I took the Metrolink Arrow from Downtown Redlands to the University of Redlands station to visit Sylvan Park. Although the park is technically just across the street there's no crosswalk within a mile in either direction. It honestly feels like the City of Redlands isn't fully aware they have train service. The park itself is quite lovely and spacious, featuring a large rose garden, a children's play area, a gazebo (which requires a permit to use), several picnic spots, a horseshoe pit, and a skatepark. One picnic area has a functioning sink, but the others lack water access. While the landscaping is attractive, overall maintenance leaves much to be desired. There are remnants of old tennis courts in disrepair, and although the restrooms were clean and open, they're very outdated and likely don't meet current codes (cities don't have to comply with their own codes). Sidewalks are scarce, making this park difficult to navigate for anyone with mobility challenges. If you're planning a small gathering, keep your group under 25 people to avoid needing a permit. Seating is limited, so arriving early is a must. Also, be prepared to pack up and leave quickly if law enforcement hassles you. Parking is limited for a park of this size, which is why taking the train would be ideal--if it weren't for the unsafe street crossing, especially concerning if you have small children. Sylvan Park is technically a "resident park," not a "public park." This means its primary use is intended for Redlands residents, and non-resident use may be restricted or require additional permissions. For larger group events needing permits, you'll likely need liability insurance and guidance from a Redlands-based attorney is strongly advised. read more

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Yes it's a nice park for all groups. The city maintains it well so take your family and friends and peaceful enjoy your time.

Decent park, not too many Hobos. Some of the neighbors surrounding this park are eccentric and think this park is their personal yard. Be careful with this goon who flies his American Flag upside down, he's a loon for sure. read more

The actual space is pretty nice with spaces for for walking, jogging, skating, picnicking, and playing on a playground. I'm sad that others seem to consider their un-homed fellow human beings as inconveniences or eyesores. But I do share the concern of there often being people who seem "out of it" wandering around. We've had some unpleasant encounters with adults near the playground and even some teens over at the skate park area. It's a bummer, because the space itself has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, having adults yell obscenities at kids around the park puts a damper on wanting to come regularly. :( read more

I go to this park all the time and the bathrooms are always closed and if they are open they're covered in feces as well as graffiti and pieces of some kind of glass pipes... Other than that the park is fairly nice. read more

Great park! I will be back. Lots of space to walk, run jog and bike. Skate park inside. Horse shoe, and bean bag toss. Kids playground is in good condition. Rose garden is amazing. I love this place. read more

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Sylvan Park is one of the area parks we take our kids on occasion. The playset is a good size with many other side play structures and options. And, there is a skate park of which there are not many in the area. That said, some of the people there seem a little sketchy and we go home before it gets dark and more deserted. read more

I needed to find a place I could sit down and eat some take out. With my family since we are not from Redlands area. This park was easy to find with yelp with lost of spread our space with table for us to eat at. The play ground looked great for my kids (didn't play on it too many people around and we needed to keep heading out) and an awesome skate park. There was a nice area that looked like people could rent it out for a party from the city. Only thing is that the tables were covered in a layer of dust. (Most likely from lack of use this year due to Covid. Overall if I am ever I am ever in the area (usually about 8 times a year and I need to get some energy out of my kids I will stop by this park again. read more

Nice park and I was thinking that the vagrants mentions in other comments were anomalies but there was a vagrant who was pacing around the park the entire time I was there. He was intentionally walking close to people and obviously not in a clear mental state. I think the park should gate the children's area and... not even sure this is legal... but post a sign or just highly question anyone who enters the gaited area without kids. It just isn't safe to have a drugged or crazy transient pacing around children. This is especially useful for parents with multiple kids and just can't keep a close eye on all of them at the same time. read more

This park is really special. When you walk on it's grounds and look around you can really soak in the history of the park. I've been in Redlands for 9 years and have been here a few times. The addition of the skate park is really Cool. It would be nice if these kids learned how to pick up after themselves but there is a crew that comes by every morning to pick up trash. Yes you have a couple of homeless but I don't know of any parks that don't have any. It's located across the street from the beautiful Redlands university. I highly recommend the park to anyone who wants to walk their dog, bring their kids to play, or your teenagers for the skate park. read more

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Nice little park to take the kids for a play date or to have fun, only down fall is one of the slides is currently close from the park due to it being really high I Believe read more

Great day for a run in the park. The park is well cared for. The Redlands Chamber had a fund raiser there. It was my first time at the park. read more

Sylvan Park - Parks Near Me - Redlands, California

One of my kids favorite parks. They love that it's 2 stories high. As a parent it makes watching them a little trickier, I've got 3 to keep track of. When I first started coming here another parent informed me that a child was almost abducted here. There is a small ravine (don't know how else to describe it) that some kids play in and that's where the child was grabbed. I tell my kids to stay on the park. read more

Trees!!Lots of old tall trees,squirrels,a bright yellow slide that keeps da lil ones playing aka "get tired please!!".Plenty of picnic tables,bbq grills,and a nice soothing stream to help you destress from a hectic week.Downside to this park and society in general...uh oh...no im not running for Mayor haha but yeah homeless people frequent this park.Still a beautiful peaceful place to chill every now and then. read more

This park is awesome! I first came here for 4th of July fireworks. Everyone (who isn't at the stadium) brings their blankets and picnic baskets and claims a spot in the grass before it gets dark. This is a vast amount of space for a park! They have picnic tables in the back corner. A span of trees n garden, a huge play park in the opposite back corner n agreeable restrooms. Bbq pits and a nice pavilion are available too. There is a place to play horseshoes at the edge of the park next to the train tracks. There is a bridge that goes over a dry riverbed that is fun for the kids too. Parking is available on the back end of the park in 2 places and anywhere u can find it on the streets. One exception: Unless you come super early on 4th of July, don't even bother looking. Park a few blocks away and walk urself in. You'll be glad you didn't get caught up in the traffic. read more

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I have been to this park a few times now. I have had all great experiences while visiting the park. It's a relatively large park with lots of benches for parties, horse shoe pits, a skate park and more. There are a lot of outdoor events that occur at the park also and it's perfect for them. Events include Oktoberfest, the annual Dog Jog, and Fourth of July events among others. I have been to a few kids birthday parties too. There is plenty of parking all around the park. I do recommend coming to an event or just visiting to see the park. It's so much fun! read more

This is a really nice park across the street from Redland University. It has a nice area for children to play. Tables for picnics or birthday party. Beautiful grass and walking areas. Love to take my grandchildren to this park to play. Very nice! read more

Sylvan park is a lovely pastoral spot located a short driving distance from downtown Redlands, right across from the University of Redlands campus. The wife and I have enjoyed this spot during a couple Hangar 24 events this past summer. It's a pretty area with plenty of space to enjoy a walk, bring your young ones and enjoy some time at the play area, enjoy a picnic with a loved one or maybe even import all your friends and family for an outdoor celebration. It's neither too big nor too small and there are plenty of tables and benches to sit at or spread your stuff out on. The grass is green and well manicured and everything else is usually in great conditioned. My main complaint which deducts a star from me is their public restrooms. Whereas they are generally clean, they do seem to need more attention, as things were a little smelly during my visits; and they *need* doors on the men's toilet stalls. There is absolutely no privacy to do one's business there! Also, perhaps I'm a bit of a geek but having wifi there would be nice too. Just sayin!! Regardless, a nice safe place to spend a morning or afternoon with family and friends in a nice part of Redlands. read more

This is a great park to have any special occasion.. or just to walk around the park..

Back parking lot area was a little sketchy ! But other than that it was a nice park with lots of shade. Kids loved it

Love this park!!! For somewhere decent around here I highly recommend this park! Theirs no BBQ pits around the play area but I think it's only bcuz of all the trees around could be a hazard. Maybe you can call and see if you can bring your own if you want it close by. Their is bbq pits way on the other side where theirs no shade (not good for the summer days) and it's not by the play area either. read more

The homeless population occupying the park has been at the lowest level in years the addition of the skate park has been a nice added feature. I would like to see the restrooms upgraded and a basketball court installed. read more

Playground is clean and well maintained. Play structures are big and very entertaining. There are sufficient swings and, they all work. There are some newly installed sunshades above the play structures. Grass is green and overall very clean. read more

Sylvan Park - Check out the new sunshades above the play structures. - Parks Near Me - Redlands, California

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Took photos here for a friend and it has some really cute little artsy spots like the little bridges. There's lots of shade and big trees here as well for warm days when you're trying to keep cool. They also have a spot where you can play horseshoe. Came here on a Saturday morning and they had a horseshoe event going on which was really neat. The park itself is pretty well taken care of. Can't really speak on the restrooms as I didn't use them when we went. There are a couple of homeless people there but it is the park, they don't bother you and they keep to themselves. Overall, it's a nice park. read more

Very nice park to take the kids. It has a good playground for the kids and a big field to play on or practice. There is plenty of shade and a few picnic tables nearby to sit at while kids play read more

Very happy to see they have made recent repairs to this park and have even added some new play equipment. They have not added shade covers to this park like they have Ford and Brookside Park though. Even Ford dog park got shade covers. I guess the city cares more about South Redland dogs than North Redlands kids. Still creeps lurking around this park but repairs and improvements seemed to have brought more families back. read more

Checked out this park today for possible wedding ceremony site. Hugh park, pretty clean. Didnt see any homeless persons or druggies or derelicts; just families and kids having fun, cooking bbq, relaxing, etc. Lots of shade, benches, and large gazebo. Plenty of parking. And quiet. read more

Outstanding park, plenty of shade trees and room for activities. On July 4th, park hosts a really fun day filled with live music, vendors, & a parade. read more

This is a very beautiful kid friendly park is covered playgrounds there's a hike for your dogs beautiful park

Gave this park one star!!!! Only because I wouldn't be able to leave an informed review. I was reluctant to have our company picnic here because of the perceived drug dealing activity in the back of the park and the visibility of several homeless individuals. However I reserve the park and was charged a "refundable" cleaning deposit, even though we had to clean the park. So two days before my event I contacted the permit department to request the cleaning of the bathrooms and the picnic tables near the gazebo area because the tables were covered with spider webs!!!! Fast forward to the day of the event, the tables were NOT free it cob webs, so me and a crew of my co workers had to wipe down and sweep the cob webs killing twelve black widows and countless eggs!!! What a safety hazard!!!! I had to contact the police twice because of the homeless invading my space. I paid to rent the space and of course these transients are super educated and informed me they had the right to be there because it's a community park. It could be a beautiful place to have an event unfortunately it's overrun with the homeless that have declared this park as home! It's quite disheartening! read more