Hawkins Park is okay... The park is conveniently located just adjacent to the neighborhood. The grass is well maintained, appears to be watered regularly & is relatively clean.
Hawkins Park - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville?select=oze6jjLKqVXPoLBAOtqORg#oze6jjLKqVXPoLBAOtqORg
On scorching days, (i.e. - surface temperature of the sun), the best time is early morning, before 10am, and early evenings, after 6:30pm. ('And even then, it can still be a bit on the warm side.)
I've been here a number of times with "The Pack," HAPA & Trixie, since moving to the area a few months ago from the OC. It seems that a a large number of locals really enjoy this park... On cooler days & evenings, you will find quite a few people out with their families, kids and/or pets. For the most part, I've met some really nice people out & about, either on a walk or just taking a break from their day. The tennis courts are in fair condition and get used fairly regularly. The park's half court, basketball area is quite popular as well.
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville#JRDTX6f_cYhJwzbBMJtnIQ
There's a small kids playing area with "spongy padding," tunnels, a train and other things to keep the rug rats busy. There's also a "big kids" play area just across the way with tanbark, swings, a rock climbing wall, multiple slides and a jungle gym.
Kiddie Area - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville#fp4ZM749cOorANxZWia1EQ
Big Kids Area - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville#xFhO1a08mxmlWFCDAg8cLA
There's a row of large trees near the roadside of the park that can provide a good amount of shade as well as a larger tree near the playground area. Picnic tables are sparse & spread throughout the park... 'All THREE of them. (However, the tables could use a bit of updating or replacing.)
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville#B-H6NSyDEBasRD-YWprPIw
For only having two garbage containers on site, the park is relatively clean. A huge bonus, which I have not found too often at the local parks is a doggy poop bag station, a BIG PLUS! In South Orange County, the majority of parks have poop bags available & in turn, the parks are quite "clean," compared to ones that didn't.
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville#sLw79kagWoTTabSr2pH4Bg
You can see the outdated, remnants of the eighties, (i.e. - "Workout Circuit"), with stations located around the perimeter of the park and if they were completely removed, it wouldn't be missed. Most of the workout stations are not functional with missing components. (Maybe they're kept for sentimental reasons.)
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville#W8Eh_xceNKq-LSYs0V67gQ
I've walked through Hawkins Park in the evening with "The Pack" & found the existing park lighting/lamp posts to be rather inadequate. I would not recommend evening strolls for most people as there are quite a number of areas around the park where there is very little to no lighting.
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville#KLvNexPfBn2Iz9RYu3r8ZA
Usually when I'm @ the park, I have HAPA Boy with me, he's half American Bulldog/Pit bull... 'He makes for a great visual deterrent. However, I also have Trixie, a Yorkie/Scottish mix in tow & she doesn't exactly have that same effect as HAPA... 'All ten pounds of her. (However, if anyone knows my HAPA, he'd more likely give you a wet, slobbery kiss & want to play more than anything else.)
The Pack - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville#jmMvMQGkcNenZT1-TaPV2Q
Note: There have been a few occasions where I have noticed a bit of a sketchy element.
1. Lone individuals "hanging out"/loitering; no kids; no pets
2. Groups of individuals "hanging out"/loitering on the playground/kids equipment; no kids
3. Note: It is not advised to walk the trail running parallel to the creek that leads down a private path near and/or after dark; homeless people usually can by found in/near the brush in the area, mostly in the evenings
Either way, no matter where you are, ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings whether it's day or night... 'Not just in front of you but 360 degrees, make it a habit of glancing "up & around," every few minutes just so that you aren't caught off guard by something or someone that you did not see.
Overall, moderately clean park BUT even with free, city provided poop bags, lazy @ss people still can't seem to pick up up after their dogs... 'And on that note, you may want to bring some "back-up poop bags," just in case. The city does provide free bags but there have been a few times when the station has sat empty for a while.
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hawkins-park-vacaville#jfuAsN9kQS4knLvm9VQtdg
('And according to fellow yelp*er, Victoria H., it may be "slightly haunted." I added a "plus" just for that alone!) - "There be ghost here, b*tches!"
- Aloha!
Food: n/a
Ambiance: 3
Service: 3+
Value: 4 read more