JULY IS PARKS MONTH - GET OUTSIDE!
June 20, 2018 5:30 PM
by Karen Ginsberg
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Santa Monica is internationally known for its iconic beach and world-class public spaces. It also boasts beautiful neighborhood parks and a robust community recreation program. In honor of National Parks & Recreation Month and California's Parks Make Life Better Month, the City of Santa Monica is encouraging community members to get outdoors to our own #SaMoParks and #DiscoverJuly!
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Have a picnic, reserve a BBQ, sign up for a recreation class, compete for the skating crown at King/Queen of The Cove, grab your crew and head to the pool for Sunset Swims, Family Splash, or Teen Nights, or join in family fun and enjoy performances Saturdays at Reed Park. The Meet Me At Reed event series ramps up to weekly activities like pre-concert games followed by music and theatrical performances, all in the fresh Santa Monica air.
Sat. July 7th Meet Me At Reed: Shakespeare in the Park featuring the Southern California Shakespeare Festival’s production of “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream”. 4 p.m. Pre-Concert Family Fun Games | 6 p.m. Performance begins
Sat. July 14th Meet Me At Reed: String Theory in Santa Monica marks the return of last year’s biggest hit String Theory performing their giant harp strung across the park along with dancers in an exciting fusion of rock and classical music. 3 p.m. Pre-Concert Family Fun Games | 5 p.m. Performance Begins
Sat. July 21st Meet Me At Reed: The Santa Monica Symphony will a truly exciting repertoire that includes Vivaldi’s Concerto #2 in G minor “Summer” from the Four Seasons, J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G Major, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale” among others. 4 p.m. Pre-Concert Family Fun Games | 6 p.m. Performance Begins
Sat. July 28th Meet Me At Reed: The Paul McDonald Big Band. Parks month concerts will close on July 28th with The Paul MacDonald Big Band featuring 17 musicians playing upbeat jazz standards and danceable music for the whole family to enjoy. 3:30 p.m. Pre-Concert Family Fun Games | 5:30 p.m. Performance Begins.
Visit smgov.net/reed for information about programs at Reed Park.
Finally, what would Parks Month be without some fun facts about a few of Santa Monica’s parks?
GOOSE EGG PARK
Palisades Avenue between 4th and 7th Streets
This park is categorized as a “pocket park” due to its small size. It is named for its oval-shape and is located in the center of Palisades Avenue.
SOUTH BEACH PARK
3400 Barnard Way
This park's playground design is universally accessible. Not only is the equipment barrier-free, but also the design considers the needs of children with physical, cognitive, seeing and hearing disabilities, as well as children with complex developmental behavioral conditions, such as autism. Sensory play elements to touch, feel, and hear, such as sand and water complement swings, slides, and climbing equipment and inspire activity, mobility, and imagination.
HOTCHKISS PARK
2302 Fourth Street
Hotchkiss Park was originally the site of the Moody Mansion, believed to be haunted after owner Mary Hotchkiss’ first husband was murdered there in 1884. Today the park’s peek-a-boo ocean views offer a place for quiet contemplation, while its sloping lawn plays host to many picnics on weekends.
JOSLYN PARK & HERB KATZ DOG PARK
633 Kensington Road
Originally the site of the Walter G. McGinley Estate, the purchase of which was made possible by a donation from Marcellus Joslyn. In 2010, the off-leash dog area was dedicated in memory of former Mayor Herb Katz who started off most days with a trip to the park with his two dogs.
ISHIHARA PARK
2909 Exposition Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Opened in 2017, this linear community park named after George Ishihara, a local resident who fought in the Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War ll. The 2.35 acre park site was formerly used as a parking lot and site for utility buildings and is home to the Ishihara Park Learning Garden.
Authored By
Karen Ginsberg
Director