This park actually had two sides: one for gen pop (gen pup, if you will), and one for smaller,…read morequieter dogs. Our Australian Cattle dogs have such a blast here. Last time we brought them, one joined in a howling session with some other dogs who were responding to an ambulance siren. It was super cute. Plenty of parking, and there's ample space to roam. Gentle reminder to clean up after your pets when you visit.

Overall, this is a decent place to take your dog. It's important to be mindful of the politics of…read morethe environment here as there are regular attendees who have strong opinions about the going ons of the park - I try to stay clear of all that. I would give it 5 stars if the grass was better maintained as it is very dirt-filled, but I also understand that can be difficult with the heat we face in the valley. Overall, lovely place.

Love this place! Recently came here again in 2026. Went on Grotto trail by accident a year or two…read moreago. Omg! It was so intense but so worth is at the top I saw some coyotes on the others side- like a pack but the stayed on their side. Some people bring their hiking sticks and whistles and some just brave the wild :/. While we made it out alive, won't lie. Seeing like 5-6 coyotes at once kinda scared me but they were pretty far off. They have a nice little park (not a kid park with swings) you can walk around for a calmer and easier walk. They have other trails there that I haven't been on. So I'd just say wear good shoes if you're gonna tackle the big trails and maybe there hiking sticks (I need to get one) and anything for safety. It has many signs that there are rattle snakes. I haven't seen one but I believe them lol. I prefer to go early because in my mind, they wouldn't be out and about yet ‍ since it's not too hot.

A great park at the north end of San Fernando Valley. So many areas to spread out and enjoy…read more O'Melvany is listed as the second-largest public park in Los Angeles(behind Griffith Park), but still seems a pretty good secret, for the most part. On any given day you may see dogs playing, or training in social skills, exercise classes, families picnicking and kids running around. BUT ALSO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR WILDLIFE! Coyotes and mountain lions are very common, as are rattle snakes. But also bunnies, squirrels and an array of birds, for those who take the time to stop, listen, and try to identify. There is not a playground at this large park. Instead, the draw is toward it's many, well marked, hiking trails. This use to be John O'Melvany's ranch, until he deeded the land to Los Angeles(1976), with specifics for it to be used as a park. You'll still see orchards of grapefruit as you enter, with signs requesting you not remove the fruit from the area. The fruit has not been properly tended to in decades, so it's not really yummy grapefruit, but on occasion you'll see some people plucking and tasting to quell their curiosity. Mainly, to avoid the spread of fruit flies, the city requests that the yellow spheres be left in place. BUT OH THE AROMA OF THE FLOWERS FROM THESE TREES! And so many happy bees flitting about. Quite nice. This is also a park that allows access for equestrians. A very large dirt area for trailers to park and horses to be staged and prepped before heading off into the hills on the marked Equestrian Trail. If you do take the time to hike one of the many trails, you'll be rewarded with beautiful view of SFV. If you squint, you can almost imagine what it looked like pre-WWII, before the tract homes welcomed the veterans here. Many beautiful, very old, oak trees, eucalyptus and various maple species, along with a LOT of native shrubbery are found throughout the park and the one large bathroom at the center is well maintained. Hours are dawn to dusk, with gates at both the pedestrian entry and parking lot. Plenty of free parking in the lot and along the street. If you're up for an easy, but fairly long excursion, check out Bee Canyon Park. It starts just across the street from O'Melvany and DOES have a play area for kids. Also, it's trail runs all the way to Balboa. Cheers! "CC"

I stopped by Northridge Park over the weekend for a nice morning walk. I found parking easily…read morebecause I came before noon. The park was already having some kind of event near the kids playground. There was also a kid soccer game going on too. I saw people were playing basketball at the court, tennis in the tennis court and other people were just walking their dog. This park has a pool as well but I think it was closed because the pool was drained. This is a nice big and relaxing park in Northridge.

Our first time registering for soccer and Northridge Recreation Center is SO DISAPPOINTING AND…read moreDISORGANIZED!! THEY HAVE THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! We signed up our son for Northridge spring soccer league. The soccer game started last Saturday 4/4. However, after attending the soccer evaluations early last month, we never heard from a coach and do not know who his coach is, what team he is on or when the games are scheduled. We tried emailing Jason Gianni twice for this information, but never received a response. My husband called the rec center and all they can provide is the email to Dwayne Finley, the Senior Recreation Director. We emailed him twice and we still haven't heard from him. I called Northridge Rec Center three times today and no one answers. At this point, with their lack of care and consideration, we want a refund. And trying to get our money back has been so frustrating!! They rob my son of the opportunity to play soccer then they literally rob us! Be warned if you sign up for any of their leagues.

If you know me, you know I'm always on the look out for a good park that I can bring my dog to to…read morepractice her training and to play ball with her. This park looks nice and clean, well taken care of, and well shaded. I came by around 1130 and I saw a very nice large green area open, I wish I had my dog with me because this is perfect. I usually put her on the 30 or 45 feet lead and let her explore and throw the ball. Also I love that this park is closer to me than lake balboa so I can alternate environments for her. The park is surrounded by houses in a neighborhood and I found parking easily on the street. The kids playground is nice too, very clean and well kept as well!

This location was a nice place. There were multiple groups of people setting up for birthday…read moreparties and there was still plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the park. It's pretty much a long stretch of land going around the coledesack near the back of Dearborn Elementary Charter Academy . There were so many beautiful trees at this park, perfect for shade and enjoying the breeze. It also had a couple of basketball courts. The playground was gated which I thought was good for if littler kids are playing. It was a nice and peaceful place. There's street parking right along the front of the park from end to end so plenty of places to park easily. This was a nice park, I'd go here again

We hosted our son's first birthday party at Mason Park Recreation Center, and I truly can't say…read moreenough good things about the experience. From start to finish, the staff was amazing--super helpful, responsive, and made the entire process feel easy and seamless. Getting our permit approved was quick, and when I had to switch locations last minute (literally a week before), they somehow had availability and got us in. I was so relieved and honestly overjoyed. The space itself was perfect. The shaded picnic table area is such a gem--especially on a hot day, which it definitely was. It kept everyone comfortable and made the setup really easy. The park and playground are also really nice and well-maintained, which made it great for both kids and adults to enjoy. There's also a splash pad, which unfortunately wasn't open during our event only due to the time of year, but I'm already thinking about booking again this summer so the kids can fully enjoy it. Overall, such a smooth, stress-free experience. Highly recommend for anyone planning a party or gathering!

I was in the area and decided to stop by to check out the park as I'm always on the lookout for…read moreplaces to take my dog for training and to throw the ball with her. I am very impressed with Mason Park, the grass is green and lush and well maintained. There's zero trash on the ground. Also, I was really enjoying that so many people of all ages were here today playing! Nobody on their phones, just people playing soccer, softball, or basketball in this very spacious park. There were excited shouts of laughter and calling to eachother about the games, a sound that it feels like we don't hear often enough now that technology has taken over so much of our lives. I don't know if the park is always this crowded or if it's just game day, but I love this park. Next time I'm in the area with my dog I will definitely stop by with her even just to walk around! Parking is in a small lot or on the side streets.

I wouldn't really call this a park, more of a rest stop on your walk. Can't really give it a bad…read morereview considering it's clean and provides a spot to stop and sit if you need a break.

5 stars honestly. Not even a real park, just a grassy corner. I appreciate though, fun stop for the…read moredogs when I walk them there. And behind it is a little 7 second trail, what's not to love? Actually, at the moment the grass is really overgrown somebody needs to mow it.

Limekiln Canyon Trail is a nice place to go on a casual walk/hike. Its a cool trail because you can…read morefeel like you are in nature, however the trail is located close to the street, or at least this is the case for the section I like to hike in. The trail extends into the mountains so if you are into longer hikes there is that option. Pros: easy access, convenient escape into nature. Not a difficult hike. Cons: there is graffiti/street art on the trail. Some of it looks cool, so this might not be considered a con to some. But I would prefer that it wasn't there.

This trail is a secluded escape tucked away in the hills of the Valley! If you're looking for a…read morehike that is low key & quiet, this is definitely the spot. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view of the Valley. It's also quite interesting as you hike along; you get a bird's-eye view into various backyards with some truly beautiful pools & hot tubs. The day I went was overcast, which made for a very pleasant & chill walk. There is plenty of nature to enjoy, including lots of birds flying around. Also lots of street parking outside the entrance to the trail. One thing that caught my attention: lots of litter & beer cans everywhere:( very sad .

When you arrive parking is plentiful along the borders of the park or in the parking spaces. I love…read morecoming to this park for dog training and for spending time with my dog allowing her to sniff and run on an extended leash (either 30 to 45 feet leash). The great thing about this park is that there is a sidewalk to walk on to walk the perimeter of the lake, or there are many areas of large green fields that surround the park. I have seen other dogs off leash, and normally this gives me great hesitation, but in a large park like this, you can be far enough distance away from everyone else and their dogs to avoid them. Now that it's spring, everything is blossoming and blooming, but be careful, when I was here the grass had not yet been mown, and there are so many foxtails growing right now. So many got caught in my shoes and thankfully I checked my dog's body completely and her feet and none had stuck to her. When things are mown it's great but also beware of the ants. When I was on the side of the park that has the football field sized grass area, I was watching my dog sniff and play and suddenly I felt something biting me. I looked down and dozens of red ants were climbing me from the dirt. I must have mistakenly stood on an ant mound. Thirdly, just also keep aware of coyotes, I have seen a coyote several times at Lake Balboa and they do not seem fearful whatsoever and they are just walking around casually in the middle of the day. This park is a true gem because of how beautiful and serene it makes life feel. There are people fishing in the lake, walkers, runners, people relaxing on benches reading, friends playing cards, birthday parties or other events, people bicycling or skateboarding. I love this park.

It's one of those places that feels like a mini escape without having to leave LA. The lake is…read morebeautiful, especially in the mornings and around sunset, and the walking path around it is perfect for a chill stroll, jog, or bike ride. There's always a good mix of people here families, couples, dog walkers, and folks just trying to get some fresh air. The park is spacious, well-maintained, and surprisingly peaceful considering how central it is. Plenty of picnic tables, grassy areas to relax, and spots to just sit and people-watch. The ducks and birds add to the whole vibe. Parking is usually easy, which is a huge plus, and the restrooms are decent for a public park. On weekends it can get busy, but it never feels overwhelming because there's so much space. Whether you're looking for a quick walk, a picnic date, or a calm place to clear your head, Lake Balboa is a solid go-to. Definitely one of my favorite outdoor spots in the Valley.

Such a beautiful park and easy trail! I love that it's shaded and that there's a creek that runs…read morethrough it. Restrooms are clean and there's plenty of parking.

Plenty to discover in this short and sweet trail. Our group tends to start away from the main…read moreentrance of the park. Instead, we would turn right onto Sesnon Blvd from Balboa Blvd, then head straight till the road ends. Oddly enough the two halves of Sesnon are separated by a ravine. From this starting point, there is a moderately steep decline heading down to the main trail. After this portion, the trail is a casual nature walk. The terrain consists of well-established stream crossings, clusters of old trees you can climb, eclectic art pieces made by local residents, makeshift swings made out of rope, and even manhole covers from India! Folks we meet along the way would say their hellos while riding their bikes and walking their dogs in the evenings. Every so often there would also be small frogs and worms squirming around. Once you get to the main entrance and parking lot, there are a few restrooms as well as resting/training areas for horses. As an out and back route, the incline back onto Sesnon gets the calf muscles working.

we've been taking our dog for boarding when we go on vacation, and Janet and her team take such…read moregood care of him and he has a great time. when I drop him off he does not have anxiety. Janet sends pictures and videos with him playing with other dogs snd having a fantastic time. he is worn out when I pick him up. janet is super focused on safety so you have peace of mind while you're away

We have been using them for dog walks and home stays for years. Love them. However we just started…read moretaking our husky puppy for daycare. What a goddess send! He gets to play and rest all day when I have to go to work and is sooo happy.