- Offers structures and playground equipment not offered at other parks in the area
- Sand area with a table and scooper great for littles
- Fire truck for kids to climb on and drive-perfect for 2-5 year olds
- Large climbing structure good for older kids
Civic Center Playground in Marina offers some challenging unique structures. It is connected to the Marina Youth Center which offers recreational activities, cultural events, field trips and after school care. We visited this park on a Friday afternoon, and it was busy with kids from the afterschool program. There is a parking lot as well as street parking.
The park offers some structures and playground equipment not offered at other parks in the area. There is a small sand area with a table and scooper, which is good for younger kids. Also, a fun fire truck kids can climb on and “drive”. The climbing structure suggested for kids 2-5 offers stairs, climbing nets, a medium-sized slide and a twisty firemen’s pole. This side of the park also includes two “whirl & twirl” bowl seats that children can sit on and spin with their own momentum. I tried one of these myself and it was fun but be prepared to be dizzy!
Another play area of the park is designed for children 5-12. The largest climbing structure is for advanced climbers and is made of different sizes of ropes and nets for unlimited free climbing and hanging. I would be careful with smaller kids on this structure since the highest point is at least 12-15 feet high.
The park also offers a modern merry-go-round that multiple kids can sit on but needs to be propelled by either a parent or other kids. There is a large geometric climbing structure with foot and hand holds, but even my 7 year old found this difficult to navigate.
While this park is not accessible for families or kids with disabilities, there is one circular netted swing that can hold one or two kids, and a child can be seated or laying in any position. This swing could potentially be accessible for a child with disabilities. The ground cover at the park was woodchips and there are no paved paths. Also, there are no public bathrooms available, but since we were there when the recreation department was open, we were able to use their bathroom.
There are a lot of options for spinning, climbing, swinging and creative play at this park. We love the updated equipment and especially how big and challenging the rope structure was.
Located at 213 Hillcrest Ave, Marina, CA 93933. Parks department website
Alia Hochgesang grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and is raising her family in Pacific Grove. She loves being outdoors, trying new restaurants, and going to the beach.
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