Monte Verde Park in Lakewood turned out to be a really calm and enjoyable place for me when I went there in 2023 to celebrate the 24th birthday of one of my friends. I had never been there before, so I didn't realize how much there was to appreciate until I actually walked around the main area during the celebration. The whole place felt peaceful and welcoming in a way that made it easy to relax and enjoy the moment without feeling rushed at all. Even though I didn't explore the nature part of the park that day, I could tell just from looking around that there was a lot more to enjoy there than I expected, and the grassy areas, trees, and open space all had this refreshing vibe that teenagers would really enjoy, especially if they like being outdoors or taking creative pictures. By my surprise, the park felt even nicer than I imagined, and I appreciated how simple it was to have a good time there without needing anything extra. I never doubted that the experience was going to turn out the way I hoped it would, but it still felt better once I was actually there. I only visited Monte Verde Park that one time in my life before making this review, but it left a really positive impression on me, and now I genuinely want to go back just to explore the nature part for myself. I would highly recommend that teenagers visit the nature part of Monte Verde Park because it gives them a place to have fun, take pictures, feel creative, and enjoy the outdoors in a calm and refreshing way. read more

Enclosed park is in the middle of a quiet neighborhood, with a paved walkway around the perimeter called the San Gabriel river parkway trail. Entry is through a locked gate, the hall is open for rent and other use through Lakewood parks and recreation. We are here today for hula classes offered also by parks and recreation of Lakewood. Well maintained landscaping of green grass and tall trees, plus a wisteria vine that am sure is stunning when in bloom. read more

Monte Verde Park - Entry point is a locked gate - Parks Near Me - Lakewood, California

It's a good park, but it wouldn't be my first choice of a park to visit whenever I need a breath of fresh air. It's much too small compared to Rynerson Park, just steps away in terms of displacement, but over a mile away in terms of distance. However, the trail both inside and outside the park can provide a nice place to blow off some steam and perhaps "go and smell the roses" as alluded to in those Travelocity commercials. You might find some roses somewhere along the nature trail outside the park, but you won't find any inside this park. In fact, the plantation within the grounds isn't as abundant, which shouldn't come off as surprising since I previously mentioned how small the park is. However, there is plenty enough open space to hold a nice summer camp, which the City of Lakewood does annually. I personally think Rynerson Park would be a better place to hold a summer camp as it would allow for so much more activities in the wider, more open space just on the other side of the San Gabriel River. But then again, Monte Verde does have an amphitheater and even a fire ring, neither of which is found at Rynerson. The park has a lodge called the S. Mark Taper Foundation Vista Lodge, which I suppose you could compare to a ski resort lodge minus the fact that you're not skiing in the park lol. I also suppose it's used pretty frequently for special events, and you'll know that from a sign at the entrance indicating that there is a private event going on. The nature trail inside the park is about a quarter mile long. There's a fair amount of vegetation, but not a whole lot that you'll likely see more on the nature trail outside the park instead. So far, I've been to the park three times. The first time, the front gate was closed, so all I could do was explore the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail. The second time, there was a baby shower at the event, and I didn't want to intrude. The third time, there was another private event, but it had just ended, so I got to take a couple laps on the nature trail inside the park. It was nice to explore for once, but like I alluded to earlier, don't expect a whole lot. In fact, one of the placards was completely worn out, and I could barely read the title of that placard. There's also a barbecue/picnic area by the lodge, which would be perfect for those summer camps that I mentioned earlier in this review. I can also see the grounds being used a lot by organizations like boy scouts and girl scouts. However, it'd be hard to play a pickup game of soccer there; that's more of a Rynerson thing if that makes sense. Overall, it's not a bad park to go to, but depending on your interests, you may find it pales in comparison to your neighborhood park. I believe it could use a revamp because the park looks like it has seen better days. Hopefully, that will happen sooner rather than later! read more

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Our family friend got married here. Beautiful area & set up. Park was clean, family & dog friendly. Bathrooms were clean, as well. read more

Monte Verde Park - Parks Near Me - Lakewood, California

I've lived in Long Beach since 2002, and I am surprised that I have never heard of this park. After driving in a quiet residential neighborhood, I thought the GPS must be wrong. Suddenly, out of the blue, there's a park that seemed to have sprung from no where. There is even a decent size dedicated parking lot. This is a perfect location to host a large birthday party with an indoor banquet space and kitchen. The outdoor area is shaded by a grove of mature trees. I attended an outdoor fundraiser event, and they had a dance floor and stage set up on the lawn. Overall, it's a good location for special events that host around 200 people. read more

Monte Verde Park - Parks Near Me - Lakewood, California

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This a nice place for baby shower, bridal shower and kids parties. There is a large kitchen area. My nephew and his wife held their baby shower here. It was held at night so I was unable to walk the grounds. There is a beautiful massive fireplace. There is plenty of parking as well wheelchair accessible entry. read more

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Bring bug spray! I got four mosquito bites while picnicking at this park! However, this park is a hidden gem in Lakewood! I was trying to find a place to picnic after picking up some food in Bellflower and this place popped up. After looking at some pictures, we decided to go. It's nestled between houses and a waterway (sorry, don't know what it's called). The grass was cut nicely and a nice green color, and we really loved how the area wasn't flat - they landscaped some hills to give it depth. There were a bunch of huge trees that lined a little dirt walk way through the park and near the end of the walkway is where we laid down and ate. There was also a little wooden bridge that would have water in it if we weren't in a drought. Anyways, because this place is near a waterway and houses, it's pretty quiet. I could hear the wind billowing through the trees. And with butterflies traveling from plant to plant and the occasional bird chirp, this place is great for mediations. I can see why someone would want a wedding here. There's ample parking, and there is a nice area set up where you could say "I do" with your friends and family. There are also a lot of benches outside of the venue area. I wanted to give it less than five because this is the first park I've been to where I was bitten, but it's too nice to not give it a five! read more

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Beautiful little park hidden in a residential area of Lakewood. It has a nice community center for event planning, and simply a nice place to enjoy some fresh air and nature. The path that wraps around the park is 1/4 of a mile, so perfect for a walk, jog, or laps. Lots of trees for shade and such a clean well kept facility. read more

This is a park in Lakewood. There is a trail that is parallel to the San Gabriel river and a smaller trail around the park building. I walked both of them. The trail is level and easy to walk. We went as far as Carson and turned back. We passed a seabird, flowers, rocks, and trees. We walked 2 miles. read more

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we used this venue for our family reunion last month and was impressed with the rec center that has a kitchen, the patio area, and impressed by the enclosed area thats huge and private. we had a blast and would truly recommend this park. read more

Love this location beautiful private park. Perfect for celebrations. At the time I rented no swings or slide but lots of run around space, fire pit outside and fireplace inside hall read more

This park is such a great hidden gem within Lakewood! Discovered MVP after attending several kids' parties here. It's a smaller park tucked away with its own private recreation room that residents can rent out for a fee, nice green expanse for kiddos to run around and play on - complete with hills that I've been informed are great for rolling down, and an outdoor amphitheater with stone benches to sit on. In addition to the well maintained grass, there are trees to climb and a wooden bridge for exploring. The best part of this for me is that the park is totally enclosed with one entrance/exit which is nice for keeping the younger kiddos corralled. The rec room is very nice - there's a large fireplace and large are for tables/chairs in addition to a good sized kitchen area for food prep and bathrooms. There is also a covered outside patio where you can also set up tables/chairs. MVP even has its own parking lot. I'm a big fan of this park. Just know that if you want to reserve this space for an event, to do so wayyyy in advance as it is popular (it's so picturesque that I've heard weddings take place here) and gets booked quickly. Great little park! read more

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We always enjoy walking this trail but we rented the venue for the first time for a baby shower. This is a hidden gem. Only $35 and hour for residents . Double for nonresidents. Not only was the grounds and building beautiful, but the rental was so well ran. Kelly could not have been more helpful. She moved tables and chairs to our liking, answered question and was there the enter night to assist us if we had problems. They have a wonderful kitchen with 3 refrigerators and one freeze, microwave, pass through bar, plenty of counter space. The women's bathroom has 4 stalls and is very nice. No changing table though. This is a very popular place and you have to rent months in advance. They do not allow alcohol and you are required to do a light cleaning afterwards. Thank you Kelly for helping us through this night. Tipping is not allowed. read more

I received so many compliments about this venue for my wedding! I love it!!! i was able to fit 11 tables and there was still space!! I also had my sweetheart table my dj my sweet table my cake table and i used my own chair!! The chairs that the park has are not my favorite so i decided to rent my own from somehwere else! read more

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Very pretty place to throw a party or event. There isn't any air conditioning; only ceiling fans in their dining room. However, if the weather permits, there's plenty of shade & green grass for sitting. Beautiful spot for photos outside. There's a very nice stone fireplace mantel that is perfect for indoor photos. They do NOT permits alcohol nor hot foods. Be prepared when planning an event here. You must reserve several months on advance!! read more

Hidden along the San Gabriel River, Monte Verde Park is the pinnacle of Lakewood's park system. Approximately a decade ago, the park was completely renovated to modernize the S. Mark Taper Foundation Vista Lodge and install a walking trail that meanders through California's native plants. I have many fond memories camping here as a Cub Scout and was happy to see that the park was significantly improved. Of the few events I have attended at the Lodge, what stands out most in my memory is the natural light that fills the building. The location is simply beautiful in the late afternoon. I highly suggest signing up any of the city recreation classes taught in the park. There is nothing like Yoga or Tai Chi surrounded by the sound of nature, even though you're only minutes from home. read more

Went to a Birthday party for a family member here. It's a hidden gem, for the price and quality of the hall. It's a great rental. read more

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This is not a Family friendly park. I went there at 6 pm on a Monday night to try to take a couple pictures of my 11 month old baby. I was only going to be there for a couple of minutes but was very rudely kicked out by Eric (a worker?), who clearly did not understand the importance of having a baby and taking pictures. I am a Lakewood resident and a tax payer who believes Eric needs to learn a lesson in life that sometimes it's okay to show a little heart. Especially to a 11 month old baby. Very disappointed that this kid treated us this way. Hopefully, when he is old enough to have a family himself he will look back on his actions and understand the mistake that he made. read more

I love this park Lakewood has the best parks always clean the thing about city of Lakewood the always have a city worker that works for the city of Lakewood they clean a maintenance the parks something other city's don't do great job city of Lakewood. Reading bad reviews makes me sick city of Lakewood takes pride nice park . read more

Great spot for a private party! Facility is well kept and clean. Outside benches and bbq area is awesome amongst the trees. There is also a trail that leads you around the perimeter of the park that also goes along the San Gabriel River. We had an awesome experience for our little girls 1 yr birthday. I grew up in Cerritos and have been living in Lakewood for the past 13 yrs. We stumbled upon this gem while driving the area about 4 yrs ago and nothing I know matches it's feeling of seclusion in the area. You feel like you are far away from the bustle of the city with its beautiful natural landscape. Awesome!!! Only complaint is that I didn't rent it long enough for our party. We'll be back and will enjoy the setting much longer next time! read more

Friendly greetings at the entrance along with good angling advice for me grandson and me led to great fishing (no catching, unfortunately) and 3 hours of quiet and beauty at the Contra Loma Reservoir. Peaceful and pleasant. read more

Very cool park and lodge is awesome. I have an event here 5 years ago for a baby shower and it was fantastic. I recommend it. They have yoga as well and it is worth joining. read more

IM IN LOVE WITH THIS HIDDEN JEM! As a photographer I love the very forest vibe and it's never busy. Great place to have a small picnic with a few friends or take some great pictures. read more

I certainly did not know this was a private park. I work with a developmentally disabled group in Downey & saw this park listed not know it was private. We entered thinking we would go on a nature walk. As we entered , there was 6 of us altogether this woman that works there screams out " GET OUT OF HERE RIGHT NOW, CAN'T YOU READ THE SIGN".. The sign was so small & the gate was so pushed back we did not see it. She scared all of us. She does not have to worry we will never return. Shame on you Lakewood for having such a uncaring person working for the city. Guess making money is more important than caring for our disabled young adults. As we were leaving we did meet a nice gentleman that explained about the park & that they only do venues. As karma would be we left that beautiful park & went to a McDonalds in Downey & was sitting there & this lovely young lady approached me & said My Mom wants to treat all of you to Big Macs & drinks, she handed me the bag & it brought tears to my eyes, shows you there are some caring people in this world..because these are God's children & should be treated with respect. read more