Tucked in the corner of "Canal" district is a lively park called Pickleweed Park. The first thing that I noticed on one late Saturday morning that the pace of life can be slow and yet, so peaceful and relaxed. Families scattered on a numerous benches, while kids hanging around like monkeys on the play structures--Saturdays here are truly times for real family fun and catching up with friends and neighbors.
This park probably has more play structures than most pocket parks scattered in much of the gentrified parts of Marin.
There are no food trucks here, though I saw at least two food carts keeping up the Spanish speaking character of this place--one woman selling ice cream bars that you won't find in Three Twins, and the other guy assembling and selling all kinds of delightful treats: one kid got corn wrapped in butter and powdered sugar stuff and looking like a little roll in stripes, another walked away with a bag of orange slices with some yummy-looking sauce, a bag of chips also with some kind of sauce, while many other kids lined up for shaved ice cones. I wondered how many tricks he got under his sleeve!!
Just next to this park (which itself is next to Picklewood library) is a trail that goes around a soccer field to the edge of canal and to the other side of the library. Make a few semi-circle walks, catch a game of soccer, watch a canoe or boat going up and down the canal, look into the bag, feel the breeze, and viola you just completed your 30-40 minutes of walking--good for your heart!!
The thing that I loved about this park was the vibe and character and the unassuming people in this humble corner of Marin. When I retire, I will sell my car and settle down in one of the little cheap (relatively speaking) apartment among people who don't live behind fences and hedges. But for now, I will just enjoy visiting and walking here whenever I can. It's weekends well spent here. read more