El Dorado Park West

A Sprawling Urban Oasis

Set in Long Beach, California, El Dorado Park West spans an impressive 272.5 acres as Area I of the larger El Dorado Regional Park complex. This green space provides a nice escape from city life without having to leave the city.

With its lush grounds and canopy of trees, you'll find plenty of shady spots to catch a cool breeze on warm Southern California days. Whether you're looking for an active day out or just a peaceful retreat, this park has something for everyone.

Tranquil Waters & Open Spaces

One of the park's most serene features is its duck pond, where you can watch various waterfowl glide across the water. It's a picture-perfect spot, but fair warning: the surrounding grass sometimes bears evidence of the pond's feathered residents!

The park has expansive grassy areas excellent for picnic blankets, frisbees, and afternoon naps. These open spaces give you room to breathe, jog, or simply sprawl out with a good book.

Sports for Every Skill Level

Sports enthusiasts will find a good lineup of facilities at El Dorado. The park features six baseball diamonds along with softball and soccer fields that come alive during baseball season with cheering families and determined young athletes.

Basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a roller hockey court offer plenty of options for team sports. Tennis lovers can head to the 15-court tennis center that regularly buzzes with activity.

New to the scene are the pickleball courts, available Friday evenings from 5-8pm for just $5 per person - a nod to this rapidly growing sport that's captivating players of all ages.

Specialized Recreation Spots

El Dorado Park West embraces diverse interests with its specialized recreation areas. The skate park, opened in 1999, gives skateboarders a dedicated space to practice their ollies and kickflips.

Disc golf enthusiasts treasure the park's disc golf course as one of Southern California's originals. This well-maintained course demands accuracy, especially off the tee, and has fostered its own community of regular players who return time and again to tackle its challenges.

For families, the playgrounds offer a safe, engaging environment where kids can climb, slide, and burn off energy on well-designed equipment.

Community Heart & Soul

The park's community center acts as a social hub, hosting various programs all year long. It includes the Ram Shack teen center and a senior program wing (added in 2002) complete with a reading room, activity spaces, and offices.

Planning a gathering? Several group picnic sites can be reserved for celebrations, and there are even tent areas available near the golf greens for receptions and parties.

The park is particularly active during its community events. You can join free dancing sessions with live bands on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 2pm - a great midday break! The popular concerts in the park foster a wonderful sense of community, bringing neighbors together through music.

Getting Around & Amenities

Parking is available along the main loop, although it can fill up during busy weekends and events. Some areas are accessible via street parking, accommodating vehicles of various sizes.

Recently renovated restrooms with new fixtures are scattered within the grounds. While much of the park is accessible, those with mobility concerns should know that wheelchair-specific trails are somewhat limited.

El Dorado Park West blends natural beauty with recreational variety, creating a versatile urban retreat where you can play actively or simply unwind in a green sanctuary within the city limits.