he grassy open areas, shady tree-lined paths, and landscaped garden spaces make it feel peaceful…read moreand scenic--even on busier days. It's clean and family-friendly, with plenty of room for kids to run around and for dogs to stretch their legs (on leash). The walking loops are great for a casual stroll or a longer walk, and there's a nice mix of open lawn and shaded areas to relax. Be aware that it can get packed on weekends--especially midday--so if you're looking for a quieter visit, heading over earlier or on a weekday helps. Overall, it's exactly what you want from a neighborhood park: pleasant, clean, and easy to spend a couple of hours in.

The city recently remodels the play structure! It's much bigger and the kids love it…read more Also, this place is ideal place to take photos (family, engagements, kids, etc.) It does get crowded at times, especially during the weekend. They also have open fields where you can play catch or have a picnic. They have some pave roads where kids can bike, scooter or rollerskate. They also have tennis courts on the side of the park and they also have lessons for those who were interested. Unfortunately, they recently implemented charging non residents during the weekends. I don't support this charge since public parks should be for everyone. Whether or not you are living in the city. Other than that come to visit during the weekdays when it's free!

It is always a struggle to write beyond a cliche. Case in point, I want to express that the…read moreArlington Garden in Pasadena is a green oasis amidst urban noise and pace but that would say little since people consider their backyard and their local parks to be a green space of peace. And they would be right- who am I to judge the green that someone holds precious whether it be jade from feudal China or a patch of blades that are bed for the soul to rest. So I am left with one task: to express the serene beauty of this place that is also engaging in a quiet way, with almost ethereal words to truly defend and display that this, in all its glory, is a green oasis that wins by a short shot. The grounds are not huge, it is small but comes close to being medium. But what I loved is that its green branches and brown barks and twigs were immersive. I had entered a green swirl that moved all around me in stillness of movement but blurs of garden spirits. The place was like an outside museum that honors mother earth and her mantra of tender care that explains how flowers grow best. One of the most engaging experiences was their wishing tree. It was about two to four big trees with hanging wishes written by everyday folk. As I walked the steps to the trees, as I passed between them my skin could feel the words of hope hanging from branches. It was like the cards spoke in lovely whispers that reminded me that days of beauty are created when people do not forget to see that joyous petals that are in the wind and all around in the everyday. And as one note reminded us, joy is not ready made, to find it takes action. Reading the notes was a way in which I elected joy, as an act of resistance toward anger and disapointment. There was also this gazebo with a statue of a greek goddess. These are guesses of mine, I did not find some type of placards to confirm my notions. She was framed in the gazebo by a quasi-window. I entered the small gazebo and sat in the only green bench maybe big enough for two.I did not understand why she was giving me her back, I wanted to face her. But then I realized that Demeter or Gaia (maybe?) was not facing me because she was looking at her creation, like any person would when they have a garden to admire. From that seat I saw a man doing Tai-Chi and being filmed by his partner in all red. I sat and viewed him quietly and ask that whatever he was calling forth with his movements also entered my own person. From this seat, I also saw a pregnant woman taking pictures. She was wearing a white dress with a tasteful floral pops around. At times, she laughed with a wide smile, at times she held the bundle with her hands. It was seeing a place of growth, welcome a being with life about to begin. Her partner joined and they were directed into stances that made sense--- like the one where they look longingly at each other while he held her, and she held the coming boy. I could see their happiness, I could see their true connection, and I knew that the baby was being born into comfort and love. It was great reminder that sometimes life blooms with ease into joy. I also saw a lizard run and move its neck, both in a funny way. I saw a sole butterfly flutter. I saw folks sitting, relaxing, eating, all in with a calm demeanor. So I would like to think that this place is a green oasis or at least a place where rest is each to come by.

The Arlington Garden is a nice, public garden in Pasadena. Admission is free and street parking is…read moreplentiful. It's not a big garden, yet it does a great job at displaying native species, sustainable land scaping, and climate appropriate plants. I came during the hot days of summer, so there's not a lot that's in bloom. I did spot plenty of California poppies, milkweed, and yarrow. The trees, like the holly leaf cherry and eastern redbud, were beautiful on its own. I also had the rare privilege of seeing a flowering agave plant. The citrus area is a standout. They have some dwarf species and trees that were rehoused after being part of an art installation. They use the fruit to make marmalade. What's unused gets donated.

I love the Playhouse Village Park. I'm so happy this is around…read more There are not that many parks in the area of Paseo/ Old Town so it is very helpful for the dogs owners like myself that live in an apartment to bring my lovely fur baby to come here. I will still drive my baby to a park & dog park. But for the days when I'm not up for the drive, we love walking here and just chillin. There's an option for the big dogs/ small dogs to play in. There are is also a play area for children as well. There is a good amount of paid parking but you can also find street parking (if you're lucky). I also want to mention that they host cute little events here time to time. It is wonderful to have to have the community come together. There have been nights where they have played live music & nights where they have had a movie night.

First time at this park with my daughter (2) and it was a great experience! I like that it's…read moreenclosed by gates/fencing so you don't have to worry about your child wandering off the premises or randomly running towards the street. The park is also very clean and my daughter had a lot of fun going down the slide there! Luckily found street parking, since I read other reviews about having to pay for parking in the lot. Definitely would return if I'm in the area!

This is a great place for a read or some chill time. It's clean, well-kept, and has a relaxed local…read morevibe that makes it perfect for an easy afternoon outside. The playground is great for kids, with plenty of space to run around, and there are shaded areas that make it comfortable even on warmer days. I really like how open the park feels with good sightlines, lots of grass, and just enough trees to make it feel peaceful without being crowded. It's also a solid spot for a quick walk, tossing a ball around, or just sitting on a bench and people-watching. Parking is usually easy, and the surrounding neighborhood is calm and friendly. Not a huge destination park, but that's part of the charm. If you're looking for a low-key, family-friendly park in Pasadena, Grant Park is definitely worth checking out.

This park is very close to my home, and I walk here all the time. I also play tennis here. There…read moreare only two tennis courts, and they're usually occupied in the evenings. There are also two half basketball courts, which I sometimes use. For kids, there's a spider web-style climbing structure and a few swings. Parking around the park is generally easy to find.

This .75 acre park, hidden in a neighborhood roughly where the estate section of SouthPas meets the…read moredownwind Double Double Neighborhood of San Marino's In N Out, Eddie Park feels like playing on a rich neighbor's lawn while they're on holiday in Europe. The park was once the large lot home of the Eddie family, donated years ago and converted into a public park. I worked a few blocks away at East West Bank Corporate Offices for over three years, and never knew this was here. The expansive lawn with mature trees now features a small play structure, an outdoor brick patio/barbecue area with ample shade, a walking path, swing sets, and the original house-- effectively converted into a rentable space for birthday parties, Girl Scout activities, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. While not elegant, it has a certain historical charm... If you're into old local architecture, you can relish the old leaded glass, brick fireplace, and original concrete driveway. Neighbors seem to have gotten used to the kids and out-of-towers, but there is a palpable annoyance felt from a few, regarding us visiting Arcadians and Pasadena-folk from over the steering wheels of their respective Range Rovers. No matter... We had a good time, and besides, this public park is so off the beaten path, I can't imagine anyone knows about it. ...Well, except my 2700+ Yelp friends, now. Lemme know if you need directions.

I love Eddie Park. Why would I like a little tiny neighborhood park? Because I can go there most…read moreweekends and there is NO ONE there. My kids can run, play, scream and I can see them in every corner of the park without worry. Plus, Garfield Park is WAY too crowded. Eddie Park is like 1/2 block square. There are two swing sets, one for babies, one for big kids. A small but nice play structure which is also, yay, shaded. A big expanse of grass for running and some trees to climb too. All in all, this is the best park in South Pas-far from the maddening crowds.

I grew up around this area and I've to say that this is hands down my favorite park!…read more Love how much parking there is and how huge the park is! Not only are there basketball and tennis courts but there is also a small pond with ducks, as well as a huge track to get your steps in! The park is so clean with plenty of areas to chill, as well as grills and benches to hang out and BBQ! I came here most recently for Independence Day to watch the fireworks show at 9pm. I really appreciate them implementing security checks prior to entering the show since last year! It was very crowded but there was plenty of space to enjoy the beautiful fireworks! The show lasted around 15 minutes and the fireworks were so big and pretty! Really enjoy how there were food stands and entertainment prior to the firework show as well!

Big beautiful park with lots to do and plenty of parking…read more There's basketball courts, running track, exercise stations, tennis courts, softball field, tons of space, a l lake with ducks and turtles and more. My family enjoys the picnic tables here. Recently we reserved several tables by the lake which under covering or pavilion. It's $165 for residents and we had it from 10AM to 4PM. We had a 6 year old birthday party with about 15 families in attendance. It was great! The kids LOVED the ducks, turtles, and play ground. It was nice to have tables and shade. Plenty of trash cans to throw away our trash. And plenty of parking for everyone. We all enjoyed it!

I've been comin here for years playing dodgeball. I've always had a good relationship with the…read morestaff here. Now I take my kid here to play at the revamped and amazing park. Huge maze/climbing fortress that leads to a super slide. Clean and well kept. Plenty of parking. I'm a little big for the slide but I still rocked it just to prove to myself that I am not getting older and I can handle anything. I don't even think I aged that much in the last few years. Thank you

**Rating my experience with a toddler*…read more This is a new park that just opened in the Highland Park area. It's a real gem and my toddler son loved playing here with his friends. There's a big play structure for the kids aged 5 and up, and a smaller play area for under 5. My 4 year old loved playing in the big structure and going down the big blue tube slide. Some children may be hesitant going down the slide, and if so, you'd have to climb all the way down as there's not alternative slide. It could get a bit crowded if there's too many kids in the structure, so parents be forewarned and keep your eyes on your children if they need help while in the structure. There's a good handful of swings, ranging from regular swings to double swings to a round swing where 5 kids can go at the same time! Super fun! The grounds are also all rubber and no sand, which was a bit of a bummer as my child likes to play in the sand. There also a large basketball court next to the playground, and the recreational center next to the courts. We went on a Sunday and the center was closed, so unfortunately we couldn't access the bathrooms. Lots of street parking, but it can probably fill up fast during the popular months.

My friends and I come here for Pickleball ball every week. They have 2 tennis courts with nets but…read morethe Pickleball courts are drawn in and you have to bring your own nets. Parking is free but it's all street parking and can be a bit harder to find if it's crowded. There is a playground over a sand pit for kids by the restrooms. Restrooms are clean and well stocked. There are picnic tables with canopies by the playground. I see many people with their dogs in the grass field but just know that the gates aren't enclosed. Overall, it's a great little park in the middle of the suburbs. Minimal trees.

I'm not sure if it's still there, but for many years driving home northbound on the 110 freeway,…read morethere was a sign that said "South Pasadena: one of America's most endangered places." The 40 year threat of connecting the 710 freeway at Valley Boulevard to the 710 freeway at California Ave. would certainly knock down quite a few houses and businesses in quaint lil' South Pas. Arguably, South Pasadena has some very old and vintage homes, built right up on top of each other practically. It's this last point that really stood out in my brain as I visited Orange Grove Park for the first time the other day. The "park" is a smallish square of well-watered grass, smack dab between South Pasadena's downtown restaurants and shops, and one of many residential neighborhood intersections that decided two streets crossing each other wasn't enough. The park was being well used on my visit, with several different youth sports games all competing first base. A baseball/softball diamond was being used by one team, another team had marked off an area in the grass, and my kids softball pitching lessons or facilitated over along the edge near a hedge. And quite the hedge it is: I've been visiting the Arco across the street for decades, I never even knew this park was here. There is no vehicle parking to speak of, but you're welcome to look for a spot in the adjacent neighborhood. Hope you brought your walking shoes. Honestly, kudos to the city for using the space for something green instead of something paved. Allegedly there is a play structure for the kiddies, but I didn't see it and wasn't looking for it. something you want finding any other review: the bleachers where I sat waiting for my daughter to finish her practice we're covered with tiny biting ants of a species I could not identify. And I know a thing or two about entomology. There was no massive homeless encampment inside the fence either, so kudos for that too. Not sure how long this park will be here, what was the endangered status of the surrounding community. But I suppose all those people that had to move out of their houses for the 210, the 10, the 405, the 605, 57, 91, and any other number of freeways probably know all too well what the good residents of South Pasadena have been feeling, for like... The last 50 years. All that to say, here's to 50 more years of joy at Orange Grove Park, and the pitter patter of little baseball cleated feet.