Parsons Park — Attraction in Castro Valley

I was very surprised when I came upon Parsons Park rather than Parsons School, which I attended from 1962 - 1963, in the 6th grade. It was an older school when I went there, made of both concrete and brick. There wasn't much to do on the playground other than hop scotch and jump rope. It was a long walk for me to take from Hillside Drive to Parsons School. My stepbrother attended Proctor School, which was just a few blocks away. In Junior High, we both attended Earl Warren, but in High School, he attended Canyon Valley and I attended Castro Valley. With all of the new houses that were being built in the 1960's, it is a wonder that grammar schools were torn down to make way for parks, although this looks like a pretty one. But for anyone wondering why School Avenue is a street next to a park, let it be known that a grade school once stood where Parsons...

Good park, well maintained. It's got a paved walkway in a big circle for taking a stroll. A few benches and tables near the kid playground. No BBQ stands. Lots of grass. It's fenced in so if you take your dog they are contained. There is a sign to keep dogs on leash but it's common to have them off leash. A very nice place. Street parking, usually a...

Clean, wide open grass field kept short by maintenance. This park is located amidst a very well to do neighborhood. As we came here from another neighborhood we did feel slightly out of place. Small play structures and swings offering little choice for...