PARK PATROL: Central Park in Salinas

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  • Two separate play areas for different age groups
  • Pretend play city
  • Some parts wheelchair accessible
  • Free afterschool program on site

Located in downtown Salinas, Central Park is across from Hartnell Community College. There are street parking spots around the park. The park has BBQ areas, picnic tables, bathrooms, lots of green spaces, a community garden, and play structures separated into two sites, one for kids 5- 12-year-olds and one other for the younger crowd. The public bathroom is located between the play structure and the tennis court.

Central Park also has a horseshoe pit, tree trail, basketball court, tennis courts, and a rose garden. Some paths allow wheelchairs to get to the play structures and swings. Other areas are wood chips and not accessible.

The play structures are not fenced in, making it easy for our escapist toddlers to run free. The play structures combine slides, monkey bars, geo dome climbers, a mixture of swings for babies and older kids, a fun “firetruck” structure for kids to engage in dramatic play/pretend play, and rubber playground mushrooms.

There is a small city for younger kids, perfect for pretend play. It includes a bank, school, pharmacy, barber shop, and smaller play structures. This side of the playground uses rubber pieces made from recycled materials instead of wood chips.

Central Park doesn’t have a separate dog park, so if you plan on taking your furry friends, please be aware that they must be kept on their leash. Don’t forget your baggies to clean up after them.

This park offers a facility with a free afterschool program run by The City of Salinas Recreation – Park Division. It is available Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 12 to 4 p.m. During the summertime, they also offer lunch during the week so kids can come and enjoy lunch while also participating in the activities.

Overall, the park offers a combination of recreation and relaxation. I would love to see more access for people with disabilities, but it seems to be a work in progress. My daughter enjoys going there every week; she is now trying to master the monkey bars for toddlers–I’ll get back to you on how she is progressing.

Note: The city of Salinas parks are first-come, first-served, so if you want to celebrate a birthday or have a BBQ with family and friends, you have to get there early to get your spot!

Patricia E. Cordova, M.A., BCaBA lives with her family in Salinas. She runs a playgroup with Parenting Connection of Monterey County.