This place is definitely a go to when you just wanna get the dog out for a nice lil stroll and peace of mind for like those that work alot and hardly have time to get your dog out...this is one of those emergency pit stops i like to call em...
Playground
The playground area is nice and clean...no trash no drug paraphernalia no wierd homeless person being wierd... recommend this to all the mom's that work as well...when you have lil time but alot on mind
Restrooms
The restrooms use to be really dirty and unusable...now they are clean and kept sanitary...they don't smell like piss...or like county...but actually smell nice
Dog-friendliness
Again the dogpark...def for the workers who need a peace of mind but very lil time...this dog park is a def go to
Picnic area
Very wide and spaceaous for big events and birthday parties...very clean and kept up to par...it's a really nice park overall in a really nice neighborhood... definitely one of my favorite areas...because people there don't judge you based off of looks...they go based off ones actions and treat him either equally or accordingly...

Of the five parks I regularly visit, this one is my favorite. Two distinct jungle gyms (which split comfortably along age lines when the park is busy), bathroom (with junkies in it only occasionally), hoops, two sets of swings, clean water fountains, two attached off leash dog parks, and a huge wide open grassy area. The trees while bare in the winter provide great shade to make Ward Canyon tolerable even in the heat waves of september. I like the extreme diversity of families that visit here. Weekends there's always multiple parties and bounce houses, and the mornings are dominated by kids under 5 while the median age grows as the day progresses. Sometimes they do free movies in the park here and watching Princess Bride with 3000 neighbors was a highlight.

Having just moved to the neighborhood, I was delighted to discover Ward Canyon Park within walking distance of my house. The park is very large, consisting of a acres of grassy fields, and built in their area, children's play apparatus, and happily, a dog park! There are several good grilling posts for bbqs and the park was quite green from all of the recent rains. My only concern regards the clearly apparent homeless population that takes residence in the park. While walking on the path I spied several tents and a few areas of the park had trash buildup. The people I came across were nice, however and I'll be returning tomorrow with my dog to have some fun at the dog park.

It was late in the evening and sprinkling rain. Needless to say not busy. Location was convenient. Directly off of the 805. Park was dimly lit but, we could hear people playing basketball and there was one other person inside the dog park. (Dog park is located on south end of the park) From what I could see it's completely fenced in. Parking was directly in front of the park and a breeze. They have a path along the park for walking and beautiful lush green grass inside the park. Tables for picnics. Again, I was there about 10 or 11pm so I did not see much. What I did, was great! I'll def stop by here in the day time when in the neighborhood.

It would be a nice park, but large groups of homeless congregate near the bathrooms. I heard them talking loudly in an "ebonics" dialect that was frankly, inappropriate for a gentrified area. Meanwhile their untrained and unpedigreed mutts ran into traffic, and I even smelled wafts of the "devils lettuce" and possibly worse. Rather unsavory activities for a park geared towards families. The only hope is to disguise myself as homeless and infiltrate their ranks, this will cause infighting, sow discord, and slowly dissipate their tribal structure. Will report back on progress.

My local park. I walk here and through here a few times a week. Nothing to special, just a nice little park. Way less homeless people and trash here than other parks in the area (like north park). Always people playing basketball, parents bring there kids to the playground area often, people laying on blankets reading books, walking there dogs. There's a off leash dog section, but its kinda just a dirt lot with fence. If your waking around Adams Ave. it's worth swinging by.

Great neighborhood gem! This park provides a lot of space for a seemingly small view from the street. The day I was there, a family had party with a bouncy castle. Bouncy Castles can be noisy and hog some serious space. But, they had plenty of room and didn't inconvenience anyone. A couple of groups were throwing frisbees. And quite a few picnics were scattered around the park. The freeway runs nearby, but if there was any noise, it wasn't noticable.

Update... although my Grand Kids were visiting from Boston a didn't like it here. I think they were biased because I took them to the park at the beach first!
Restrooms
They are utilized all day. Use at your own risk!
Dog-friendliness
Two no three dog parks...the old two are still being used for the quieter older dogs.
Picnic area
Several areas to enjoy! They are usually vet full on the weekends. First come first served.

Great little park in Normal Heights. It's very diverse, you'll see everything thing from families to friendly park residents. There's a nice playground, a huge grass area, and two half basketball courts. Will change my review to 5 stars if they put grass in the dog park, everyone calls this little dog park the dust bowl. It's great to have places to take our pups however no one wants to have to clean their pooch after every visit.

Just like any other San Diego park, when the sun goes down be prepared to see and smell the homeless deficating in random places. However if you're interested, across the street in the cul-de-sac where the homeless tents are meth or heroin can be purchased. Seriously. I wish the city could get their act together and use these tax dollars they keep stealing from me and get this scum out of what otherwise would be a nice area.

Small neighborhood park in the heart of Normal Heights/Kensington. Love to bring my dog here for socializing and also very nice quiet and clean park to just hang out and walk around. The gated in soccer field is used by dog owners to play fetch with their dogs or just let them run around and socialize with other doggos. Park has restroom facilities and tables for picnics and open spaces for picnics and kiddos to run around.

One side of the park a lady came and kicked me out of the grass for the kids so the school next door can use it. Kids are awesome so me and my dog went to the other side of the park no problems. Unfortunately a not so conscious dog owner let her dog run free directly up to mine which happens to be a coyote hybrid, thankfully my dog and well-mannered enough she didn't eat that dog. Not very smart or neighborly

Nice to have the safe space for the dogs, but time for grass and water! The bark is not comfortable for the dog's feet, although there is no bark left in the middle of the big dog side...it has all been pushed to the fence lines...now it is just dirt. And bits of tile that comes to the surface from the demolished houses that used to be on the property. Time to move forward with the next phase of the plan!

The playground is fine, and they have the perfect setup for an outdoor movie/show. The bathrooms were horrible. Two stalls total, no toilet paper, no soap, lots of poop on the floor. I can't imagine why they wouldn't have had someone clean on a Saturday before a community event. We had to leave as the movie was starting because my 6-year-old fell and had globs of poop stuck on him.

This park is in a very nice area but the playground is old and beat up. They do have a dog park, a lot of space to run around, basketball courts and are in a very nice location.
Playground
Old and needs remodeling
Restrooms
Typical public restrooms
Dog-friendliness
A lot of dogs... some on and off leash
Picnic area
A lot of picnic tables

Normally walk and like coming to this park. Today was a different experience, city worker is careless and continued to cut grass as we passed by with my 7 month old baby and my 1 year old niece. I did let him know we were there however he did it again next time we passed by. Maybe he should've worried about picking up the branches that were all on sidewalk.

This is such a cute park! I feel like it is kind of hidden near the freeway entrances but it is so worth going to! The grass is so beautiful green and well cared for. There are benches and paved sidewalks, trees, playgrounds with play structures and it's right next to a small dog park and plenty of food places and other businesses. I really loved this park.

Lots of shady places to sit near the playground although unfortunately the playground does not get any of the shade except maybe in the very early morning when it's not that useful. Why is it so hard to find playgrounds with shade in San Diego?!? Nice variety of playground equipment. Perhaps because of the good shade it's pretty popular with the homeless.

I go to the dog park there. It's a decent size with two tables with benches. There is a water fountain close by, but unfortunately not in the dog park and not the type with a fountain for dogs like all the other dog parks have. I don't know why someone felt that our dogs don't deserve the same access to water as others have.

This Park has 2 great Dog Parks! 1 for Small Dogs, the other for Big Dogs! They are clean & safe, completely fenced in & separated from one another. Our "Small Dog Friends of San Diego" had a great Meetup there!!! It's missing shady areas however, so when it's hot I suggest bringing some umbrellas... & plenty of water!

Nice clean open park, close to a busy street but its closed off by a small fence (around 3ft6in high I'd say). Two playgrounds, one for smaller kids and the other for older kids. They're both surrounded by trees which is nice if trying to avoid a sunburn. A big grassy area space with a small amphtheater seating place.

A nice playground with bathrooms. There was a shady homeless man who seemed to be known by some regulars and they warned us he might expose himself to the little girls, so there was that. There was a language barrier, but she was definitely warning us to keep our granddaughter away from him.

A really nice park and playground, but be careful! There were many homeless and even some guys grouped together giving off a definite "gang vibe. There should be security. Also, someone should paint a kid friendly mural on that plain white building, so it's not such an eye sore.

This park is where I've held birthday parties. It's a nice park, friendly people, they have bathrooms, and good jungle gyms for the kids. Sometimes there are the homeless living or wandering around which kills the vibe, but if you can ignore them then it isn't so bad.

Very lovely community park, with plenty of parking, a nice basketball court and beautiful scenery. The park has cute benches that reminded me of the antique parks back in the day. The area and neighborhood look very safe and quiet, I will for sure bring my kids back.

Sweet park with extra parking just off the 15. There’s a dog park, okay ground, and hoops! There’s a large field where peeps play soccer and run around. Great community park!
Dog-friendliness
Enclosed dog park.
Picnic area
There are tables and benches.

This is my neighborhood park. Been here 15 years Park used to be a lot cleaner unfortunately a lot of homeless live and camp out here. It's a great place to take your dog for a walk do a run good little workout or watch a movie at the amphitheater during the summer.

This park is a great place for parties and barbeques with the family. There are sometimes bounce houses set up and multiple places to cook. Children's playground nearby and clean grass to layout. Nearby there are two off leash dog parks to let the pups play as well!

This is a great park that can be enjoyed by everyone! Read a book. Soak in the sun. Walk. Jog. Play basketball. Yoga. There is a tot play area.. Tables. Grills...please be sure to properly dispose of your charcoal. Spend a moment or spend an afternoon...great park!

It has two gated dog enclosures. Large open grassy area for activities. Basketball court and a large playground for the kids. My favorite part is various tables underneath a bunch of trees. Very calming atmosphere and most of all the park is clean!

I love how wide open it is. There can be three different events going on at the same time. Playground, open field for soccer games, basketball court and a little walkway trail around the whole park. There is also a quaint little dog park as well.

Very cute little park, with a nice playground for kids, a couple of basketball nets, and a good amount of pic-nic tables. There's also hot coals trash cans in case someone makes a fire. It has a good amount of shade and sun. Overall, very nice :)

I love this park. Great layout for a compact park. Great place for family and group picnics. Adjacent to an off leash dog park. Basketball court, a walk way the winds around the park, a picnic area and a large multi-function area in the middle.

The park is pretty, but I was upset at the lack of maintenance, especially the restroom. I called the county park office, and they got back to me asap regarding the lack of cleanliness, and said they would get to it asap. Otherwise, it's nice.

Park looks nice but it has to many hub that are drunk. Not recommended to take your pet there or kids doesn't seem safe in my book or anyone else book. Be careful and always have a buddy system before you decide to go to visit this small park.

Pleasant, free. Basketball courts, playground, adjacent dog park, and plenty of grassy free space. If you play Niantic games, this place has a lot of points of interests (4 pokestops and 2 Gyms, one Ex raid gym) which is a great bonus :)

It is a decent park, lot of room to take your kids, or dogs, there is a children's play area on one end and a basketball court on the other. However, it can be dirty as well as feel unsafe with quite a few homeless people camping there.

I really like this park, it's very clean. My grandson had a blast. Then my granddaughter & her Mother showed up and the kids really had a good time. I love the fact that they have vending machines there as well.... Thumbs up..!!!!

Very well kept Park secluded not too busy nice to take your dog there not too crowded except maybe on the weekends and when they have softball so out of the way I call it Hollywood Park but I'm not sure it's on Hollywood Park

There are signs up informing that the dog park is being shutt down. The dog park itself was not well kept and it was run down. Also I witnessed at least two drug deals when I was there with my dogs. I won't be going back.

Great park for the kids! But! There are pieces of broken glass in the sand on the smaller playground. Please send someone to take care of this problem. We literally found several pieces. Looks like from alcohol bottles

It's a great park to visit there are usually family events on the weekends and is well maintained. That being said it is a park, and homeless people do hang around. I've never had a problem but they're there.

Great park. Deceptively huge. Great place to have a kid's birthday party. There are on site restrooms, plenty of tables, a large grassy area and amphitheater and two playgrounds for different ability levels.

Great little park in Normal Heights. Good playground equipment with swings, plenty of tables and benches Also has a nice open grassy area with basket ball court and soccer field. Does have public bathrooms.

Great park. Lots of shade and benches placed to perfectly watch little ones have a good time. Toddler and older kid separate play structures with small amphitheater that plays movies FREE in the summer! ; )

I really like this park. The bathrooms are truly sad though. They are covered in graffiti, no toilet paper or paper towels, and only one toilet was functional. . Otherwise, this is a very nice park. …

Nice park, fairly clean, nice and spacious. Plenty of room to play games, relax, people watching, grill, picnics and such. There is a small population of homeless, which seem to be polite and friendly.

We're so lucky to have this neighborhood resource. A nice walking path goes all the way around the park, playground for the kiddos, picnic benches, basketball court, it's just a nice place to hang out.

Playground, large green area, ampitheater, 2 half basketball courts, bathroom, and wood chip fenced dog park tucked in the back. Had my kids 1rst birthday here, yrees are now big enough for pinatas.

Currently - July, 2023 - a good chunk of the street parking on the east side is taken up with street construction equipment and a huge pile of gravel. Not the park's fault but it is inconvenient.

Great park! Beautiful views and a great dog park! Some one said the large dog park was over grown until recently so that's good!! Next time we'll let our pup play with the big dogs! …

Mainly wood chips and dirt, would be nicer of they manage to finish the park with some grass. Looks like it can get super crowded, though around dusk it was nice with just a few dogs.

There were very respectful parents there. They were all looking out for children, making sure that they are safe. The place structures are nice but those bathrooms are a mess!!!!!!

Had a cookout with a large group. Parking is limited. Bathrooms were out of toilet paper even upon arrival. All of our kids had fun though and it let us have adult time to Hangout

This park is full of beautiful trees, has a large grassy area, playground, walking trail and restrooms! It's not a neighborhood we are in often and made for a pleasant discovery!

Great little park with children's area to one end and plenty of grass area furnished with tables and benches and the sound of a running creek. Great for playing fetch with my dog

Such a cute little park. Great recreation areas with seating, tables, shade trees, beautiful flowers, grass, a concrete path around the perimeter, and even a small amphitheater.

Great park for all kids. A little bit of a homeless crowd at the South end. But being close to the freeway, it feels safe and close to a fun part of town with some good shops.

Cool spot out of no where very peaceful place where people are around enjoying it even tho the freeway noise is heard it almost feels like you're away from it all somehow..

It is a nice, large, multi-use park. It has 2 enclosed off-leash dog parks. (Yet, sometimes people misuse the entire family kid park area letting their dogs off leash:(()

Great little hidden park. Pretty awesome parallel bar set up along with pull up bars. Get a work out in while the kids play at the park (large play structure and sandbox).

Has potential. Gets messy because of homeless.
Picnic area
The tables are filthy. I may bring my pressure washer out since the city is unlikely to do it too often.

I grew up by this park so many good memories. It's huge! There's the play area for kids, path for walking, huge grass area, dog park, basketball court, its a good park :>

If your into nature and long hikes, this is a segment of a greater trail set that runs from La Jolla, clairmont, Sorrento Valley, And Pacific Beach, a GPS doesn't hurt.

I like the layout of the park and it's easy to overview it. The playground is fun and looks updated. There is an area for smaller toddlers and one for bigger children.

It's a nice place with lots of trees and lots of shade plenty of room for kids to run around. It's might get noisy sometimes because it's right next to the interstate.

I love bringing my son here, super fun and most of the time are very clean
Restrooms
The restrooms are gender fluid, I would not recommend using them.

Parking available, right of the freeway, bathrooms, waterfountains, basketball courts, trees, shade, picnic tables, benches, large grassy areas, friendly environment.

Two gyms for the kids and doesn't get too busy. Lots of room to play and there are also basketball courts. It is close the highway and parking is easy to find.

Been going here a long time. Its a great place to spend the afternoon with the kids and there is plenty of space for everyone to have their own personal space.

The Trees are awesome here. Provide great shade for the adults as the kids play. Two separate Jungle gym areas. One for toddlers and the other for older kids.

Nice park tucked away in Normal Heights. Can be a little messy after family parties on the weekends and it's often filled with homeless sleeping on the grass.

Nice little park. Has two playgrounds one for tots and big kids. The few times I’ve been here is clean. I like that it has a lot of benches near playground.

Suggest walking at night and enjoy the soothing noise and magnificent lighting. Love the fenced area for dogs, great way for my dog to entertain himself.

Beautiful, clean, lots of space. Has bathrooms. Only downside side is homeless people hanging out when it gets dark and they can be intimidating to kids.

This is a nice big park with 2 playgrounds, a dog park, basketball courts and walking trail. There's also a lot of lights once it starts getting dark.

Great park for kid birthday parties but difficult parking.
Dog-friendliness
Awesome small enclosed dog park next to field and basketball courts

Very clean. There's a playground. Basketball Mini Court. Bbq areas. And lots of grass!!! Even a dog park connected. Good for family. Or even exercise!

Lots of off-leash dogs even with the new dog park. Overall decent though, homeless population are pretty cleanly and don't tend to bother anyone.

It used to be a safe park but recently I've noticed suspicious activities on the back parking lot. Today I witnessed someone getting knocked out.

My favorite park on general...fenced in more or less..lots of grass, trees, bathroom, playgrounds, restaurants, bus line..something for everyone

Nice area. Saw lots of young families here with the kiddos. When I was here the place was clean and neat and there was a few picnics going on.

This dog park is not what I would like it to be, it has zero life. No grass, no plants, no shade, no other dogs. Just a dirty fenced field.

the park is great if you don't mind picking trash up after other kids/parents don't pick up after themselves... but that's like EVERY park

Lots of shade. 2 structures on the play ground, one for smaller kids and one for bigger kids. Has bathrooms. Well maintained. Nice Park.

It's a nice open Park. Nice for exercise and large birthday party. There was a transient issues but it seems to be under control now.

This park is beautiful.. views are amazing! Great place for picnics, parties or celebrations. Great for running and other activities

Perfect place to take your dog on a walk and have your kids playing on the playground since you got to watch out with some people

I like: lots of trees. Plenty of kids come to play Don't like: if you come early in the morning the playground is full of trash

Nice little Park by Adams Ave and the 15. Decent play ground and a big open space with grass. Lots of trees and picnic tables.

Lots of grassy, shady areas to sit, with hummingbirds in the trees! There's a small parking lot, restrooms, and a playground.

Lots of trained dogs go here. But there's always going to be the onesies and twosies that get aggressive. Still a good place

Best family park my people and i enjoyed the community Easter event we hosted for the public that attended the park that day

Park is family friendly with basketball courts, grassy open space, playground, well-lit picnic tables, a bathroom, and more!

Nice park with quite a few tables and benches. Had a quick picnic meal on a windy day... Gets crowded on weekend afternoons

This park has a down home, comfy, "leave it to beaver' type feeling on days that it's not crowded but when it is.....yikes!

Big park for kids to ride bikes. Never seen any transients or homeless people around. My kids love it and its always clean

Nice dog park next to a good playground, 241 4 me on weekends it's very busy, lots of kids for yours to play with …

A nice spot for kids and families of all types! Dog friendly, kid structure, lots of grass and decent parking too.

Cute family park next to the 15 fwy. Lots of shade, open areas to kick a ball, and 2 nice play areas for the kids.