Breeze to Free Fitness in 2018

January 22, 2018 9:30 AM
by Jason Kligier

This year, spice up your fitness regimen with a fun and low-cost way to get in shape: biking to the free outdoor gym equipment located in Santa Monica’s parks!

  1. Start at Santa Monica’s 18-acre Clover Park (2600 Ocean Park Blvd), which boasts a 15-station fitness course. After a few reps and laps, grab your bike and head east on Ocean Park Boulevard to 28th Street. If you don’t have your own bike, Breeze Bike Share is a great option. You can sign up for a Pay-As-You-Go membership at breezebikeshare.com or download the Social Bicycles app. There’s a Breeze station located by the parking lot on Ocean Park Boulevard.
  2. Turn left on 28th Street, which turns into Stewart Street. If you’re using a Breeze bike, stop at Gandara Park (1819 Stewart Street). Formerly Stewart Street Park, the park was renamed after Private Joe Gandara, the late Pico Neighborhood resident who received the Medal of Honor for his service in World War II. There’s a Breeze station in the park next to the restrooms.
  3. Head across the street to Ishihara Park (2909 Exposition Boulevard). Opened in February 2017, the park honors the memory of George Ishihara, a local resident who also served in World War ll. Ishihara Park contains a variety of fitness equipment located along tranquil pathways. There are bike racks located throughout the park.
  4. Once you’re done, travel north one short block on Stewart Street to access the Exposition Bike Path. Head left on the path until the western terminus at 17th Street. Turn right on 17th Street and head up five blocks to California Avenue. Turn left on California Avenue and cruise on in to Reed Park (1133 7th Street). The Breeze station is located on Lincoln Boulevard just north of Wilshire Boulevard. There are also bike racks in the park, including by the basketball courts.
  5. Reed Park was recently renovated and now includes fitness equipment in the northeastern corner of the park. There are also public restrooms and tennis courts, among other amenities.

The entire route from Clover Park to Reed Park is 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of 60 feet. Coupled with a few reps at each park, you’ll work up a nice sweat and be a step closer to realizing your New Year’s Resolution of getting in shape. When you lock your own bike, remember to use a secure U-lock to deter theft.

Happy and healthy riding in 2018!

Authored By

Jason Kligier
Chief Planning Officer