WHY doesn't the staff walk around the park and pick up all the damn trash?? or clean the playground equipment. it's disgusting read more

nice playground but always packed no matter what time you go also they close they parking lot really early & always change the time sometimes it's 6 sometimes 7 sometimes 8- they do let you know you have 5 minutes to move your car before they lock up read more

My family and I finally returned after seeing the remodeling had finished. The once quiet and not so populated street into Dennis the menace park was now full of cars and street crowds. I walked with my youngest while my husband drove in. I noticed the parking lot is very far away from the playground area. I wonder if this is due to safety reasons. There's a large grassy area for sports play, then the center with bathrooms, a bbq picnic area to the left, the playground, followed by another American ninja like obstacle course, and finally another grassy area before the fenced borders. There is a large variety of play areas ranging from 3-12 years of age. The only downfall with the playground was over populated on a Sunday. It was quite chaotic with the Older kids dashing around, up and down the kiddie slides and wobbly bridges. I had to keep an even closer eye on my kids due to this. Fortunately, most kids and parents were courteous. No one hogged the swings or stationary Dino's is too long. I love how there is no and on the playground. So much nicer. Though it is a crowded park, it is fun filled. I would recommend coming here with your family :) read more

Dennis the Menace Park - Parks Near Me - Downey, California

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I love that this park is a hidden gem. It does get traffic but not like other parks. Great for my little one that is a toddler.

I have amazing memories of this park. My favorite was sitting in the pumpkin carriage. Made me always feel like Cinderella. A theme that kind of stuck my whole life . My friends even used to call me Crystalrella All through grade school. Definitely a long story for another time. They just don't make playgrounds like they used to. I do remember feeling unsafe every time I climb that castle but it was so amazing. I remember screaming down to my mom every time I got to the top I can't get down ! She said you got up you get down and I did . I can specifically remember having a nervous break down when I got to the top of the rocket every time. How am I going to get down this thing. Eventually the metal would burn my butt and I would have to figure it out. The good old days. Today everything is very safe and low to the ground. Still a beautiful park but not the way it used to be that's for sure #OldDowneyMemories read more

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Yesterday (8/9/14) at around noon my husband & I decided to take our lil bits of joy to Dennis the Menace Park in Downey. The park, while visible from Lakewood & the I-5, is secluded in the fact that the entrance is a little tricky to find. I liked this, but some people may complain. There were 3 birthday parties set up in various locations which made me think the park would be too crowed when we first approached, but actually there was still a few vacant parking spots & hardly any kiddos at the playground. Maybe they were just getting set up. It was mostly clean. Not as clean as I have recently seen the semi-renovated Furman Park, but definitely not as trashy as Wilderness Park. An employee was working at the main building. Restrooms were open, but we didn't stay long enough to check them out. The playground still has sand beneath the plethora of monkey bars, plastic slides & fort-like hangouts, and swing sets. Yes, there are the built-in seats for younger or smaller children for a couple of the swings. "Excalibur" cracked me up... I'm sure plenty of dads pretend to be (King) Arthur in front of their kids. At least my husband did... Only criticism I have is the traffic noise. I wish there were more shrubs to block off the busy street sounds. Otherwise it's a decent, different medium-sized park perfect for younger kids to exert their energy. Bring a frisbee or your gloves & a baseball in case the youngsters get tired of the playground. There are quite a few trees for shade & plenty of spaces to chase a frisbee or ball in the green grass. A pretty decent McDonalds (no, not the 2nd oldest one in the world) is up the road (Lakewood Blvd) going towards Downey. Stop there if you forgot your kiddo's picnic lunch or for a treat afterwards. Just please pick up after your group when you're done. Review #264 read more

We have been coming to this park for more than 40 years! They closed it not long after it was refurbished it because of Covid and a few weeks ago it reopened. The children's play area is limited to 20 kids at a time. Who is counting? There were at least 15+ kids on the day we went. A lot more people just hanging out within the park. The parking lot was near capacity. Stay safe people, social distance, and don't forget to wear a mask. read more

Love this park! My son and I visit almost 3 times a week frequently! It's always clean and a lot of space to play. He's had his bday party there as well and it was a blast. One of our favorite parks to visit . read more

If you are a child you will love to run around the various bridges, ladders, slides and more on the castles and swing on the swings, rolling down the grass hills. If you looking over a child you will like it is enclosed, visible security I think and not easy access to running into the street. A family would love the nice secluded area surrounded by a freeway and a quiet set of houses. With plenty of benches to eat and grass areas to sit and chat. I enjoyed the abundance and diversity of trees at this park. They had plenty of parking and the entrance was not difficult to find. After riding the fake car we left. I will be back to ride the fake dinosaurs. read more

Great little park, entrance is through a neighborhood so it's pretty safe. Newer playground equipment and even has a little obstacle course

Awesome clean park for kids. Was recently under construction and now one of the few parks I take my kids too.

Mostly private, with the exception of the 5 freeway alongside it. The parking lot is far from the actual play area so you don't have to worry about little Billy getting hit by a car. Two large play areas for the kiddos with plenty of grass, trees and space to feel like you're not so close to the people next to you who are celebrating a birthday party and making all kinds of noise. There is actually sand at this park. The park is only open until 5pm everyday. Usually pretty quiet during the week and busier on the weekend. read more

1st time in this park, it's smaller than others but it's ok. If you're not into long walk on a big park then, this is your place to be. read more

Dennis the Menace Park - Parks Near Me - Downey, California

I found it difficult to get here. The perimeter is fenced off, so you have to enter via the parking lot on Arrington, which you reach by Gallatin, off of Lakewood. Pros: Nicely landscaped, lots of trees. It was quite crowded when I went there on a weekday. Cons: It is directly abutted by the 5. Fairly noisy. I won't make a point of returning, but I *had* to visit a place called Dennis the Menace Park. I have more photos up here: http://kiracle.imeem.com/photo/eIRFmjNn/mwwJVOyfZX/ read more

Dennis the Menace Park - It's Not a Tombstone - Parks Near Me - Downey, California

Very peaceful..very nice park. Its calm..you see a different kind of crowd compare to the usual Smoking Weed Thugs or homeless sleeping or urinating ..Its a great small park..great to bring your kids. You see people walking their dogs..park does close at 6pm so dont think you're gonna be able to come at night to make out..its not that kind of park. There is a way in through the other side but it's pure locals. Good park but only 4 stars cause it is limited read more

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This park is safe for kids of all ages. My two year olds toddler enjoys playing here and making friends. People that visit the park are always friendly and courteous. New summer hours. The parking lot now closes at 630pm Monday to Friday and 7pm on weekends read more

Dennis the Menace Park - Parks Near Me - Downey, California

This is now one of my favorite parks. Took baby girl here to burn off some energy before we went home. I love the location. Although it's near a busy street and freeway, the park was pretty quiet. It's tucked away in a cul-se-sac, but conveniently located right off Lakewood Blvd. Another perk is it near a Mickey D's, so you can grab the kids some chicken nuggets or a cone then head for the park. The grounds are well maintained. There are a lot of trees for shade. I saw a few places that would be good for a gathering. But there was only one covered seating area. I wonder if it's hard to reserve? I loved the play area. It had up to date apparatus. I wanted to be 6 years old again so I could play! There are benches along the perimeter of the play area for mommies and daddies. I saw that they have some type of organized play activities ran by the park staff. The parking lot is very small though. If you're throwing a party, try to car pool as much as possible. Didn't check out the bathrooms. But if they are clean, I will give this park 5 stars next time. All in all, had a wonderful relaxing day with my baby girl. PS- It's kind of hard to find. But if you're driving North on Lakewood, turn right at Gallatin. If driving South on Lakewood, turn left at Gallatin. Then turn left at Arrington. read more

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Very nice park just wanted to relax and chill and that I did. It is hidden and you have to go through a residential area to get to the entrance. It is very well kept and while I was relaxing I noticed a lot of people use it for parties. Parking lot is small but it's a nice relaxing park. read more

Dennis the Menace Park - Parks Near Me - Downey, California

Quiet, peaceful park. It's changed a lot through the years. I was sad to see the Sword in the Stone and the Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage were removed. Those were some of my favorite things in Downey. read more

Small secluded park - my kid loved it! The parking lot is away from the actual Playground and I kept checking on my car. There were a lot more cars than people so I was a little wary. This playground has different equipment than the park on Rives Ave. The playground is connected and not separated like other parks. There is a toddler section, a big kid section but they are not separated nor fenced off, just a label to show age levels. They also have staff on premises and close at specific times. read more

It's such a great park..very clean, safe and peaceful, wonderful park...great for parties and family barbecues or just too chill under the trees read more

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This is a nice little park right by the 5 fwy and behind some enormous and beautiful homes. There is a lot of green area for the kiddos to run and play. There's also a nice sandy plaground with 3 very interactive play structures, baby and regular swings, play house, ride on dinosaurs and a metal truck. The kiddos are almost guaranteed to have a fun time with all the features of this play area. There are also a few benches around the park for the parents to relax and watch their kids. Near the playground you'll also find shady tables and benches for bbq. This is a very nice park with the only negative being that the playground isn't shady. I wish there were canopies covering the playground or trees close enough to give it some shade. read more

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It's clean. The the Parking lot is small, for all the cars that come to visit the park.its a nice park .

I love this park it is a bit difficult to get to since the entrance is a residential street but visible from Lakewood Blvd. The area for the kids is big and restrooms are clean ..awesome park read more

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This park was closed for several months and when it re-opened it had some additional playground amenities for the kids and a new building that contains bathrooms. My dog likes walking around in the park just as my previous dog did. As I walked around recently, I had to wonder why something wasn't done about the soggy mess in the area directly south of the kids' play area. It never used to be that way - and I know because I walked this area with my other dog. The area has a lot of trees so when it rains, the area doesn't dry out -- but it's soggy even when there's been no rain for days or weeks. The area has an obvious drainage problem. Why wasn't that taken care of when they did the renovations? I can't imagine families want to use that area for birthdays or anything else. You walk through there and your shoes squish. So what kind of improvement was that? A whole area of the park barely usable. Also: unlike other parks in Downey, this one is totally fenced in and locked and has variable opening and closing times for the parking lot. I've asked before why this park is fenced in and the parking lot inaccessible. No answer. I imagine there is no reasonable answer - and the park's neighbors don't know why, either. That the park is fenced in and locked might be tolerable were it not for the fact that in spite of spending who knows how much money to upgrade this park, there is no permanent sign anywhere that specifies what the daily opening and closing times are. A portable sign is marched out every day -- and here's a great recent improvement -- placed by the front gate so you see it when you drive in. So, this park is not only totally fenced in and locked when closed but has variable hours, and you only find out the closing time when you drive in to the parking lot. What kind of sense does this make? None. There is a back gate that's normally open, but the parking lot is inaccessible. I've gone to Dennis the Menace Park for several years with my dogs and I've concluded that this park's management needs some outside help. It really needs citizen oversight to get its quirky policies in line with the other parks in Downey. To have an entire section of the park one big soggy mess is unacceptable, especially with the park coming off a re-do. But more than that park management needs to explain why this park is fenced off and locked when other parks in Downey are not. And of course, the variable daily hours of operation have to come under scrutiny. For years this park has been allowed to go its own way. It's time for it to be brought into conformity with the other parks in Downey. read more

Love this park. I always take my kids here. It's a great place. So far I have never seen anything scary. Hope it stays that way. Good kids, good families. read more

Was on the search for finding a nice park to take my sons to. Came upon this park and decided to give it a try. They loved it! This park is not to big and not to small. It had a good size of play area for my sons to play in. It was a very clean park. I like to take my kids to the park during the week in the afternoons cause its less busy and not overcrowded with kids. I plan to take my kids back to this park. read more

It's fun to sneak in through the back gate after dark and do bad things :)

I haven't been here since I was 7. My son is 1.5 years and loved it! Its meant for kids 2-12. 3 different play areas ranging from little to big kids. Lots of grassy areas too. Near the freeway (my son loves trucks) so this was a bonus for us. Didn't have trouble parking but I could see how it could fill up fast on weekends. Parents and kids seemed friendly and played well around my little one. We will definitely be back. read more

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Beautiful park, very hidden....... Very little parking and they close at 4 not 5. The park worker goes around the park to announce that they close at 3:40pm....... And basically threaten you with towing your car....... read more

Was here yesterday for my cousins daughters 3rd bday and my first time. The nicest public park I have been to in a long time, nice green grass, lots of trees for shade, very clean. Park closes at 6p and they have strict rules. It's right next to 5 freeway but wasn't as noisy as I thought would be. Parking is far from the end of park and very small parking lot. I will definitely be going back. read more

My kids just love this park! You have to go in the residential street to find this park. I love the theme of this park with the castle and pirate ship. My kids can be here for hours. Great way to burn energy read more

I LOVE THIS PARK :) Great location to bring the kids , they have summer activities inside as well like air hockey and arts and crafts. I like the fact that they have smaller and bigger playgrounds for all ages to enjoy. theres also a couple of grills you can use to picnic and bbq :) lots of green space to take your dogs and fly some kites. peaceful neighborhood. read more

Me and my daughter has past it, we want to take her daughter /my granddaughter to go play but we don't know how to get in from Lakewood Blvd... But now that I've found this site it shows me the directions on how to get in so as soon as we go trust me I will add our experience to yelp. I will say this from Lakewood Blvd it looks soooo beautiful.. Write u all about our experience soon... Thank you all, and if anyone out there has anything to say about this park -negative or positive please let me know?? Thank you again, Jay read more

It's small and secluded right next to the 5 fwy, It may sound bad but It's a really nice place also very clean for a public park. I just love this park. read more

This park is secluded and next to the 5 freeway. It can be noisy but there is not a lot of people so when I go with my daughter it is easy to find a swing and she gets to play in the sandbox. read more

One of my favorite parks around Downey it always so clean and never packed, well the couple times I went it was empty. I also love how it has age category equipment read more

Well, for those of you don't know, there are two dennis the menace park, one in downey, and one in monterey up in norcal. Dont mistake the downey one with the monterey one you see on google, where there are trains, rock climbing...etc. this downey one is just a park with playground. read more

Ive been at this park twice so far and even though the only other park ive taken my kids is wilderness park in downey so far this one is one of my favorites. Both times i went during the week between 11am and 2pm and it wasn't crowded at all plenty of parking . My daughter is going to be 3 soon and i have my 1yr old son and this park has a place for all ages . They have a great toddler section with a small slide and a little hut they can sit in and get some shade from the sun. From there it goes to the preschool section with slightly bigger slides and more activities for theyre age and it goes from there all the way to 10 or 12 or so. The playground is clean with lots of benches to sit and watch the kids while they play . Lots of trees and green grass to throw a ball around or simply just lay down and relax. It does have areas that would be great space for a birthday party . Some people describe it as hidden or tricky to get there but all you have to do is coming on Gallatin you can make a left on the 1st two Streets drive all the way down and your there. You can see it right before the 5wy but even so the park is fenced and has lots of trees to mask the sounds of the cars. The only reason i give it a 4 star is because the bathroom facilities although clean are very small only 3 stalls or so and NO CHANGING TABLE thats a must for me especially with toddlers. Other than that i love this park and definitely would recommend it and will consider it for a birthday party for my kids . read more

Dennis the Menace Park - Parks Near Me - Downey, California

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One of the last great parks. Mainly due to the fact that the play area still has sand instead of the rubber tire scraps you see in most renovated parks. (Hopefully your child doesn't eat the sand like mine did) This park is definitely made for young children, as it does not have any basketball courts or playing fields of any kind. Only lots of trees and hills and grass. Although the park is located near the 5 freeway, there's really not much noise at all. It's so secluded that the ice cream truck doesn't even go there, which is great! Now the paleta man I'm not sure about. But I have yet to see him there either. Lot's of little areas for teenagers to have make out sessions thankfully away from the play area. But one of my favorite things about this park is the bathroom. I can only speak for the girls restroom. Not only does the bathroom have soap and paper towels but also toilet paper AND toilet seat covers! It's remarkably clean especially for a park bathroom, which are normally grotesque and murdery looking. Swings, monkey bars, slides, and a couple of play castles this park is equipped to keep your little ones playing for hours. Also, they replaced the old wooden tables for new ones and matching trash bins with a smooth wood finish. The play area is surrounded by a cemented path for bike riding or walking and benches to sit and watch your children from. If you plan to have a birthday party here get there at the butt crack of dawn if you want to get tables because it's on a first-come first-serve basis unless you reserve the one gazebo they have which you have to pay for obviously. Also, you must be a Downey resident to do so. The parking lot is small so your going to most likely have to park on the residential street, Arrington. I would definitely recommend this park to anyone with small children or anyone that wants some outdoor tranquility. read more