Larchmont Community Park

A Serene Escape in the City

Tucked away behind OW Erlewine Elementary School in Sacramento, Larchmont Community Park unfolds across fourteen acres of greenery along the American River. This quiet park provides a nice balance of natural beauty and recreational spaces that make you feel removed from the city.

The moment you step into the park, you'll notice the well-kept lawns and magnificent oak trees scattered throughout. Some of these are heritage oaks that have been standing for generations, creating patches of cool shade that are particularly welcome during Sacramento's hot summer months. It's the kind of place where you can spread out a blanket, lose yourself in a good book, or simply enjoy some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle.

Get Your Game On

If you're the active type, you'll find expansive soccer fields that are well-maintained. These fields regularly host tournaments and weekend matches, but there's usually space for a casual pickup game if organized sports aren't happening.

The recently resurfaced lighted tennis courts offer a great option for evening play when the Sacramento heat subsides. What's cool is that these courts are also marked for pickleball, so you can switch up your racquet sport of choice. And if organized sports aren't your thing, the flat, open grassy areas are great for tossing a frisbee or improvising your own games.

Nature at Your Doorstep

One of the best features of Larchmont has to be its connection to the American River Parkway trail. You can access it via the levee in the northeast corner of the park. Follow the path down and you'll discover a charming little cove on the river - it's a peaceful spot that feels miles away from city life.

The park's riverside location means you'll often spot local wildlife going about their day. On particularly hot afternoons, the river access provides a welcome opportunity to cool off, but it's important to be careful - the current can be stronger than it looks in some areas.

Family-Friendly Fun

Kids will make a beeline for the playground area with its slides and climbing structures. It's thoughtfully designed with separate play equipment for the little ones (ages 2-5) and older children (5-12), so everyone has age-appropriate options for burning off energy.

The picnic areas come complete with BBQ facilities, making this an excellent spot for family gatherings or weekend cookouts. With about four picnic tables available, you can comfortably enjoy an outdoor meal while the kids play nearby.

Good to Know

You can find drinking water fountains throughout the park that are clean and well-maintained - a small but important detail when you're spending hours outdoors. There are portable toilets in the parking lot, but they're not always in the best shape, so plan accordingly.

A word of caution about parking: spaces can fill up quickly, especially during soccer tournaments or sunny weekends. If you live nearby, walking or biking might be your best bet - the park connects nicely to the bike trail along the river.

Four-Legged Friends Welcome

Dog owners have made Larchmont one of their favorite spots in the area. The open spaces give pups plenty of room to stretch their legs, and many local dog owners love taking their furry companions down to explore the riverside trail. It's the kind of place where both you and your dog can get some fresh air and exercise in a beautiful setting.