Half of the park didn't look too bad, but the other half was so putrid that I can't believe I drove out of my way just to visit a duck pond full of murky waters and nearly deceased turtles. I don't visit the South Gate area often, so my visits to the City of Bell Gardens will be rare. The only reason I wanted to visit this park was because from an overhead perspective on Google Maps Satellite View, it looked like a nice, serene place to stretch your legs and relax for a little while. With a duck pond in the middle of the park and plenty of walkways around the park, I was starting to feel this could be Bell Garden's equivalent of Wilderness Park in Downey minus the parking fee for visitors who reside in a different city. Unfortunately, I do not plan to return to this park next time I'm in Bell Gardens. The park is located adjacent to the Bell Gardens Sports Center, and I almost thought the two were connected to one another, but it would be a really long walk from one end to the other. There appeared to be a gate in the back corner of the park that led to the back corner of the sports complex, but the "No Trespassing" sign deterred me from walking in that direction. I parked on the east end of the park where there is a playground and a couple of basketball courts by the adult school. The playground and the basketball courts seemed to be in fine condition, but nobody was playing there when I went. Towards the west, you'll see a myriad of picnic tables scattered about, so it does feel pretty open in that area. However, the grass is definitely greener in other parks, and I should have taken that as a sign of things to come when I was walking towards the duck pond. As I'm walking about the duck pond, I was literally grossed out by a ton of filth both on the walkways as well as at the pond's edges. No joke, there were so much filth on the corners that it almost looked like you could walk across them, but of course, I would never put my foot in the water just to try. If I did, I'd almost certainly need a new shoe! In one of those corners, I saw three turtles that appeared they were trying to slowly but surely fight their way towards the surface of the pond so as to not drown. I almost thought they were dead, but I did witness some slight movement in them, a glimmer of hope that they could have been saved if animal control were in the area. But with how filthy and murky these waters were, I didn't want to put my hands in there, and I didn't know what to do to save them. As much as I wanted to, I had to leave them be :( The ducks swimming in the cleaner parts of the pond or standing on the fringe were in much better spirits, though the ones on land barely exhibited any movement whatsoever, perhaps symbolic of how inactive this park is even in good weather. There was construction nearby, which necessitated a great deal of fences around the park. Some of the fences blocked the walkway around the pond, so I had to walk in the grass/dirt between the pond and the fence while circumnavigating the pond. I don't know what that construction was about, but I hope something good will come of it. During my visit, it was a bothersome nuisance in my trying to immerse myself in relaxing scenery. The restrooms weren't in good condition either. The sink I used was barely working, and I didn't want to even bother with the hand dryer. Lastly, a lot of the parkgoers acted kind of weird that I can understand why the playground and basketball courts were empty on an otherwise beautiful day. I didn't really feel safe in the park, and I was starting to worry that one of those weirdos would heckle me. Luckily, nobody did. Overall, I regret stopping by this park. It does not appear to be maintained well, and I can't be certain this area is safe if I didn't see that many people there. If I do make a return visit to this area, I would rather stop by the adjacent sports complex next door even though I don't play sports, but I at least could watch some soccer players practicing on the fields there. read more

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My dad's shop used to be around the block from here. We just drove by to see what it look like now , and just ended up here. My dad always comes in like the wind. Now he's off to his next adventure. This time the Philippines . I love going to the park with my Dad ! Everything looks nice and clean.#Daddy'sGirl read more

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No security...no park representative visible at all....how would find your venue if posted maps are damaged, outdated, or simply un available "readily "...because they're not, otherwise otherwise most good looking parks with in 10miles read more

This is a nice, decently large sized park. I really like that it has a designated parking lot with plenty of space. It's super easy to just park your car and just start enjoying nature! There's a lake, a pool, a kid's playground area, a bike path, plenty of benches and tables. There's even a small basketball court/hoops. Obviously, the pool is closed right now, there are no basketball rims, and the playground area is blocked off due to covid. But there's still plenty to enjoy in this park! Everyone seems to keep their distance here and wear masks when near others, so that's good. Get outside and get some sun! read more

Large park with tons of tall shady trees. Lots of parking. Away from street noise. Lots of people taking naps or eating looking in the shade. I saw a few dog training sessions around here. A good escape from the big city life indeed. read more

John Anson Ford Park - Lots of shade trees - Parks Near Me - Bell Gardens, California

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This is such a great park in the area, plenty of different play structures for kids of all ages. They also have bathrooms, a lake with ducks (do not feed!) very clean and well maintained. Also plenty of easy parking. read more

I don't recommend it at all, theyd legit kick you out for using a bit of the field, even though nobody's really using it which sucks cause it used to be a park I'd enjoy going and play with my friends. Also very poor staff treatment towards the public. read more

Great park..baseball and soccer fields...Turf fields..good luck trying to find space to play or practice if they're in season..but very organized when it's time to close. Parking is a real mess during season.. great atmosphere read more

John Anson Ford Park - Parks Near Me - Bell Gardens, California

One of my favorite parks to visit. My early morning walks with my wife are very serine. Watching the ducks, the geese flying overhead in formation and the squirrels playing is interesting. Alot of open space, things to see and do. Great family park. The workers are pretty good about the cleanliness though lately there have been more homeless camping there. Still a very nice park overall. read more

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The facility itself is nice. Parking is minimal for as many fields there are. Snack bar is expensive, but good food. Bathrooms are not kept up. Very gross and I really wish my kids didn't need to use the restroom while here. No playground. read more

So I came to this park hoping for my kids to have a great time, but the party is dirty. Every corner had a smell of old trash. The playgrounds were dusty and the lake with ducks look like it was full of trash and vomit. Me and my daughters stayed here all of 15 minutes. read more

John Anson Ford Park is along the Rio Hondo bike path that I often use. I enjoy parking by the duck pond and enjoying the view. There are always folks enjoying the park: kids, parents, cyclists ,walkers, joggers. The park staff was very helpful when I had a flat: they let me use their electric pump to put air in my tire after I replaced the inner tube. read more

Oh, the childhood memories this little park holds. Whenever I'm in town, I bring my sons to play in the park mommy used to play in before she learned to walk. The park itself is clean, eloteros and paleteros are always walking by, so it's such a treat. Early morning and afternoon is the best time to visit, after 3 p.m., the park starts to get a bit crowded and parking could be difficult. read more

I was here for a brief 6 minutes to rest and tie my shoes :D after biking. I think that this park is very convenient since it is by The Rio Hondo Bike Path! This park holds two fountains and a lot of ducks and geese that swim around happily and has a lot of trees for shade. Everyone seemed to be enjoying life and were living in the moment with their loved ones. Active people all around, nice! Most definitely a nice spot for a picnic. read more

John Anson Ford Park - PRETTY! - Parks Near Me - Bell Gardens, California

Weekends are pretty busy here but we love the scenery and quiet time during the weekdays when there is less activity. One of the best places to visit in this area IMO. Enjoy! Marcus Drew - 8424 Garfield Ave, Bell Gardens, CA read more

Very busy on a Sunday afternoon! It was great to see the kids playing soccer. They have a nice big parking lot and the gym was clean and had a vending machine! That's a plus because basketball gyms don't always sell beverages... Overall a nice park and rec center. read more

Great Park for sports, swimming, and picnics. Family reunions, class reunions. Beautiful Duck pond. Nice area to walk about and take a stroll. Very safe a secure location! read more

This is such a peaceful park with big beautiful trees. I love the lake with the ducks. Lots of shade and large areas to have parties.

Nice park for baseball. The field is nice, and the soccer field is one of the best in the area. If you like golf, they have a small, but difficult par 3 nine hole. read more

John Anson Ford Park - Dugout - Parks Near Me - Bell Gardens, California

Nice Park .. Gym and pool at this location nice pond with ducks and geese. Very clean and nice playground for kids For the Pokemon fans this park is a Bulbasaur nest so happy hunting :) read more

This is one of my favorite parks to play sports. I also like to hangout with my family and my friends at this park because it is very peaceful read more

Good place 4 kids...2 playgrounds, pool in the summer and its along the rio hondo bike lane . Also good 4 parties. I always see families having a good day out read more

Grew up and still live here in Bell Gardens ..Ford Park is a beautiful park..all around compare to 10 years ago...I play baseball fields are awesome..I always get the hook up's because I know the majority of the staff workers for the park we went to school together or played ball together..proud to represent my city :) read more

A huge park that has a lot of things to do. There's obviously the open spaces with grass, a pond (although a bit dirty) with ducks walking around, a pool, basketball gym, soccer fields, and baseball fields. The gym isn't too nice but the soccer fields are synthetic. I go about 3 times a week to play soccer and love the fact that I live 15 min away walking distance. Overall it's a great park! read more

Nice park for hunting a particular type of Pokemon, but watch your step. The ground is covered in goose poop.

I've been coming here for like five years now. It's always been local but I never found it until I met new people from other cities as I ventured into the world. They've got a huge pond with animals for the kids and soccer, basketball courts as well as a public swimming pool for the summer. Its got everything a kid could want. Its fun for me even now going. Very relaxing and great vibes. read more

I've been here for family parties, just hanging with my son and to watch my lil bro play a baseball game. They have a pond with geese and ducks my son loves it. The also have a turf soccer field which looks cool. Two jungle gyms and plenty of parking. Close to Edwards movie theater and hooters whoohooo! read more