Blanco Park

I was at Blanco Park for a children’s birthday party recently. It was my first time there and I have mixed feelings about it.
The pros are that is super spacious, all fenced for little ones to run around freely, public grills and a picnic area, plus the fields seem to be well maintained.
The cons are the dirty bathroom (yes, there is only one), little shade and lack of playground.
Definitely not my favorite, so I probably won’t return. But I have to say, it’s not a terrible park either. Very convenient for those who live walking distance. Just make sure the kiddos go potty at home, to avoid using the park’s restroom!

Looks like a great park! All gated and lots to do… IF ONLY WE COULD GET INSIDE!!! Unlike the sign says, you can NOT go into the park till after 2pm!!!
So if you’ve got kids and wanting to go play, go in the afternoon!

Walking distance… I take the kids here to shoot some hoops. Sad that they don’t allow dogs. But I know why.

If you’ve got rug rats, this is the place to take them. After school, as well as on weekends, there are scores of mini-​soccer teams with little rug rats running all over the place. No dogs allowed, but you do see some. Lots of rules — typical for Culver City.
But it’s a nice park and nice that it’s right around the corner from the elementary school so hopefully the kids get their exercise.

Okay, I get it. They don’t want people to accidentally step in dog poop because only 50% of dog owners clean up after their dogs and they don’t want kids breathing second hand smoke. Makes complete sense to me. Picnic table reservations make sense too. Everyone gets one on a first come first serve basis if they have reserved a table since there are not that many and they need to make some money to pay the grounds keepers. Got it. Nice park.

Lotsa rules!
I left this park shaking my head…
I can understand the no smoking rule, but there’s a sign that says No Dogs On Park. Huh?
I saw the same No Dogs On Park sign earlier in the day at Veteran’s Park at Culver & Overland, and I also saw dogs off leash there, chasing frisbees.
At Blanco Park, I didn’t see any dogs, but I sure did see a lot of signs bearing rules:
Picnic tables by permit only. (jeeeeez…)
No golf.
No hardball.
No model airplane flying.
There are 2 ball fields but:
No adult soccer (over 18).
Despite all these rules, the park space is shabby. The grass on the ball fields, although nice and thick to walk on, is a field of clover that looks like it hasn’t been mowed in quite awhile.
Maybe it would help if they allowed everyone to play soccer…
The picnic area was messy, too. Odd, if the rules limit use of the picnic tables…
So. There are two softball fields (no hardball, remember).
And 4 basketball courts that were in full use (for roller hockey, haha) on Sunday afternoon.
There’s a kiddie playground, as well as an after school program.
There’s a fitness course that’s a little the worse for wear.
People were using the facilities and generally enjoying the three-​and-​a-​quarter acres, though, the reason for my 4 stars.
I rate parks primarily according to how well the space appears to serve its local community.
And, in this regard, Blanco Park is holding its own.
It should be noted that, with the exception of the clubhouse & the tot lot, the park space is reserved for use by the adjacent school during school hours.