Wayside Park

A Green Escape in the City

Located in Bakersfield, Wayside Park spreads across 14 acres of urban greenery that's become a neighborhood favorite for both quiet afternoons and active weekends. This public space strikes a nice balance between sporty facilities and peaceful spots where you can simply unwind with a book or watch the clouds drift by.

There's plenty of street parking and a small lot if you're driving over. While the park has a lovely community vibe during daylight hours, it's definitely at its best when the sun is up. If you're planning a visit, aim for morning or afternoon rather than evening hours for the most pleasant experience.

Get Your Game On

If you prefer being active, Wayside offers several options for sports and exercise. The tennis courts are well-maintained and ready for your best serves, while the basketball courts regularly host impromptu 5-on-5 games among locals.

Baseball enthusiasts will appreciate the baseball diamond complete with bleachers for spectators. Just a heads-up: the field gets pretty busy with practice sessions on weekends, so arriving early is your best bet if you want to claim it - first-come, first-served is the rule here.

The park's generous open spaces can accommodate casual soccer games too, with enough room for what could be two decent-sized fields. Perfect for a friendly match with friends or watching your kids chase a ball around.

Kid Zone

Wayside has excellent facilities for keeping the little ones entertained. The playground is thoughtfully split into two separate areas for different age groups, so toddlers aren't overwhelmed by older kids' more adventurous play. You'll discover all the classics here - swings, slides, monkey bars, and suspended bridges that seem to delight every child who crosses them.

For parents with very young children, some areas feature rubber sponge-like surfaces instead of sand, making it easier for wobbly toddlers to explore without face-planting.

During summer months, the water spray park is especially popular. This spacious splash pad gives kids a place to cool off while burning energy. Surprisingly, even on warm days, you might find it's not as crowded as you'd expect for such a fun feature.

Take a Break

When hunger strikes, the picnic areas scattered around the park offer an ideal spot to refuel. Some tables rest in the dappled shade of trees, while others sit under covered patios for more reliable sun protection. If you're planning a larger gathering or holiday celebration, you'll want to arrive early to stake your claim on one of these spots.

Restroom facilities are conveniently located near the playground area, with additional smaller restrooms by the baseball diamond. A small tip from regular visitors: bringing your own toilet paper might save you some inconvenience.

The park offers good shade coverage in many areas, providing welcome relief on hot Bakersfield days. That said, some picnic tables do catch full sun, so choose wisely if you're visiting during peak heat.

Bringing Your Four-Legged Friends

Dog owners, take note: while there's no fenced dog park section, your leashed pups are welcome to join the fun. The park's perimeter makes for a pleasant walking loop where you can get some steps in together.

Early mornings tend to be ideal for dog visits - fewer children around means fewer distractions for pets that might get overexcited. If your dog gets nervous around traffic, the east edge of the park tends to be quieter and further from passing cars.