This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Park Tour 2011: Part One

Six parks before lunch—could I do it?

Having grown up in the Midwest, I consider myself an expert on parks and open fields.  So it's only fitting that my mission this week was to review all of the parks in Redondo. The park is to the Midwest what the beach is to SoCal. Except in many ways less cool. Well, and in other ways, cooler. 

Let the investigation begin.

Alta Vista: This was the first park of the day, and boy did it start the day off on the right foot. This park is nice! There are quality tennis courts (and a lot of them), two baseball fields, a community room, and an open field. 

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

This open field (or Little League field) is wonderful. The kickball, soccer, or a rowdy game of 500 potential is high. Mad points, Alta Vista, mad points.

The playground is acceptable, though not large. Next to the playground is a lovely picnic area equipped with a sink (that doesn't work) and electrical sockets—a rare find.  

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

And the hills! Hills catch a Midwesterner's eye because we are always looking for prime real estate for sledding—also, rolling down hills. I tested the steepness of this hill by running up it (much to the confusion of a couple passersby).  It checks out in more ways than one. It's a superb hill. Steep.

However, there might be some rocks, so watch out. 

Hopkins Wilderness Park: Hands down, the best park in the city. I don't even have to go to any other park to know that this is true. I almost didn't find this park, but when I parked my car, and looked up to find I had parked next to what might be the best tree currently in existence, I was sold. I didn't even have to go into the rest of park to be satisfied with my findings. I climbed the tree and sat in it for a good 5 minutes before deciding that, yes, I would venture to the rest of the park.  

It was fate.

All I could think was, "I am in the Midwest right now, except I don't have to worry about ticks!" The first thing I came across was a pond. I love ponds. This one was full of exciting things like tadpoles (or maybe just tiny fish, I don't know the difference anymore) and carp.  Every tree in this park in easily climbable.  Take advantage of this. 

As I winded through the trails, I came across one of the best views any park has in Redondo. This is a perfect place to have a picnic. Then, I saw a Sweetgum tree—the only one I've seen in California. Unfortunately, I didn't actually find any sweetgums (which are great for chucking at your siblings, take notes kids!)* on the ground. 

Then, through a clearing a saw it: another pond! This one had ducks and turtles! I haven't seen turtles in nature since I moved to California. It brought me back to my creek walking days.  As I sat on a rock in the middle of the pond harassing the ducks, I feared I would be asked to leave the premises by a guy who drove by on one of those park carts. I think he saw that I was the only one having a blast in this park and went on his merry way. 

There is also a fairly large amphitheater and ample shade in Wilderness Park. A+

Veterans Park:  It's possible I am too familiar with this park.  It's the one I frequent on my runs down the beach track. Veterans Park is the best park in which to have a picnic with an ocean view. On this particular morning, the weather was perfect and the wind was actually warm. The staples of this park include open grassy areas, picnic tables galore and a playground.  Unlike Alta Vista, this park's playground is large and has a view of the ocean. It also sports a random amphitheater where sometimes you can catch a certain Patch writer randomly dancing. Maybe.   

There is one downside to this park: metered parking.

Czuleger Park (Plaza Park):  This is my favorite dirty park of Redondo. As I sat on the arm of a bench enjoying this particular ocean view, I looked down to find a few, well, gross items: 4 $1 tiny, empty bottles of brandy, a piece of crumpled trash, and a used straw. All within a 3 foot radius. 

I looked behind me and saw a discarded Pepsi can. Then out the corner of my eye I saw a lighter sitting on the bench next to me. Someone had a good time near this bench.  

This park honestly doesn't have a lot going on. It has a great open green area for dog walking, or taking a stroll towards the pier. It's a good one for relaxing (especially if you're a bum or a gang of lawless teenagers). There are also many dandelions, so I took one and made a wish (that someone would take a monster trash bag to these grounds).

Vincent Park: Vincent Park is a very cute neighborhood park.  It's perfect and incredibly convenient if you live nearby. There is a nice playground that looks as though it can entertain children for a long while. There are also two open plots of grass next to the playground. The parking might be difficult right next to the park, but there are so many surrounding streets that a little trot won't be too bad. 

Dominguez Park: I couldn't find it. According to my eyesight, it doesn't exist. 

But the search continues!

* I take no responsibility for harm that may come to you from my recommendations. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?