We are the Village Green Preservation Society God save Donald Duck, Vaudeville and Variety We are the Desperate Dan Appreciation Society God save strawberry jam and all the different varieties Preserving the old ways from being abused Protecting the new ways for me and for you What more can we do We are the Draught Beer Preservation Society God save Mrs. Mopp and good Old Mother Riley We are the Custard Pie Appreciation Consortium God save the George Cross and all those who were awarded them We are the Sherlock Holmes English Speaking Vernacular Help save Fu Manchu, Moriarty and Dracula We are the Office Block Persecution Affinity God save little shops, china cups and virginity We are the Skyscraper Condemnation Affiliate God save tudor houses, antique tables and billiards Preserving the old ways from being abused Protecting the new ways for me and for you What more can we do God save the Village Green. - "The Village Green Preservation Society" (Ray Davies) I wonder what Sir Ray would think of Kensington Mini Park? Is it anything like the original Kensington? Probably not. Would he take his grandkids (or great-grandkids) to the playground? Would he wander into the library? Who are his favourite authors? I'm thinking P.G. Wodehouse and Kingsley Amis. Would he luck out and visit when a band is playing? Probably not, because I think that's a new thing. Adams Avenue Alive was the draw for me, and that's why I'm the Duke. Oh, hi. I assure you, I don't use that title. Just call me Joe. Maybe he'd hear a cello player. Maybe he would participate in a group therapy session. Maybe he would sip expensive wine across the street. "May I join you, Sir Ray?" Maybe he would pick up the check! Maybe. read more

Ok, I WANT to give it 5 stars- but in comparison to other parks and what other parks offer I can't. But here's the deal- it's not just about the play structure here. It's truly a 5 star back for these reasons: -gated... moms you know how this is a game changer at a park -tons of street parking -lots of shade for hot afternoons -lots of sand for sand toy play -attached to a library so easy access to bathrooms and book rental activities -surrounded by coffee shops and places to eat So for these reasons, this small, easy to look past park, will always be one of my favorite quick afternoon getaways. Why it truthfully has 3 stars? It's small. It's dated. And there's not so much to challenge an active child's body. But it will encourage teaming up with friends, using imaginations and finding new ways to play I will always love this park read more

Kensington Mini Park - Large sand area and the only play structure - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

This a very family oriented park. Every time I am in the area, I make an effort to stop by and there are always families about with their children enjoying the playground equipment, parents chatting it up, or individuals reading a book. The park is quite small so it's not that good for walking unless you like going in circles and such, but you can also walk into the quaint surrounding neighborhood: a neighborhood where it's obvious residents appreciate a well maintained neighborhood. The park offers substantial shady areas for picnics, a sandy area for the tiny tots, a sturdy play structure, restrooms, and picnic tables. Right on the center, right on Adam's Avenue is the Kensington-Normal Heights Library. It's small but a perfect place to take the little ones while you are at the park or need something to read for yourself while at the park. I nice park, but I think it's best suited for families and young ones, because they are always running around. Not that there's anything wrong with that! read more

Kensington Mini Park - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Tiny little park, but everyone still had a great time. We found this place when returning some library books. The library is directly next to the park, so it made for a nice family outing: ran to the library, played at the park, grabbed some ice cream at the shop a block away (Moosie's), came back to the park to play off the ice cream. There's a Burger Lounge and a Stabucks across the street, I could easily see us integrating those into a future park trip. The park is all fenced in, so you don't have to constantly worry that your child will end up in the middle of Adams Ave. There is one long bench on the west side, which means the library provides plenty of shade for the parents. The terrain is part sand, part rubber mat. The amount of play equipment is pretty limited. There's only street parking, but we've found a spot both times we've been there. We will certainly be back. It's a great central location to have a quick break while exploring the rest of the Kensington area. read more

Kensington Mini Park - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

This is for the park, not the library, I've actually never been inside the library. I take my son to this park quite frequently. I hate the parking situation, the only real (safe) parking is on a cramped little one way street, but that's the city not the library making those decisions, so no loss of stars for that. This is a cute little park across the street from a Starbucks and cafe. It's a gorgeous area to walk through during the day as well if your little one isn't doing well at the park. I do really wish the gates were more secure, my 2 year old learned how to open those many months ago. It's just a push to open, I wish it had some kind of lock on it. Thankfully, though, the moms here are always friendly...even when my little monster is being, well, a monster. read more

Excellent park for toddlers, and I have to disagree with previous reviewers about the age range, because my 6 year old still loves coming here at any chance. Also, there are always teenagers on the swings on holidays and late afternoons. Who says you have to be under 3 to enjoy the swings!??? I love that it is adjacent to the library and has coordinated events every week! There is a field on the other side of the library where there are Mommy and Me yoga classes and free summer concerts by Hullabaloo and other performers. It's part of what makes Kensington so great. The park is kept very well, if you come early enough in the morning, there's a crew that takes out the trash, cleans and actually rakes the sand! It looks like a Japanese rock garden first thing in the morning with all those beautiful rake lines! I also like the safety aspect of having a fence that mostly encircles the park, to prevent the little ones from running off so easily. It's not gated, but I prefer that, because it's annoying to walk all the way around to a single gate when you have your arms full with a screaming toddler and a stroller and a dog and a load of library books. This may be a small park, just 2 big kid and 2 baby swings, but it also is one of the most well-shaded parks due to the old pine trees! So great during the heat of summer! Who cares if there are 8 swings if your baby has to get sunburned to ride? Also great because there's easy access to affordable healthy snacks at multiple venues - Clem's has great deli sandwiches, Burger Lounge has grass-fed beef burgers, Wild Alaskan Salmon burgers and even veggie Quinoa burgers and salads. For lighter stuff, there's Starbucks and Kensington Cafe. There are bike racks on site and handicap ramps as well. read more

Tiny little park with a playground that's pretty comparable to larger parks. Pretty standard playground equipment: Large play structure housing tic-tac-toe, steering wheel. Long steps for toddlers, steep steps for 2ish+ and arched ladder for 3ish+ 3 slides - small, medium (side-by-side for racing) and large curly 4 swings - 2 baby, 2 low, big kid swings (14" off ground) 3 springy rocking thingies, good and flexy The playground is not nearly as good as Pepper Grove playground in Balboa Park, but comparable to the others there. There's nowhere to run around, play catch, etc, but if you think of it like a fast food play place (Burger Lounge and a Starbucks across the street) it's a winner. read more

Kensington Mini Park - The playground comprises almost half of this mini park. - Parks Near Me - San Diego, California

Here's some details: People think this is a perfect toddler sized park? HMMM equipment is made for bigger bodies ( I would guess best for ages 3 to 6). This is an older park so there are big spaces for little legs in the equipment. My two year old had fun with a little help. The rocking animals are great for smaller toddlers and baby swings as well steep steps/climbing for under 3 yrs of age. Small enclosed area great for younger supervision but older kiddos might not have enough room to play and run. SUPER friendly neighborhood and tons on restaurants around the corner. Wonderful area with coffee shops, burger joint, french restaurant, and fish restaurant (awesome food - needs more high chairs this area is full of kids!). read more

My husband asked me to marry him at this park late at night, so I'm definitely biased but it's a pretty cool little place. We've taken our kids there & they seem to like it although it's true that the older kids do get bored a little easier there because it's smaller and there isn't great parking but I still like this place. read more

Great park for ages 6 months - 6 years. It's adjacent to the library and there is a grass area on the opposite side.

This playground is perfect for younger children and semi- older children as well. It is mostly on Astro- turf with sand surrounding some of it, it is fenced in, and it's in a nice area with a library next door. There is plenty of seating with a wooden bench along the library and a concrete picnic table. read more

A fantastic little park in the hart of Kensington! It's great for little social events and a nice place to meat up with people. Plus, they have swings and things for kids to play on. I think it's a nice little touch for Kensington. read more

Great park for kids 3 and under. Kids any older than 3 will get bored easily. It's nice that it's a shared lot with the library, and that there are a few places to grab a bite to eat or a coffee nearby. read more

I love coming to this park with my toddler. It's right across the street from 2 coffee shops, which is a huge bonus! Usually, the other parents at the park are really friendly , probably because most of us live in the neighborhoods nearby. read more

Ive been bringing my son here since he was 1 to play and pick up some magazines from the adjacent library. All around I think this is a great park for toddlers, especially since they enclosed the whole thing with gates. Now its a much more relaxing place to let the little one explore and play without having to worry about him bolting into the street through what use to be 2 large openings on either side. Its small enough to be able to keep track of him easily and so far he hasn't had any injuries there. The people who go there regularly are pretty nice overall and theres plenty of shade in the afternoon read more

I love that this park is enclosed so the kiddos can't run out. I also like that it is smaller because you don't have to chase your kids as far and it's easier to keep track if you have more than one child. There is a library right next to it which is awesome! And a Starbucks across the street. The only complaint I would have is that parking isn't the easiest because there isn't a separate lot for it, but it's not too hard to find street parking. read more

This is a great little no frills (outside of the play gym and library attached) park centrally located in the center of Kensington. It's a great little place to kill some time and hang out. You could easily take out food or drink from local places across the street and come here to enjoy your food or drink while having a peaceful setting. It's also great for younger children and those wanting to bring their library materials they checked out, outside as well. read more

A perfect little park for little ones. Bigger kids tend to age out pretty quickly unless you are willing to let them run around the library section, but then you have to worry about cars a bit more. read more