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"

Great hiking trail! It is uphill the whole time, so it's a little harder, but take breaks as…read moreneeded. Nice hike to see nature!

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.

This park is huge. It provides great opportunity for kids to play soccer. They also have festivals…read moreand community services. There is plenty of parking for all who want to see a game. There are lots of trees for shade.

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

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!

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!

There's plenty of street parking. The parking lot often is full, so I don't even bother…read more We bring our dogs on the evening during the week or afternoons weekend. Plenty of area to let them run around. Some areas have foxtails (or worse). Definitely neeed to be careful and inspect their paws upon arrival of home. There's areas for kids to play. Lots of different party's planned , Very close to Smart n final and Trader Joe's , so convenient to walk by.

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.

Do you ever not realize you haven't heard a certain noise in years until you finally hear it again…read moreand it's like music in your ears? This is how I felt yesterday evening as I stepped foot into Limekiln Canyon trail! What was that noise? Frogs!!!! I did not realize that I haven't heard the sound of frogs croaking in years and suddenly it was the most beautiful noise so peaceful and serene I wanted to spend the night on a log just listening!!! I attended a meet up hike and I had no idea this trail existed! As a side note it was funny I didn't know this is the same hiking group my step dad attends so it was a fun surprise when we saw eachother and we hiked it together! I've lived around the area and explored all my life but this is the first time I heard of this trail or seen it!!! Parking is street parking off Tampa and across from the church. The entire path is dirt roads and very very well maintained brush on all sides. My step dad said he's had a run in with rattlesnakes on this trail and to be very careful on the parts of the trail that get narrow with bushes on both sides so close to where you're walking. All the trees are huge and give great shade and cover. We hiked at around 6pm and I did see people with dogs who were all on leashes which was good and the trail wasn't too congested so I do believe next time I come to this trail I can bring my dog along! When it gets dark the trees don't let in too much light from the sky so make sure you bring your flashlight. I'm really excited to have such a nice place to hike so close and, well, as I said the sound of the frogs has me hooked and you might catch me there just sitting on a log listening to the beautiful nature sounds!

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.