Lawrence Park in Laguna West is one of those neighborhood parks that has been part of our lives for…read moreyears. I live nearby and have been coming here since it was first built, and my daughter has been visiting since she was a baby -- and somehow still enjoys it even now as a teenager. The playground has some classic features kids love. The big boulder is always a favorite for jumping off of, and the old-school monkey bars are still going strong for a reason. There's even a teeter totter, which my daughter and I still hop on sometimes just for fun. The park has also been updated since the original structure burned down. I really appreciate that much of the ground now uses tire material and some foam padding instead of bark. It helps keep the play areas from getting overly hot on little feet and adds a little extra cushion for falls. There's plenty of seating and a shaded picnic area that works well for birthday parties or just relaxing while the kids play. The soccer fields and big grassy area are also great for running around or casual games. One feature that's easy to miss is the beautiful pollinator corner at the Fassett Street side of the park. There's a small plaque explaining it, and it's such a thoughtful addition to support bees and other pollinators. Helpful tip: bring a blanket or snacks and plan to stay awhile -- there's plenty of space to spread out and explore. Final verdict: absolutely worth it.

Love this park. Great park to take your dogs for a walk or bring your little ones to the play…read morestructure or watch a kids soccer game on some weekends. There's plenty of parking along the streets. There are no restrooms at this park.

This is a really nice community park. It's a great place to group events and parties. It's located…read morenear Sheldon High School. They have shaded seating, a small bridge, swings, and a play structure.

Just another park? I think not!…read moreThis spot is a hit, For my dogs on a walk. For the kiddos that crawl on all fours, Or the ones already running on two feet. There are two playgrounds for both, And can cater to all who greet. When you walk your dogs, Please do be careful! Sometimes there are prickly grass burrs, That can get your dog's paws in trouble :( Other than that, The park is pretty clean! With poop bags for your convenience. And even a park gym to meet your health needs. The people here are friendly, And the grass is always green. So try bringing your kiddos or puppers over, It might end up being a part of your routine!

A beautiful, wide, sandy beach right on the Sacramento River. Adjacent to Bahnfleth park in the…read moreLittle Pocket neighborhood. Not many people know about this "public" park, because although it is City property, there is a locked gate at the end of Seamas blocking public access to the park. The only people who have keys to this gate are the people in the lovely Little Pocket neighborhood adjoining the park. So if you are lucky enough to live in Little Pocket, you can have this beautiful 10-acre park and beach almost to yourself. Picnic, let your kids and dogs run around, and enjoy the nature area without being disturbed by us lowly commoners. If you live in the rest of the city, you are out of luck. You get to pay taxes to support the Department of Parks and Rec, but you don't get to access this park. It's only for the special people. If you think this is not quite fair, you could call Parks and Rec at 808-6060 and let them know that Little Pocket residents don't own the city, we all do. You could also try calling your City council person. This park is in Steve Hansen's district. Here is his contact info: Mailing Address: 915 I Street, 5th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 E-mail Address: shansen@cityofsacramento.org General Phone Line: 916-808-7004

I saw this on a list of best parks in the south Sacramento area, but was disappointed when I read…read morethe review about it being closed to the public. I checked the city website and it's true! It says there is technically public access from the river, but not the levee... If this is city owned, how can it just be fenced off and open to a select few homeowners who happen to live near the public land? Five stars because I hope awareness about this spreads, and something can be done, because it's such a shame that this park can't be enjoyed by the taxpayers.

Usual Tweakerville, Ca. park. I especially like the Tweakers…read morecamping right below the city installed sign that says 'No Camping'. It's so cozy with campfires and 1/2 ton of trash all over including on the bank so when the tide come in the rising water flushes all their garbage into the river like the river to ocean is one big toilet bowl. Oh and the fishing must be ok there since they also have fishing lines run into the water tied to stick they hide under rocks or tied onto limbs...but I guess that's ok with Dept. Of Fish & Games[sic].

Look! Out on the Sacramento River between Discovery Park and the I Street Bridge! It's a ship; it's…read morea dragonfly; it's a public art display; it's a destination by foot, bike, skates, or car along the riverfront; it's a fun place for kids to play in a fountain; it's a giant crazy straw supplying Sacramento's drinking water; it's -- all of these things. I first saw the rendering for this magnificent structure in an issue of Metropolis magazine several years ago and had to rub my eyes when I read that it was going to be built in Sacramento. It was completed in 2004. This lovely modern glass, metal, and concrete structure was designed by the Lionakis Beaumont Design Group. It's a great place to visit for a number of reasons: - A place to enjoy art: this begins as you ascend from the parking lot, continues on the walkway and is incorporated throughout the building. - A place to be educated about the river: kiosks explain everything about the facility, the river, and water treatment. - A place to play: a wonderful in-ground fountain spurts arcs of water on an irregular, intermittent basis. Great fun for kids on a hot day! - An unusual vantage point to observe the river and our city. Sometimes the water fountain isn't operating, but you can easily tell if it isn't by looking down from I-5. Take the Richards Boulevard exit and head towards the river. It's a great spontaneous thing to do with the kids. Keep a change of clothes, towels and sunscreen in the car and you're good to go anytime. Regular hours are 9 AM to 3 PM; longer hours Spring/Summer. UPDATE: This park appears to have been renamed: "Robert T. Matsui Waterfront Park" I originally listed it as "City Water Intake Facility" for lack of a better name. See http://www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/parks/sites/matsui_photo.htm

We really enjoy visiting Oak Park and walking around McClatchy Park and then visiting some of our…read morefavorite businesses. Sometimes the park is taken over with events- big and small. If an area is reserved you'll see signs up for the timing. When there are bigger events the parking nearby tends to fill up, but when there aren't events you can usually find plenty of free parking nearby. The park has a basketball court, baseball field, tennis courts, picnic tables, disc golf, a skate park, a nice playground and even a pool. There are paved paths and there are multiple areas that are great for entertaining groups, including a stage area. They pack a lot into a relatively small area and while there's a lot to do it won't take you long to walk around. While we were walking around a family was having a party and plenty of people were utilizing the different areas for sports. There were also some people walking their dogs, like us, but some people had their dogs off leash in some of the bigger areas. There wasn't a dog park area. it was beautiful while we were there and everything was clean and well kept.

Wow, this has got to be one of the most underrated parks in all of Sacramento. They have so many…read morethings to do, for the young and old. There's an amazing playground, with areas for big kids and small kids, all themed after the amusement park that used to be here. There's also basketball, including a court for kids with a low net. There's a skate park, tennis, frisbee golf, and baseball too. And, they have a large lap pool, wading pool, and splash pad for the warmer months. All in all, this is an amazing park, especially for kids, but really for anyone!

A much deserved update for a park that is about as hidden as a park could get within a residential…read moreneighborhood. Perhaps that's what gives it such charm. It's not the largest or the fanciest, but it has everything a neighborhood park would need and more and is the preferred go-to for my son because of its play structures. We've stopped in time and again to enjoy the playground, which is filled with local kids on weekends, or eat lunch on a neighboring park bench in the shade beneath some lovely old trees. There's a huge grassy field for running around until you fall, there's a basketball court that is usually occupied by at least one lone future all-star and there is a wading pool that I have yet to see open but is in good functioning order. For those who live nearby, I dare say they are foolish not to take advantage of this resource on a regular basis. I don't live nearby and still do. Bertha, whoever you are, my hat is off to you.

Love love this darling little park with its trees, two being huge sequoia trees. Great playground…read moreand there's a little kids wading pool with a giant toadstool waterfall and a lifeguard sitting at the pool's edge. Most of the children are under the age of four, little tots. I'm thankful for the restaurant that didn't have but one table under an umbrella to sit at. We took our lunch and did a search for parks by us on our google maps. And... so happy this little park was close by with plenty of shade, two picnic tables and four benches all in the shade. I wish I had raised my own children in such a neighborhood park!

Quarantine review Vol 3…read more Been coming to this park for years! The first time I stumbled upon this park I was so lost. I just went for a walk to get lost and boy was I lost. It took me an hour to get back home. This park back then was nicer it had more trees which it had way more shade. The pond they had always had water and they would stock it with fish. They redesigned the park and the pond now just looks like a puddle its a big pond but it has very little water. The playground they have now is way bigger than before. I would normally come her at night wit my dogs, because I stay lurking in the dark ;) they made the field bigger and added another field on the other side which before it was just dead grass with shrubs so they did it make it way bigger. They have a little community center next to it where before they would do aerobic classes and I think its also a library, I could be wrong tho. Come out here and check it out its nice but it was nicer before they have picnic tables and a gazebo and lots of room to run and play for the lil ones or if u want to get ur work out on.

On Saturday we attended a friend's birthday party here at their picnic tables for the theme Where…read morethe Wild Things Are, perfect theme to hold at a park, am I right?! Where children can let all their energy out and be kids! This park has a HUGE field to play sports, 2 play structures both for older and younger children and is right next to the recreation center that holds parties and more. They also have a large parking lot and water fountains to quench their thirst after playing, awesome! I would highly recommend checking out this park here in Sacramento, to discover all it has to offer! My toddler as well as the twins who held their party here had a blast from going down the various slides, spinning the wheel, seeing the flowers in the Butterfly Garden and more! Another big plus, the park was well kept, which shows it's cleaned and maintained regularly, we'll be back!

Bridge view Park is a very very small park located in the Del Web Retirement Community of Elk…read moreGrove. It's total acreage is only one-half acre ".55". Completed in 2010 , this park is a joint venture by both the City of Elk Grove and the Cosumnes Community Service District. This is not your typical park with playgrounds and swings. Pretty much an adult only park. There isn't much room available to play any sports in the open space. The park has a few picnic tables and benches around its walking path. I believe this park gets its name from the wooden bridges that connect the park to Whitelock Parkway and surrounding communities. The only thing that caught my attention in this park was the huge metal acorn on the lawn.

This is no playground at this park so if that's what you're looking for, there's one literally…read moreacross the street called Oasis Park. This park is great if you are looking for a new quiet place to have a picnic with a friend or catch up over some coffee or tea. There are a few tables that are VERY spread out so you could have a fair private conversation and not worry about someone being right next to you. There is some shade provided by trees but no structures for shade. There is a patch of grass so if you wanted to lay out a blanket and read or bring some toys for your kids, it would be a quiet area to just have some down time. There is a giant acorn statue for some reason and ummm... it's good for pictures I guess? My kids liked looking at it. I find value in parks like this. Not every park needs to be a huge playground with lots of amenities. This is a good place to just sit and have a sandwich on your lunch break, get a little sun (wear sunscreen!), and take in some nature.