Libby Park is a small hidden gem tucked right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. From the outside, it feels like a quiet, private little spot, but once you walk down the stairs, it really opens up. One of my favorite parts was the view of the lake. It's peaceful and makes for a really nice walk, especially with the trail that loops around it. The park itself is well laid out with a small soccer area, walking path, benches, picnic seating, and a playground, which makes it great for a casual outing with kids. That said, there are a couple things to keep in mind. You do have to walk down stairs to access the park, which might be tricky if you have a stroller (I didn't notice a ramp, but I could have missed it). Also, while there's plenty of street parking, there isn't a dedicated lot. The only downside for me was the amount of duck feces around the lake area, especially on or near some of the benches, which made it a little less enjoyable to sit and relax by the water. Overall, it's a nice little neighborhood park and a great spot if you're nearby and want to take the kids out for a quick stroll or playdate. read more

Libby Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Beautiful park! I love the ducks and birds! Very clean grass to walk on! Peaceful and relaxing read more

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I wanted to try a out new park for a little picnic and I found this place. Under a nice shaded structure there are some concrete tables which makes it convenient for picnics. There is a walking path all around the lake, about 1/2 mile around, nice easy stroll. There are even some benches in a few places. There are plenty of ducks, seagulls, turtles, and other birds. I saw a hawk too. The ducks don't really like to move until you get on top of them in the walkway. There are plenty of them and they leave behind plenty of their droppings. I didn't experience anything bad when I was there and I didn't know about the history here. I should have read the reviews first. I went during the day and saw about 10-15 other people enjoying the nice weather and what the park has to offer. There is a play structure for the kids and a bathroom up at the top of the stairs where the street parking is. read more

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I grew up down the street and this was the park that mom and dad would not let me go to alone. Now that I am middle-aged woman that likes to walk at parks I have taken it back. This place is quite lovely in the day due to it's bad rep there's not a lot of people here but there are millions of ducks if that is your sort of thing I have never felt unsafe walking around the lake/pond. I only go during the day though, and it's quite peaceful, I will see random dog walkers, or people like me. Never any shady characters during the day. Don't let it deter you from coming and enjoying this park. If it helps, there is no homeless/drug users that stay here and sleep on the grass during the day. I've been in much shittier places, in Escondido or LA. PS, sorry Escondido for making you the example but if you know you know read more

The view was awesome but no shading when it's so hot out. Nice area for picnics with the kids though. We saw allot of trash and cigarette on ground. read more

Libby Lake Park - Parks Near Me - Oceanside, California

I really like this little lake. It's great for a short walk. A lot of ducks. Used to be a bunch of turtles too but I've seen people catching them and taking them home. read more

I love this park, we live across the street at Libby Lake apartments! i bring my 10 year old son and my 2 dogs often to the park to play in the playground and ride bikes around the lake. Ducks, turtles, and very clean area! read more

This has been a park known for senseless violence on sometimes innocent people. If you come with your family during the day you should be fine but it's not a guarantee. You would think that the police would patrol the area a lot more because of what's been going on. It's so sad that kids have to watch their back at a park instead of enjoying themselves. This is a park that you have to enter at your own risk. The gangs in this area have been here for years and I don't see them leaving anytime soon. read more

I love this park. The playground is large, sturdy and diverse for both a little kid area and a big kid area. It has wood chips for ground covering, for easy landing and cleans off the kiddos easily. Also there's a volleyball area but I rarely see anyone using it. Across the street is a mini skate park with ramps and such that are really cool. The restrooms have pretty murals on them and clean and well stocked. There is also a well covered patio area that is pretty large with barbecues, they are usually empty though you'll occasionally see a family having a birthday party. I come here quite often to feed the ducks. There is a ton them around fall then I guess they migrate, and it seems like there's less other seasons, I'm not sure how that all works, lol! Also there's turtles and fish in the lake. Some of the turtles end up on the land which is fun to see them, though I think I saw someone take one home once... :/ I wouldn't recommend coming at night (at this park or any park for that matter) I've heard of the tragic gang related murders that happened in 2011 and 2013, but on a positive note they have done things such as chop down trees that were concealing areas and installed new light poles and also some cosmetics with new paved streets, 3 pretty water fountains in the lake, etc.. I haven't ever felt scared here or seen any "gangs". And I do see the police patrol regularly. Occasionally I will see someone with liquor walking around who is intoxicated, and alcohol is prohibited but police usually get called and I think person is asked to leave. The park itself is pretty clean. I have never seen the trash overflowing. Though I have seen garbage that is thrown on the ground and sometimes ends up on the lake. Some people even fish in the lake but it's just for fun and throw fish back. read more

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NOT SAFE FOR KIDS!!! This park is notorious for gang activity (over the years, there have been multiple attacks and fatalities - check the news if you doubt me). I had already been to this park a couple of times before finding out how much of a hotbed it appears to be for gang members and others to hang out in...and had I known prior, I would never have brought my son here. There are apartments nearby, so I'm glad there's some place available for the local kids to play, but it seems like less of that is going on than illicit and inappropriate activity. My friend's 3 year old daughter brought her a syringe she picked up while playing at the park, and while leaving the second time I ever visited, I saw a used condom on the ground by one of the benches. I was disgusted, and that was what finally convinced me that until the city and the Oceanide Police Department decide to clean house and do something to make this park more safe and accessible for children, there are dozens of other parks in the city I can take my children. I just feel bad for the people in the housing areas nearby that may not have cars or the same ability as I do to simply choose another park. This is not okay, and the city should be doing more to clean this place up. read more

I so want to love this park. It has a great pond, a play area for the Littles, a walking path along the pond, and gang violence. Multiple shootings and scary place to go when it's just you and your kids. A kid died there from a shooting a week after I unknowingly went with my young boys. It makes me really sad. And scared. And sad I won't be going back there because it really is a lovely place. Or could be. read more

This city park is a hidden gem. It features a large shade structure with picnic tables and barbecues, suitable for groups. Not a "sports park," it is a great place for walking and picnicking. Its main feature is the large improved lake in the center. It is surrounded by a paved walking path and fishing is permitted. There is also a playground next to the shade structure. A variety of local and migratory birds and ducks frequent the lake and feeding the ducks is another fun activity. Swimming and boating are not permitted. There are several areas with shade trees and benches, and a restroom. The park has an undeserved reputation due to several incidents of criminal activity that have taken place there over the years. All of those incidents have taken place after dark when the park is closed. Nothing to be afraid of here during daylight hours, it's a great place for family activity. read more

Such a same about the violence that has happened here. You may be concerned after hearing the horrible things that have taken place at this park but you will be totally fine if you are here during the day. The park is large and near the end of a dead end road so there is not a ton of traffic rushing back and forth while kids are playing so that is really cool. The grass area is large and they have a bunch of playgroup equipment and a big picnic area. The thing I use at the park is the paved walking path that goes around the small lake. It is pleasant and easy walk around the lake and you can do some bird watching as you look at all the ducks and birds that hang out at the lake. read more

I live in the area so i know about this park and the violence in the past. I take my daughter to the playground during the day time and i walk my dog. It sucks that i still get scared being around here, but i live across the street and it's a beautiful park to walk. I just don't stay late! It can get sketchy during the night. read more

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Great for children the Ducks are plentiful and scene is fantastic.Live to love the time there.l

Cool park. Big walking area for dogs. Duck pond. The water at the pond is really gross. And it gets ghetto after 7

This park is beautiful peaceful, the perfect spot to stroll around with my doggie :). I'm always a bit scared to come here but when I am here I never seem to see anything to be scared about! read more

Libby Lake Park - Beautiful in the afternoon - Parks Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Please be careful, my fiance and I moved in to the apartments down the street from here and were not informed of the gang problems in this area. We were victim of attempted carjacking on our way home from a date night. If it weren't for my fiances quick thinking, I hate to think what would have happened. Be careful if you come here during the day, but ABSOLUTELY do not be anywhere on Calle Montecito at night. read more