In the city of South San Francisco, there have been many changes in rebuilding centers and parks in the past few years. One such facility is Orange Park, which has gone through a huge transformation towards being a fun and family environment.
Orange Park is located just east on El Camino on Orange Avenue in South San Francisco. The park is large with a three-mile perimeter. There is a baseball field with two diamonds on opposite ends and plenty of space in the bleachers for fans. On any given weekday night, you can see a family softball league game. During the high school baseball season in the spring, onlookers can watch the South San Francisco High School Warriors take on their conference rivals on the same fields.
Across from the baseball field is a large, all-purpose grass area. This green stretch is often filled up with anything from football games to kite-flying, Frisbee games to rugby. The area is open to all sports and activities but weekends find the fields mostly reserved for soccer matches. Many spectators like to view the internationally-loved sport and this is an excellent way to enjoy a weekend in the park with your family.
The playground area provides a very nice, clean, and friendly environment for children of all ages to enjoy. With over six slides, eight swings and even a train to play in, it is a very popular place for everyone to enjoy. There is also a smaller alternative play area located towards the back of the park that is perfect for playing together alone as a family. This small play area is located next to the newly rebuilt recreational center. The new center is beautiful with a modern artistic design. Primarily used for club meetings and parties, it sometimes even serves as a wedding venue. Large windows all around the center let indoor visitors still enjoy the outdoor wonder.
The basketball court section has four hoops separated by benches The courts are great to play on because they are spaced out perfectly for some enjoyable pick-up games.
Just behind the basketball courts and through the parking lot is the beginning of the Orange Park garden. The garden is full of amazing flowers in assortment of colors, but the greatest thing in the garden is the art it contains. Donated by local artists, there are so many different pieces to look through and touch, this setting is eye candy. Beginning with life size puzzle pieces and ending with a twelve foot waterfall sculpture, this area can be very inspiring and downright romantic to the right couple.
With over six tennis courts, there is always a fact-paced tennis match to watch at Orange Park. To the side of the tennis courts, there is also a bocce ball ring. There are many skilled players who compete in matches throughout the week in this game of patience and poise.
There is a new skate park behind the bocce ball ring that is very attractive to local youths. On any given day, you’ll find skaters and boarders shredding up the ramps and rails. The skate park isn’t very complex but makes for great practice for aspiring extreme athletes.
On the other side of the park behind the baseball field is a grassy area reserved for barbecues and family parties. Barbecue grills are spread around the perimeter of the grass field as are benches that are perfect for enjoying a nice summer day. There is also a lovely open shelter you can reserve for larger parties. The shelter has a roof to protect patrons from bad weather, many benches and a monster of a grill pit.
A new walking path named “Centennial Way” has been added to the side of the park. This path goes on for miles and takes joggers, walkers and bicyclist on a trip through South San Francisco. In the middle of this path is a brand new open dog park, the first in the city. This dog park has two different areas: a small area with play equipment for smaller dogs and a larger area built for dogs to run around in it. This canine playground is considered one of the nicest dog parks on the Peninsula.
One of the most enjoyable parks in San Mateo County, Orange Park is a wonderful place to visit and there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Leave you worries at the gate and enjoy running around exploring all the various park facilities. And don’t forget your appetite-food carts with delicious food are readily available at different sides of the park.
For more information on Orange Park:
http://www.ssf.net
650-877-8678
