This park has only gotten better in the years I have visited. First playground was updated a number of times and more recent made hadicap / disabled kid friendly too with space themed playground area. There is a large spaceship with aliens and nice wrought iron fence with same themed decorations on it to help keep the kids in there place. The basket ball and tennis area is good to burn some calories, not to mention the decomposed granite which is offers soft running / jogging around the parameter of the park. Thanks to some federal grant the lake area was also recently re-lanscaped with new plants, fencing, and lighting. Truly one of the best parks in the city and one of the few with a stage area for great events such as festive dances, earth day festival, cultural gatherings and some great musical performances. With the park improvements the overall neighborhood as improved as well and has friendly neighbors to share walk in the park with, for an evening stroll. read more

This is a really good pond to take your family and kids for fishing catfish there not to big but definitely fun catching also has restrooms and playground for the kids after getting bored! read more

I like Los Angeles, I do, but sometimes, well, I get homesick. But since I'm one of those annoying people who hates to stay in a place too long, homesick doesn't necessarily mean one specific destination. I might be homesick for the Bay Area, where I'm from, or for Prague, where I lived when I stupidly thought I wanted to teach EFL in Europe (yeah, no: I didn't and I hated it). But lately, when the homesickness hits, it's for Sacramento, where I lived for a little over a year before moving down south. While I didn't TECHNICALLY live in Sacramento (I lived in a shitty part of Rancho Cordova in a surprisingly nice looking apartment complex), I would often drive down Folsom to see the sights: Sac State, Midtown, the Capitol Building. There may be no jobs up there (hence my move), but Sacramento has one big thing going for it: it's freaking BEAUTIFUL. It's verdant, trees everywhere, with a lot of lovely old houses. It also is a small enough city to be manageable, not overwhelming, but with all of the perks of a big city. Artwalk? Check. Good food? Check. Coffee houses and cool bars? Check. Craft breweries? Check. What's not to like, really? This, however, is all somewhat irrelevant as this isn't a review of Sacramento, but of Southside Park. The initial, pre-tangent point was that on some of my treks into Sacramento proper, I would see parks. What with the trees and my convenient school schedule at the time, I decided to start walking. And this was my go-to park. It was a little drive from my house, and I'm sure it isn't the most lush of all the parks, but I liked it. There's a nice little lake to walk around--or, if you prefer, you can go around the entire park (it's bigger than you might think!) on the sidewalk. There's a little stage where I'm assuming cultural events are occasionally held, and there are picnic tables where bums congregate. There is also a children's area that's always crackin', and is patronized by a diverse group of parents. I'd also see different people hanging out in the grass, having picnics, studying, talking about their days. There are exercise stations around the park for people who want to work out for free. There are also big signs stating that it is illegal to drink alcohol at the park...which, of course, basically begs people to do it. Oh, and there's a metal rocketship. AWESOME. The only real downside I can think of in regards to Southside Park is that it made my allergies really bad. It got to a point where I would be walking and would have to stop at my car to blow my nose and have water because Sacramento is a killer and can turn someone like me, who had lived 27 years allergy free, into a pollen-intolerant wimp. But allergies aside, I loved this park. And I miss it. The park was always clean I always felt safe walking there. I hope I can visit some time soon. read more

Love this park for my kids. The playgrounds have a space theme, and it's not as crowded as McKinley Park. There are two playgrounds for different ages, and even basketball courts and tennis courts for older kids or young adults. Our kids favorite is the big slide. It's higher than any other in the area. read more

I'm not gonna lie. I get excited and run around here too after plenty of juice boxes.This park is soooo bad arse! I love the swings, the merry-go-round, the sit and twirl (and fall off of) things...the lists goes on. Why didn't OUR parks growing up have cushy ground?! You feel like you ll bounce off! They have done a fantastic job cleaning up the pond too! Its always pretty clean, theres a community pool, horseshoes and a stage...probably my pick of Sacramento Parks- and location is wonderful- lots of trees and greenery- plus, the Sunday market is just a block away... read more

I love this park. I used to come here back when I was a teen to watch my friends play basketball every week. I still come by every once in a while to enjoy my lunch. They have a tennis court as well and I think you can turn on the lights when it gets dark. read more

TWO NEW TWISTS :: #1 - A bountiful, year-round Farmer's Market is right across the street from Southside Park on Sunday mornings. #2 - The park has a series of exercise/stretching stations and a big, easy loop that make it perfect for "wellness walks". Sidenote: I discovered this gem when my non-profit teamed with the Dept. of Parks and Rec to create a web-accessible resource for kids and families. read more

My hood. Pretty good track although I usually use McKinley because it's exactly 1 mile around as opposed to Southside is .75. Still like going to Southside for sprints and such. Plus they have pull-up, sit up and dip bars. Also, there's a lot more activity here than McKinley for some reason..all sorts of parades and what not. The church across the park gets extremely crowded too. I'd describe the neighborhood as patchy after dark... read more

If you're looking for a free way to reward your kid, take him/her to Southside Park. It really is fantastic. One thing I especially appreciate is that they have a playground for the little ones and a playground for older kids too. A lot of playgrounds are set up for the preschool set. (I'm guessing because of liability reasons). It's nice that they have equipment to entertain and challenge the older kids too. read more

Great park in Sacramento. Took the kids there once and they keep asking to go back every weekend. Granted we don't live in Sacramento and with the gas prices going up like they have well.... I'm not sure we can go every weekend but IF I lived in Sacramento I would. The park is clean and there's plenty stations for the kids to play on. If you have kids that enjoy going to the local park I would recommend this one for sure. read more

The location might make you feel like your taking your kids to go play in the hood, but it really is a nice park to be at. There's something magical about the way this playground is set up. My son is always playing with random kids that are friendly and respectful. There's just is an energy here that makes you wish you were a kid again. Several different spots to play and explore. And the fake space rocket is a fun added touch. Plus, you can take a moment to walk around the water too which can be very relaxing to look and ponder about in front of . read more

This park is where I grew up. My father use to take me here all the time to fish ( I don't think there was fish there anyways, i think he bought me there to occupy my time). I like the tennis courts too because its lit at night. The playground, i haven't seen for a while so I can't say anything about hits. Its a nice cozy park that has no problems at all. This is where I play tennis and basket ball at night too. The neighborhood is not bad at all, it just looks like it. I'll probably come by here this weekend. Definitely a place to go. 4.5 Stars :) read more

Very nice park for kids. I participated in two walks held at this park and I wold love to bring my kids here to let them play.

Best place for your kids to run around. a lot of playground and different things to do for them. they will never be bored

We have been here many times over the years and it is another cool spot to relax with the gidgets. The gidgets like to reminisce about favorite memories coming here to play when they were younger and of course to take family walks/jogs around the park or have a picnic in the park now. We have yet to try the bocce court, but thinking we may do so soon. This park is definitely one I would continue taking smaller kids to and of course have family picnics. read more

It's a great park. Lake in the middle. Fitness course around the edge. Swimming pool. Playground. Festivities are here during the summer. Also a great farmer's market on Sundays is just across the street. read more

This is one of my top 3 favorito Sacramento parks. This park has a fitness track, for runners, exercise stations and a pool. Southside has a lovely pond and an amazing playground, with the only space ship in town. This park is also walking distance from the big Sunday under the freeway farmers market. One of the amazing things about this park is the large Virgen de Guadalupe mosaic, seen in all its glory, from the track. Also note that the same church that has this beautiful public shared piece, is often selling delicious Mexican food and drinks. Although it is ironic to stop for an agua fresca and a taco after a run, I am guilty. read more

It's nice to come here on a Sunday morning, to stroll around under the trees and watch the various activities taking place, then to pop across the street to do some hard core shopping at the farmers' market. It doesn't get much more pleasant than this. read more

I have been to a few parks in south Sacramento and I think this is the prettiest. The art wall is beautiful, the pond is serene, and the playground has an adorable space theme. I love all the workout equipment placed throughout the park' read more

minus the dead fish smell, it was pretty cool here. I think they fixed the smell :)

My kiddos love this park. It has an awesome playground and there are always lots of kids there for them to play with.

Always nice to walk, always someone out there. Exercise stations come in handy. The church across the street sells food on the corner most Sunday's. read more

Yarmarka-a Great All-Slavic Annual Festival

My granddaughter loves this park, you can feed the ducks, you can swim, you can play on the slides, lots to do!! Plus they have a bathroom that is actually clean and doesn't stink. read more

Lots of shades at this park. Spacious and kids love it. We always drive to come here. Enough parking. Nice area to also jog. Would recommend for gamily gathering read more

This is an amazing park in an amazing area. Toddler area, separate big kid structure, sand box, tons of swings, clean restrooms, fenced in lake, solar power rocket sculpture. read more

I went after Fish and game said they planted.I think they lied, only a few trout were caught. I was very disappointed with fish and games report. Pond was nice but you have to fish away from lake they keep you away from the shore and you fish above it. Park was popular but bathrooms were dirty. I would take my grandkid there because the kids were all having fun. Bring coins because you have to pay .25 for 12minutes to park. read more

Our daughter loves this park. From the second we walk through the gate, that little 22-mo. old zig zags from one play structure to the other. The best part about the play structures is that they are adult accessible, so when your tot disappears up some stairs, you can easily get up there & make sure she isn't trying to jump off from the top like the big kids. Several of the area parks make it nearly impossible for a parent to get to where the kiddos are. Our daughter has taken quite a few spills here, as she is fearless, and wants to do everything the big kids do. Since they have that recycled tire spongy stuff on the ground, she gets up, and tries again. No injuries, and she's taken some really hard falls. They have a cool saddle that spins if you lean on it, and keeps gaining momentum, going faster & faster each time around. Watch the little ones on this--they launch off, as they can't stop it. Luckily, the landing is soft on the spongy mat. My hubby and I have each tried this, and think it's the coolest thing on a playground. EVER. There are two play structure areas, one for toddlers and one for bigger kids. There is also an area for the crawlers, with a spongy dome for them to climb on, but nearly every time we're there, some parents have claimed that area as a "chair". The only reason I gave it four stars, instead of five is because the area with the swings is really lacking. For a park this size, there should be twice as many. The tweens sit on them and are oblivious to the fact that there are actually kids in a line waiting to use them. Two things that are negative: The bathrooms are...gross. Really gross. BUT...it's a park, not a restaurant. For some reason people think it's a dog park, and there are always dogs running around loose. Just keep an eye out--they are usually rambunctious little yipper dogs with "little dog" syndrome so they try to corral, and chase the smaller kids. read more

One of my favorite parks in Sacramento. My children love going to the park as well. There is plenty of parking and plenty of grass. It has a large jungle gym for the older kids and a smaller one for the younger kids. There are plenty of benches for the adults to sit and watch their children play. There are bathrooms for park visitors to use. There is a pool/recreation center for swimmers. Across the street on the northwest corner of the park, there is a little convenient store for snacks. There is a pond that is filled with little sunfish for kids to fish. Sometimes the dept of fish and game even stock this little pond with black bass and trout. The only downside to this park is that when I walk around the pond with my kids, there always seems to be a sleeping homeless person under the trees on the southside of the park. But I guess they need a place to hang out too. read more

Came here for the the Pacific Rim Street Fest, and I was pretty impressed with how well kept the grounds were! The lake was nice to look at and the playground looked pretty fun for the kids! I'll have to check this place out when there isn't an event and update my review accordingly. read more

i go to The Met Sacramento high-school located across the street (8th and V) and i love this godamned park, we have off-campus lunch and its really nice to have a place to go smoke a a few bowls, read a book, throw cigarette buts in the pond, laugh at drunken homeless bums and make out behind the stage. worlds most EPIC park read more

This is my favorite Sac Town park because it is huge, centrally located and there is a great farmers market right across the street on Sunday mornings. We made it a tradition to stop by the farmers market first, get some fruits (coffee and pastry available too) and then walk across the the park. There are two playground areas, one for the little kids and another for older children but don't tell my littlest one that, he enjoys both of them. What I love about this park is that they have spinning things like a merry go round and some other spinning things which is something you hardly see anymore in parks anymore (liability?) The theme is space and there is a large space ship sculpture up in the air. I noticed a swimming pool also at the park by we haven't utilized that. Tennis courts also located in the park but are not tennis players yet. This park is multicultural and often there are vendors selling 'paletas' aka Mexican popsicles. The only downside is the yuckie public toilets...dark and scary, never let your kid in there alone. Street parking can be tricky at times but not as bad as McKinnely Park. Enjoy! read more

Thank you YMCA, and other sponsors for opening this beautiful, clean, pool. The best swim instructors and lifeguards I've seen. Love the classes. My son and I learned to swim @ theYMCA. I encourage their swim classes for all children and adults. read more

And now, the swimming pool is open again! Thanks to the Neighborhood Association, the YMCA and the City, we can swim all summer long.

this is a nice park in generalgreat for cultural events.concerts etc. pond is not clean. ghetto fools kick it in that park. do not go to the park in the evening time.do not bring your kids in the evening time. read more

Great park for special needs kids, my son Colton has Autism and it is soooooo nice to get out and play when we travel through Sac!!!! So much fun! Moser Family :) read more

this place is amazing!!! soo many different things and areas to play!! our kids love this place! the only downside the ghetto teenager kids cussing and rough housing all over the little kids toys! other then that this is the most amazing park ive ever been to! read more