When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
John Wooden Center
Why John Wooden Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The John Wooden Center at UCLA is an expansive 159,000 square foot indoor fitness and recreation facility ideally located in the heart of UCLA's campus. Sitting atop a large two-level underground parking structure, it offers convenient access via Parking Structure 4 on Westwood Plaza. Named in honor of the legendary coach John Wooden, the center serves as a vibrant hub for fitness enthusiasts, students, and the campus community to meet and engage in a variety of recreational activities. The center features multiple gyms which support basketball, volleyball, badminton, and gymnastics. Additionally, there are specialized studios catering to dance, fencing, and martial arts, making it a versatile space for diverse interests and skill levels. The facility is ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all individuals. The John Wooden Center also functions as a venue for intercollegiate athletic programs and special events. With amenities such as mirrored walls, divider curtains, sport court tiling, and wireless access throughout, visitors experience a modern, comfortable, and well-equipped environment. Its strategic central location near other campus landmarks like Pauley Pavilion and the Intramural Field makes it an excellent meeting point for friends looking for a dynamic and social atmosphere centered around health and wellness. Upcoming renovations aim to enhance the center further by expanding weight training spaces and creating additional activity areas, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of the UCLA community.
Here's what people think of John Wooden Center
As of recent, John Wooden Center holds a 4.4-star rating based on 112 reviews.
Reviews for the John Wooden Center consistently highlight its extensive facilities and central location as major positives, where users appreciate the large variety of gyms and studios available including basketball courts, martial arts rooms, and dance studios. Many patrons find it an excellent gathering place to participate in group fitness and recreational activities or to simply socialize while being active. The accessibility features and ample parking are also frequently praised for convenience. Positive feedback often points to the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the quality and maintenance of equipment and spaces, contributing to a welcoming environment suitable for all fitness levels. However, some negative reviews have surfaced regarding occasional overcrowding during peak hours, which can limit available space and equipment, making it difficult to use certain facilities at busy times. Other critiques mention disruptions caused by ongoing or planned renovations, as well as some outdated sections that await refurbishment. A few users have noted that scheduling conflicts for popular fitness classes or courts may occur. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the John Wooden Center is largely regarded as a well-rounded, accommodating, and essential facility for UCLA students and community members. Its upcoming improvements promise to address existing concerns, ensuring a better experience moving forward.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Vladyslav Vakulenko
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. Came here with my scooter - bought it first day, don’t have a locker. In a hurry. They didn’t even consider letting me in with it. No help, no kindness, just a rude no. Can I fold it and leave it here inside? No. Do you have any other safe place to put it? No. Can I carry it with me folded? No. I am going to be looking for a different place to work out. 100$/month is not worth this treatment from employees who don’t know how to do their job and help out.
Donnatella Masson
The showers and restrooms are clean thanks to the cleaning ladies but the student employees at the front desk don’t clean the gym itself. It’s the dirtiest gym I’ve ever been in, don’t leave your jacket anywhere it’ll have a bunch of dust and whatnot on it. It’s genuinely disgusting and I feel filthy when I exit out of there. The student employees there should take the time to clean instead of talking amongst themselves. Only thing they know how to do is tell you to put your shoes back on, which I won’t be taking them off any time soon with how dirty the gym is.
Elizabeth Groves
Attended an event here on May 20, 2023. The building was easy to find and clean. I liked the fact that there was a large space for the check in and event promo product tables before entering the basketball court area.
Doris Huang
The equipments seem older than my grandma Some machines are even losing parts which is quite dangerous:( taking that much of money but couldn’t provide a safe place for student to workout 👎🏼 and it’s always too crowded
Anders Olav Garlid
Not a bad facility. Be sure to check the website for more accurate hours.
How to reach John Wooden Center
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Why John Wooden Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at John Wooden Center with your friends?\ Gathering at the John Wooden Center offers an unmatched blend of community, activity, and accessibility that makes it an ideal venue for meeting up with friends or family. Located at the heart of UCLA’s campus, this vibrant facility boasts a welcoming atmosphere that encourages social interaction and healthy living. Whether you and your group are fitness enthusiasts, casual players, or just looking for a fun and engaging place to unwind, the John Wooden Center caters to diverse interests with its wide range of recreational options. The Center’s commitment to inclusivity and ADA accessibility ensures everyone in your group can participate comfortably. Plus, the convenience of onsite parking and the Center’s extended hours, which are accommodating for busy schedules, make it effortless to plan and enjoy your meetup. Beyond the physical activities, the friendly environment fosters camaraderie and team spirit, perfect for strengthening bonds with friends, family, or colleagues while staying active and entertained. The John Wooden Center is not just a gym—it’s a community hub that transforms ordinary meetups into dynamic, shared experiences.
What activities can a group enjoy at the John Wooden Center?\ The John Wooden Center offers an extensive variety of activities perfectly suited for groups, from team sports to individual fitness pursuits. The facility includes three large gyms that host basketball, volleyball, badminton, and gymnastics, making it ideal for friendly competition or casual play. Collins Court provides a spacious hardwood floor setting for basketball and volleyball games, while Pardee Gym caters well to badminton enthusiasts and offers aerobics classes, complete with mirrored walls and division curtains for flexible use. For those inclined to martial arts or dance, dedicated studios furnish the necessary mats and open space to practice or try something new together. Beyond courts and studios, the center’s fitness zones—Free Weight, Advanced and Novice Circuit, Cardio, and Functional Training Zones—offer a comprehensive range of machines, weights, and cardio equipment designed for users of all fitness levels. This diversity in activities allows each group member to find something enjoyable, whether it’s an intense workout, a dance session, or a competitive match, making every visit uniquely engaging. Moreover, the availability of tables and chairs supports group meetings or relaxed socializing after activities, rounding out the experience.
Why is John Wooden Center perfect for group meetups?\ The John Wooden Center stands out as a venue for group meetups due to its spacious and adaptable environment, which supports an array of recreational and social functions. The Center’s design accommodates everything from spirited sports matches to quiet hangouts with friends, all within one accessible location. One key feature is the Center’s accessibility, including ADA compliance, which ensures that people of all abilities in your group can participate without barriers. The facility also offers meeting rooms and a courtyard, giving groups comfortable spaces to gather before or after activities, whether for planning, refreshments, or casual conversation. The extended hours, stretching from early morning to late night on most days, provide flexibility for groups with varied schedules to coordinate their visits. Additionally, the Center hosts open recreation sessions for activities like volleyball, badminton, and table tennis at scheduled times, making it easy for groups to join in without prior reservation. Onsite amenities like locker rooms, saunas, and even a bike shop enhance convenience and comfort, allowing groups to focus on fun and bonding rather than logistics. Altogether, John Wooden Center’s versatile spaces and thoughtful services make it an ideal backdrop for memorable group gatherings.
How does the facility cater to different group sizes and interests?\ The John Wooden Center is uniquely equipped to serve groups of all sizes and with varied interests, thanks to its multiple specialized zones and adaptable spaces. For larger groups, the expansive gyms such as Collins Court and Pardee Gym provide enough room to stage full-court basketball matches or volleyball tournaments, facilitating energetic group competitions or cooperative play. Medium to small groups, or those seeking less intensive activities, can enjoy the studios dedicated to martial arts, dance, or fencing, which support smaller class sizes or casual workshops. Fitness areas are similarly diversified—offering circuits tailored to novices, advanced users, or those focused on functional training—so groups with different fitness levels can simultaneously exercise in proximity while pursuing their preferred routines. The John Wooden Center’s open recreation schedule further allows groups flexibility to drop by and engage in popular sports like badminton or table tennis without strict scheduling constraints. Even the courtyard offers an outdoor setting adaptable to gatherings or team-building exercises. This flexibility supports not only casual friends’ meetups but also organized group events, club activities, or family outings with participants of varying physical abilities and interests, ensuring everyone feels welcome and satisfied.
What amenities support a comfortable and convenient meetup at John Wooden Center?\ Several thoughtful amenities at the John Wooden Center create a comfortable and seamless experience enhancing any group meetup. Locker rooms and saunas provide privacy and relaxation options after spirited activities, allowing groups to freshen up and unwind together. Wireless internet access within the facility supports connectivity for casual browsing, sharing photos, or coordinating plans on the spot. The onsite rental center offers equipment and other resources for a wide range of activities, saving groups the hassle of bringing their own gear. Ample parking in Lot 4 near the Center makes arrival and departure easy, a critical convenience for those traveling together. For groups interested in biking, the UCLA Bike Shop on site encourages eco-friendly transportation and offers repair services if needed. The availability of tables and chairs extends possibilities for resting, snacking, or informal meetings between physical activities, making it more than just a place to play. These combined amenities focus on the entire experience—fitness, fun, and comfort—ensuring groups have everything required to enjoy their time well and with minimal stress.
How accessible and inclusive is the John Wooden Center for groups with diverse needs?\ The John Wooden Center prioritizes accessibility and inclusiveness, making it a great venue for groups with diverse physical abilities. The facility is ADA compliant, explicitly designed to provide easy access for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. Features such as ramps, accessible locker rooms, and seating areas ensure no one in your group feels excluded or limited. Program offerings range widely in intensity and style, from high-impact sports like basketball to low-impact aerobics and dance sessions, accommodating different fitness levels and preferences. The variety of equipment spans from bodyweight stations to specialized circuit machines, allowing people with varying strength and endurance to customize their workouts safely. The Center’s welcoming environment fosters inclusivity not only physically but socially, encouraging mutual respect and diverse participation in its community. Whether your group includes longtime athletes or newcomers trying activities for the first time, the John Wooden Center promotes a supportive atmosphere that adapts to everyone’s needs.
What special features enhance group bonding and enjoyment at John Wooden Center?\ Special features at the John Wooden Center enhance group bonding by offering environments designed to encourage teamwork, friendly competition, and shared experiences. The courts and gyms support team sports like volleyball and basketball, classic group activities that naturally build camaraderie and cooperation through play. Studios hosting dance, martial arts, and fencing classes provide opportunities for groups to learn together, increasing mutual encouragement and motivation. The campus recreation setting itself supports a lively social scene where groups can connect with wider communities, perhaps joining club sports or attending recreational events together. The outdoor courtyard offers a fresh-air gathering space ideal for casual socializing, picnics, or brief team-building exercises in nature. Additionally, the Esports Training Center introduces a modern, inclusive way for groups to bond through gaming and digital competition. These features collectively transform visits from mere workouts into memorable social occasions, deepening friendships and fostering a sense of belonging.
How convenient is the location and operating hours for hosting a meetup?\ Located centrally on UCLA’s campus, the John Wooden Center boasts a prime, highly accessible location that is easy to reach by car, bike, or public transportation. The proximity to campus landmarks and ample parking in Lot 4 offer convenience for any group plan, eliminating common meetup hassles associated with finicky parking or long walks. Operating hours are extensive, opening early in the morning at 5:15 AM from Monday through Friday and staying open late until 1:00 AM most weeknights, with weekend hours also spanning much of the day and evening. This broad schedule allows groups to coordinate meetups at almost any time that fits their availability, whether early workouts, mid-afternoon games, or late-evening sessions. The availability of late hours especially caters to students, professionals, or families with diverse daily routines, making spontaneous or planned gatherings equally feasible. This combination of accessibility and flexibility substantially enhances the John Wooden Center as a meetup venue.
What makes the John Wooden Center highly rated by visitors?\ With a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 112 reviews, the John Wooden Center clearly resonates well with visitors, particularly for meetups and recreational activities. Factors contributing to this positive reception include the facility’s comprehensive range of activities, from competitive sports to fitness classes and martial arts, which accommodate all interests and skill levels. Visitors often highlight the cleanliness, well-maintained equipment, and friendly staff who support a welcoming and safe atmosphere. The Center’s inclusivity, encompassing ADA compliance and varied programming, helps groups feel comfortable and engaged regardless of background or ability. Users appreciate the flexible open recreation hours and convenient amenities, such as parking and locker rooms, which streamline the experience. This positive mix of quality facilities, service, and community spirit makes the John Wooden Center a trusted and enjoyable venue for hosting group outings and building social connections.