Our visit was in July 2025 to this cute Fair Oaks park within a small neighborhood. The park has a…read moresmall splash pad, and two playgrounds one for younger and older children. My granddaughter who is 8, loved the splash pad & the younger kids playground. The park is not gated and is adjacent to a walking path. Be careful if you have a little runner. The splash pad has a high water bucket dumping water in different directions. There was only one working water spout for the little kids when we came and the frog sprays water but you have to click the yellow button on the blue pole to make it work once it turns off. The older kids playground she loved the round rope swings but did get rope scrapes on back of both legs from swinging on them so be careful. Next time will use a towel under her legs. The big net play structure is fun if you want to just climb around but to get to the slides there is a big gap between the net structures that you have to go past in order to work your way across the rope bridge then to the slide. She was disappointed she couldn't get over to slides as a big gap she couldn't reach other side safely. Really wish there were rope stairs going straight up to slide area so kids can play on slide that can't do rope structure. The younger kids playground was nice. Multiple climbing structures that included a slide, rope hammock, a turning swing type activity. Parking is along the street only. Park has Drinking fountains and clean bathrooms. There are two picnic table areas. One down by the playgrounds and another by the splash pad.

Solid kid's park in the Fair Oaks area with a splash pad perfect for kiddos. Would be nice if there…read morewere more splash pad-adjacent toys or interactive components, as well as more shaded structures or overhanging trees, as the summers get crazy hot with exposed grassy areas. There are 2 picnic bench areas where you can settle in with food/supplies, as well as an adjacent bathroom and pickleball court. Large grassy area to run around and a small walking trail as well. There's plenty of room to expand, so hopefully they can add additional amenities moving forward. Plenty of adjacent street parking in the community. Recommended.

Lovely little park! Not crowded at all or full of trash. I do wish the picnic tables had more shade…read morethough, they are all directly in the afternoon heat! Perfect for my kids ages right now, 5 and 6!

I love this little park! I can't wait to visit after it gets its renovation this fall…read more What I like... It's in a nice little residential area, so it's generally less crowded. I like that they have swings for all ages and a sand pit with a water faucet. There is also a nice fielded area to walk around or bring a pet to. My son really liked going under the structure and playing with the spinning tic tac toe. The structure is a little outdated, so I'm excited for the new one. I just hope it's toddler friendly. There is only street parking, so remember that. Also, there was some graffiti and more trash at this park, but hopefully that gets cleaned up.

I love this park! It's HUGE! It has basketball courts, baseball fields and lots of events that…read morebring the community together!

This park is A-OK especially when you have multiple things going on such as softball, a playground,…read moreand tennis. The path is beautiful if you just wanna go on a walk. There's a few restrooms available. Always keep in mind in a public park that maybe things won't work properly and it's always a good idea to carry hand sanitizer. There's plenty of parking in the parking lot surrounding this park. I do have to say I've seen the city trucks around so they are definitely tending to the park. I do recommend that you check it out.

I come here often and love the area, but unfortunately we had a car break in. We saw a couple…read moreskulking out of the lot in their car as we returned from our hike... they looked out of place and I'm pretty sure it was the people who had just pulled in that scared them off. We got lucky that nothing was taken, just a bummer to have to replace a window after doing something wholesome like taking our dog to a nature reserve. Otherwise this place is lovely. The trails are well maintained, the bike lanes are in good shape and clearly marked, and the reserve is clean. I love to take the long way around across the high levee because there is a little creek that runs by and it's just so pleasant to listen to as you walk.

Louie and I went for a walk. We only walked about a mile in and turned around. It was nice. I…read moreparked by downtown. Not a parking lot normally can park on a street

I am quite a bit surprised that one of the cleanest and quietest parks in the city of Citrus…read moreHeights does not have a single Yelp review! And considering "Van Maren Park" has been opened to the public since 2005, I feel honored and privileged to give this park its very first review for all to enjoy reading. Citrus Heights has roughly 25 parks; more than your average city with less than 100,000 residents. I find an abundance of outdoor recreational areas wonderful because it allows kids to truly interact the old fashioned way by playing outdoors and enjoying the fresh air. Located in a truly quiet, suburban, and residential part of town (in between Thalia Way and Stock Ranch Road), Van Maren Park is small but also feels as if you're in the wilderness. Since this park is only amount of mile from my home, I've walked and biked here on numerous occasions ever since moving to Citrus Heights in April 2016. With well over 4 acres of land, some of the features you will find here are 8 benches, 2 covered picnic tables, 2 BBQ grills, a children's play area, a basketball court, a bike rack, and a drinking fountain. Additionally, there are several paved trails leading down to a garden & nature area as well as a wooden bridge and creek. On the several times I've frequented this park, there has been little to no people coming here! I mainly see walkers, joggers, or people walking their dogs. And without a lot of the locals that visit here, finding a parking spot (if you choose driving here) is an absolute breeze. Even in the hottest, drought-stricken summer months (July-September), there is quite a bit of freshly cut green grass. I would give this quaint little park a perfect 5-star rating if it wasn't for a few minor things. I do realize this is a small park but it is lacking a restroom. Not a big deal but if you do plan on bringing a large gathering for the day (especially small children/babies), the closest restroom is nearly 1/2 mile away. Also, even though there are trash bins, everything is few and far between. So plan accordingly if you do happen to spend a few hours out here. Overall, this is a great family park that is super quiet and a great relaxing place to spend the day.

One of my favorite parks for both family meals and play time. It is never too busy, and it backs up…read moreto a wonderful nature area. They have both a toddler play area and a big kids area and is very pet friendly! And they have drinking fountains and a pretty lawn space too, AND soccer fields down slightly away from the playgrounds! I almost didn't want to write a review because I wanted this to stay a hidden gem, but it deserves to be in the spotlight!

My granddaughter loves this park. The play equipment is well maintained and exciting to play on the…read morekids love it.

What a lovely park. I make an effort to take my kids to different parks and explore the surrounding…read moreneighborhoods. First time at Prospect Park and was quite pleased. The park has two play structures, swings, and even an obstacle course structure. My kids really enjoyed the three story tower with three different slides. Looked a little intimidating but kids are fearless. There's a generous amount of grass area for activities and a full basketball court. Parking wasn't a problem for us but there isn't a parking lot. There's no restrooms so plan accordingly.

This is a good park. It is about one mile of paved, wide, level, smooth paths…read more Loved the quiet neighborhood off Larwin with good sidewalks. Larwin has 6 different access points to the park. I liked that the creek was rather clean. The parking lot was also clean. Thankfully, it seems most dog owners pick up after their pups so that was a pleasant respite! Plenty of trash bins to facilitate. Overhead lights at end of the park near Smoke Tree Court were great - they brightened as you approached. The green grass is nicely maintained. I'm sure it helps to keep the soccer players and families happy! The two tennis courts were nicely lit at the Fair Oaks Blvd end of the park and looked in great shape. At 6:00 pm PST, in the dark, they were being used. Love that. Tennis courts are open until 10:00 pm.

My husband, our daughter and I stopped by this park for a school project for our daughter's school…read more She was tasked to create a portrait made out of miscellaneous items. One man's junk is another man's treasure as they say, we found ribbons, balloons, and sequins left over from birthday parties, a feather, leaves and flowers as well! Her project turned out just as she envisioned! I would recommend this renovated park that boosts 2 playgrounds with swing-sets, a restroom, water fountain, covered picnic benches that can be reserved, a little library, basketball court, soccer field, tennis courts and a walking trail. Our daughter had a blast with the friends she met on the playground and didn't want to leave! We'll be back! SYOY! :-)

This area makes for a lovely walk, hike, bike, or even fishing outing! A couple of bridges and nice…read morenature with plenty of shade is great anytime

Great outdoor area always something beautiful to see! It does take a bit of hiking and you need to…read morewatch out where you are stepping! Not only because of steep areas but there's rattlesnakes in this area as well.