Orange Grove Park

History and Location

Nestled at the corner of Mission Street and Orange Grove Avenue in South Pasadena, Orange Grove Park spans a modest 2.5 acres in a neat rectangular shape. This charming green space carries quite the backstory - would you believe it was once a beer garden and gaming house back in 1886? As one of the city's more established parks, it has seen South Pasadena evolve through the decades.

Sports Facilities

At the heart of the park lies a well-maintained, lighted softball and soccer field that represents a community hub for both organized leagues and casual weekend warriors. Complete with bleachers, dugouts, and a scoreboard, it provides all the essentials for game day.

The two lighted tennis courts have been updated - they now feature blue painted lines for pickleball as well. When fully utilized, these courts can be divided to accommodate up to eight pickleball games simultaneously. You'll need to bring your own nets for pickleball, but that hasn't deterred the enthusiastic players who frequent the space.

Speaking of pickleball, there's a thriving pickleball community that has made this park their regular hangout. Tuesday and Friday evenings are particularly lively, with Friday nights from 6-10PM drawing crowds of up to 40 players. If you're looking to learn the ropes, morning classes run from 9:30-11:30AM on certain days.

2024 saw the renovation of the Arroyo Batting Cages just south of the little league fields. The Becerra family, longtime supporters of the South Pasadena Little League, spearheaded this project, giving baseball and softball players a dedicated space to perfect their swing technique.

Recreation Building and Amenities

The park's impressive two-story recreation building spans 9,500 square feet. The ground floor buzzes with activity from various recreation programs and day care services, while the upper level provides valuable meeting space for community gatherings.

You'll come across all the essentials here for a comfortable visit: drinking fountains to stay hydrated, shaded picnic tables under canopies for lunch breaks, and bleachers for cheering on the local teams. Cyclists will appreciate the thoughtfully placed bicycle rack.

The clean restrooms near the playground stay well-stocked and maintained - a small but significant detail when you're spending the day outdoors with family.

Children's Area and Open Spaces

Little ones have their own designated playground set in a sand pit where they can climb, slide, and make friends. Parents can keep an eye on the action from the nearby covered picnic area, balancing supervision with relaxation.

The expansive grassy field invites all kinds of activities, from impromptu frisbee games to peaceful dog walks. This versatile space also transforms for community celebrations during the year, including Halloween festivities and Lunar New Year events. Many locals bring their four-legged friends to run around, but keep in mind that the park isn't fully fenced - you'll want to keep an eye on pets that might wander.

Parking and Accessibility

When it comes to parking, you can find free street spots available around the park's perimeter. Just a heads up - during peak times like pickleball meetups or baseball games, spaces fill up quickly. You might want to arrive early or consider alternative transportation if you're planning to visit during these busy periods.