This place was a surprise. I knew there was a recreation building her but I did not know about the park and its available trail that meanders around the perimeter of most of the park. I parked on the street, so I visited the recreation building for a bit, but there's a drive that goes up a hill to enter the actual parking lot. The park sport restrooms, a playground, picnic tables, and a large grassy area with a slight decline. I was most pleased with the trail that headed up a moderate hill pass a seasonal stream, and up and around the park, until it offers a scenic view from the top of the park. There were benches here and there and trash cans along the trail. It's a nice family park. read more

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I visited this park because I needed to spend some time while waiting for the near by New Century Buffet to Open. I found it to be a clean well maintained hidden gem with a grassy field a playground picnic tables and hiking trail with a cool footbridge that crosses the dry Creek. I'll definitely return in our rainy season to see the creek with water in it. The one thing I did not like or appreciate about this park is the same thing I don't like about many San Diego County Parks. The restroom offer no privacy for it's visitors because the stalls have no doors . This provided a scene that will forever be etched in my mind AND was equally embarrassing for the other restroom user. It also robbed the Park of the Five Star review it so richly deserved. The park is also home to a recreation Center which I did not visit. I took a small walk on the trail. My podiatrist instructed me to give up hiking. I have it up cold turkey with not even one hike on 5 years. I now go on nature walks. it has servede well.. After my walk I sat at a picnic table where I relaxed,read from Mark Atteberry's book, "The Caleb Quest ' and did some people watching. There were dog walkers, fathers walking with sons, and moms with children on swings and slides. One thing I didn't see was a single form of wildlife. No birds, squirrels, butterflies. I don't recall even seeing a single ant. After my nice visit to the park . I went to New Century Buffet where the restroom wasichore aligned with my standards. I'll be back! read more

Hillside Recreation Center - The footbridge - Community Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

For the playground only. I came here with my family for our Saturday playground explorations. My husband often drives by this playground and has been wanting to try it out because he knew it had just reopened. We came on a Saturday morning and there was only one other family here so it was pretty empty... thankfully because this park is super small. There isn't much space for many kids. It has a bit of climbing and a slide but the slide had a massive step to get to it and my 2 year old had a hard time. The ground is woodchips, which isn't my favorite, and there was no shade on the play structure at all. I love that this is a new playground but this just isn't a hit for our family when there are so many other amazing close by playgrounds we can go to. read more

I say this a nice well kept spotless park with nice walking trails.It has a nice swings,playground area for kids and tables to enjoy the lunch. Id say it one of the nicer parks the city has. Like most of El Cajon down town It gets old seing people sleeping during the day in their cars,with multiple pitbulls,etc,with withdows covered to shut out the sun...The mayor needs to be less a Pr man and more interested in helping all the homeless residents.Its essence mr.mayor less style and alot more substance.Thank you... The staff does an EXCEPTIONAL job keeping the restrooms spotless,and the grounds as well..The Recreation staff is outstanding. Enjoy the park . read more

This place has a really nice park and beautiful trails. I always feel save walking here with my dogs. read more

Hillside Recreation Center - Empty park - Community Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

My significant other and I came here to Hillside Park yesterday to our surprise there was a plethora of people! The weekends have been quiet but on a Wednesday there were dog walkers, soccer practice for kids with their families, joggers, groups of people just out having fun and getting some sunshine. We came prepared, we brought a big blanket, neck pillow, jackets, radio, snacks, water, frisbee, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, etc. To tell you the truth it looked like we were going on a week long vacation we had so much stuff. So since the kiddies were playing soccer on the main field we decided to walk up the hill and to the other side of the park where the picnic tables are and I'm so glad we did! Wow, a little bit of Oregon is what we call this park. It's our sanctuary, our safe haven from all the crowds and smog of the city. It's like you are in another world. There is a trail that leads to a charming brown wooden bridge. I even saw a holly berry tree, Prickly Pear Cactus, lots of pine trees that photographed well, bright vivid green grass, Sycamore trees and so many others. It was a nice little nature walk and hike. Also, got a good work-out with playing frisbee for almost an hour. We had a wonderful little adventure yesterday and so glad we went! The only way to make this score one star higher is to add a bench or some chairs to the parts of the park that have none and also not close up the bathrooms so early. It's not good to have to walk a mile away to the bathrooms and be closed out! read more

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My son did a session of preschool here and he loved it! His teacher Mrs. D is wonderful, kind, and patient. He had a class of all 3 year olds and I know that can be tough. My son learned a lot and really enjoyed singing, reading, doing arts and crafts, and playing with the other students. I really enjoyed all the cute artwork he brought home. I also really like that the class is small and there is a limit to how many kids can be in the class. You have to sign in and out at drop off and pick up that made me feel like it's more secure. At the first class they hand out the agenda for the remainder of the sessions. This is awesome.. you know what your child will be learning and it is fun to ask your child all about that days topic. If it's your child first session they get to make a little sign saying it's their first day of preschool so cute. Tips Your child must be fully potty trained Bring a light lunch everyday read more

Hillside Community Center is a great family park. It is NOT a dog park. Dogs are welcomed in the park but MUST BE ON LEASH! If you happen to be enjoying the park with your dog and do not have them on a leash, you can be ticketed. The Rec is opened to the public from 3pm to 9pm Monday-Friday. It is closed on the weekends and most holidays. There is a game room with a pool table, Foosball, ping pong and many others. All you need is an ID to play. Inside the game room is where you can find all he information on center events, classes and other parks. The closest off leash dog parks would be Wells Park or Harry Griffen Park. read more

Hillside Recreation Center - Sign up today! - Community Centers Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I don't usually like to reviews business but I feel like I'm compel to make this review, Hillside Recreation Staff are nothing but "Kind and Very Good Hearted People. They always go above and beyond there work duties to make sure everyone is taking care of and happy specially the Camp Attendees. Ms. Christine, Ms. Jessalyn, Mr. Tony Mr. Daynen Ms. Kelli Ms. Sarah Ms. Grace Mr. Kip Ms. Jackie Ms. Marina Mr. Mark and Mrs. Michelle, words are not enough for me to express how great full I am for all of you guys, Thanks so much for working so hard and making sure " Our Children is not just enjoying there self at the Camp but also keeping them safe always. So parents like me can relax and go on do our daily duties and don't have to worry about our children while they are at the "Hillside Recreation". Again thanks so much for everything that you guys do. read more

Nice little park with a lot of trails. My friend and I only took a short walk so I didn't get to experience as much as I would like. Love that there are shady trees and the fact it's so conveniently located for people in El Cajon. We met there on Presidents' Day and my friend was apologetic that the rec center was closed (e.g., restrooms) but fortunately there was another building not far away, with men's & women's restrooms. Really happy they were open on a holiday. I'd definitely go back! read more

I would recommend this park for walking or jogging. Very quiet, peaceful trail. Excellent for walking your dog. There's no playground for kids, but there is an open area for the kids to run around. The restrooms and park are always clean. Nice pleasant park to exercise at. Adjacent to the Hillside Community Center. read more

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I was out walking my dog and ended up at Hillside Park. It seemed like a nice park and we walked around the trails for a little... So I decided to come back another day to jog and get some fresh air and seriously?! 1. there was a couple laying on the grass doing things that should not be done at a park. 2. i saw a homeless man peeing by the little bridge, he saw me and even said "hello" as he was doing his thing.. GROSS 3. this has nothing to do with the park but i got stung by a darn bee and of course that made the whole experience a little worse! lol!!! I am new to the area and I am not sure if this a safe place to walk around?! It is a nice looking park though and my dog enjoyed the big grass area. read more

Understand this is a DOG PARK.. reviewers on here saying its good for jogging and all that.. just: NO.. its actually nice to walk around in, but it's pretty small, so I wouldn't recommend it as a running/jogging trail. Its got a couple cool paths, but like I said, pretty small. That being said, as a place to leisurely walk with a friend and/or your dog, or throw a frizbee around with your kid, its a nice little park. read more

Great place to walk! Love all the trees that provide shade as you walk, and on blind days it sounds beautiful as the wind blows through all the trees. There are even different paths if you get bored and for an old guy like me that's great!! I love variety, the only thing bad I have to say is it gets a little shady at night time here read more

Newly remodeled as if 2015. One star taken off for not having a kids playground. They do have classes for kids. They are working on getting a playground. read more

I love this park but can be scary alone at night . Not a lot of lighting. If you are looking for'a quite woodsy type park w the addt' benefit of plush park grass this is def where u want to be. The nice thing for me is even though the park is tucked away there are apts surrounding read more

i walk my dog here and i guess it is a dog park. i really wish they would fence in a section so dogs could be free and frolic. large well kept grass area. this park is never too crowded and is great for running and walking read more