations.
Basketball Court
Outdoor basketball space within the park.
Picnic Areas
Tables and open lawn for small family outings. Check onsite signs for permitted uses.
Walking Paths
Shaded pathways provide opportunities for casual walking and outdoor exercise.
NewBark Dog Park
Separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, with double-gated entrances and water access.
Picnic reservations and park use
The City states that ordinary park picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not reservable. Rules for larger organized activities may be different.
NewBark Dog Park is within Newark Community Park, along Cedar Boulevard between Newark Boulevard and Chapman Drive.
Where to Find Other Newark Recreation Programs
The City operates other facilities for ongoing public recreation, aquatics, fitness, senior programs and human services.
George M. Silliman Community Activity Center
6800 Mowry Avenue, Newark, CA 94560
This is the City’s main activity and aquatic recreation complex. Look here for public sports, gym and swimming information rather than assuming those facilities are inside the Cedar Boulevard hall.
Clark W. Redeker Newark Senior Center
7401 Enterprise Drive, Newark, CA 94560
Provides senior-oriented recreation, programs and activities, with its own hours and registration rules.
Newark Resource Center
For families seeking social support, community services and recreation scholarship guidance, the City also operates the Newark Resource Center at 37365 Ash Street, Newark, CA 94560.
Its published service window is Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–3 PM. Programs and appointments vary according to the provider schedule.
For a general question about Newark City recreation classes, call 510-578-4620.
Newark Programs and RegistrationNewark Community Center Address, Map and Parking
Newark Community Center is located at 35501 Cedar Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560, near Interstate 880 and Highway 84 in Alameda County.
Driving and parking
Use the Cedar Boulevard address for navigation. The facility has a shared public parking lot. Parking may be limited during celebrations, park events and other busy periods.
Event deliveries
The kitchen has a rear drive-up access area. Ask staff about permitted catering, delivery and unloading arrangements before directing vendors to the building.
For accessible arrival arrangements, contact the rental coordinator or childcare office before your visit. The exact entrance may differ for a preschool visit, hall tour or private event.
History and Architecture of Newark Community Center
The Newark Community Center building was designed by architect Aaron Green, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright whose work reflected principles associated with organic architecture.
The building’s low-profile design and integration with the surrounding park have made it a recognizable Newark civic landmark.
Over the years, the center and surrounding grounds have hosted community gatherings, preschool activities and celebrations associated with Newark Days, the city’s annual incorporation celebration.
For architectural and historical context, see the City’s official history website.
Newark Community Center HistoryBefore You Visit: Practical Checklist
For preschool families
- Confirm the preschool entrance.
- Arrange an enrollment tour.
- Check the child’s age eligibility.
- Ask about current tuition.
- Use the official Brightwheel registration process.
- Keep emergency contact information current.
For event renters
- Confirm your Saturday or Sunday date.
- Check the hall’s 150-person capacity.
- Budget for the $500 deposit.
- Include setup and cleanup time.
- Review catering and alcohol rules.
- Keep your signed contract and final payment confirmation.
Official City Sources
Internal links to other community-center.org articles should be inserted only after their published WordPress permalinks have been verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Newark Community Center located?
Newark Community Center is located at 35501 Cedar Boulevard, Newark, CA 94560, inside Newark Community Park in Alameda County, California.
What are Newark Community Center hours?
The main hall is closed to ordinary weekday drop-in access. Weekend rentals are offered by reservation during an 8 AM–10 PM rental window on Saturdays and Sundays. The associated childcare program operates Monday through Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Does Newark Community Center have a preschool?
Yes. The City operates a licensed preschool and childcare program for children ages 3–5, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. For enrollment, call 510-578-4438.
Can I rent Newark Community Center for a birthday party?
Yes. The hall is available for approved Saturday and Sunday events, including birthdays and gatherings. The social hall accommodates up to 150 guests in banquet-style seating.
How much does it cost to rent Newark Community Center?
The City’s published rental handbook lists Newark resident base rates of $120 per hour on Saturday and $100 per hour on Sunday. Nonresident rates are $130 on Saturday and $110 on Sunday, plus a $500 refundable damage deposit.
What is the minimum Newark Community Center rental time?
Saturday reservations require a minimum of seven hours, and Sunday reservations require a minimum of four hours. The published maximum is nine hours on either day.
Does the Newark Community Center rental include a kitchen?
Yes. Approved hall rentals include kitchen use. The kitchen has a stove/oven, microwave, sink and refrigerator/freezer, but renters need to supply their own utensils and dishes.
How do I book the Newark Community Center hall?
Check the official Newark recreation reservation system, submit a date request, pay the required deposit after approval, review the contract and complete the payment process. Contact Ivy Nguyen at ivy.nguyen@newarkca.gov for rental questions.
Does Newark Community Center have a park or playground?
Yes. The building is located in Newark Community Park, which includes playgrounds, tennis and basketball areas, picnic tables, walking paths and NewBark Dog Park.
Is Newark Community Center the same as Silliman Activity Center?
No. Newark Community Center is at 35501 Cedar Boulevard and is mainly used for weekend hall rentals and weekday childcare. George M. Silliman Community Activity Center is a separate recreation complex at 6800 Mowry Avenue.