Ten Favorite Parks in Martinez/Pleasant Hill

We live on the border of Martinez and Pleasant Hill, and among these two towns of over 68,000 people, there are well over 30 parks and public spaces to enjoy. Although we have not visited them all, here's a list of some of our favorites.

10) Brookwood Park, aka "Dance Class Park" - Pleasant Hill
Park Facts - You can miss Brookwood since it's tucked off a fast part of Taylor Boulevard (near the corner of Taylor and Withers), but it's worth the stop.  It has a bunch of twisty slides and a cool climbing wall.
Favorite Feature - There's a shady creek that runs near the playground, good for tossing rocks or leaf races.
Why the nickname? - The park is located in the same direction as a dance class Brenna took in Lafayette.

9) Hidden Lakes Park, aka "Track Park" - Martinez
Park Facts - Hidden Lakes features two little leagues fields, a soccer field, sand volleyball and basketball court, along with a playground for little and big kids.
Favorite Feature - The dirt stairs between the baseball fields are perfect for kid-climbing.
Why the nickname? - Many family laps have been run around the cement track that circles the soccer field.

8) Holiday Highlands Park, aka "Racecar Park" - Martinez
Park Facts - This park is off Fig Tree Lane, and was one of the many around town that have received recent upgrades. There's a big grass area, picnic tables, and a good swing set, along with excellent play structures.
Favorite Feature - The kids can spend plenty of time on the 'circle spinner' feature between the two playgrounds.
Why the nickname? - Don't forget to pack your Matchbox cars, and plan to race them on the cement track at the park.  Small, narrow cars are the most effective, and can make it the whole way down the track.

7) Pleasant Oaks Park aka "Camping Park" - Pleasant Hill
Park Facts - Right across the street from Pleasant Hill Middle School, the Camping Park has plenty of grass space for running around.
Favorite Feature - A good resting spot for lunch after story time at the Pleasant Hill Library.
Why the nickname? - We camped out with friends a couple of years back as part of a very cool family camp-out hosted by the Park & Rec department (included water balloon toss, wheelbarrow races, and outdoor movie. It was a cold night, but Brenna and I toughed out watching Over The Hedge under the stars while Karen and Colin slept in the tent).

6) Nancy Boyd Park, aka "Squirrel Park" - Martinez
Park Facts - Nancy Boyd is on East Pleasant Hill Road, and includes a large field, baseball diamond, basketball courts, and room for parties.  There's plenty of shade here in the morning, and good for getting out early on hot days.
Favorite Feature -  Brenna and Colin spend plenty of time working in the 'factory' at the little kid's play structure.
Why the nickname? - Squirrels can be seen leaping from branch to branch in the trees that circle the park.

5) Rodgers-Smith Park - Pleasant Hill
Park Facts - This park is near the corner of Gregory and Pleasant Hill Road, a couple of blocks up from the Pleasant Hill Fruit Market.  It includes ball fields, basketball courts, and a sweet-looking bocce court (which hosts leagues).
Favorite Feature - The playground rests in a circular space, with a flat, mini-track surrounding it.  Good for scooter or running races.

4) Pleasant Hill Park - aka "Forest Park" - Pleasant Hill
Park Facts -  Located next to the Pleasant Hill swimming pool, a community garden, and well-maintained baseball fields.
Favorite Feature - The wobbly bridge is a classic as the kids get their sea legs under them.
Why the nickname? - The park is surrounded by a patch of Redwood trees.

3) Hidden Valley Park, aka "Green & Yellow Park" - Martinez
Park Facts - The park that we've spent most of play time in the area, the Green & Yellow is located right next to Hidden Valley Elementary School, and features a huge grass area, fields, playgrounds, and access to wide-ranging trails.  The trail system is the home of the DFAL Cross-Country championship race.
Favorite Feature - The nearby hill is great for leaf, rock, or twig collecting.
Why the nickname? - The name comes from the colors of the two play structures: one green, one yellow.

2) Golden Hills Park, aka "Safeway Park" - Martinez
Park Facts - Newly surfaced tennis and basketball courts and plenty of shade.
Favorite Feature - Great park for tag and hide-and-go seek.  The kids favorite spot for playing restaurant.
Why the nickname? - We pass Safeway when running from our house to the park, a 6-mile round trip.

1) Rankin Park, aka "Tunnel Park" - Martinez
Park Facts - . Rankin is tucked up the hill from downtown, with great views of the Carquinez Straits. In my opinion, the jewel of the Martinez Parks Department.
Favorite Feature - The renovated pool next door is one of my favorite features of downtown Martinez.  A great spot for the community.
Why the nickname? - The tunnel slide is the longest and fastest I've seen at any park, anywhere.  Like a roller-coaster for the little guys.

Honorable Mention - Marina Park, Highland Avenue Park