City Terrace Park — Attraction in East Los Angeles

Great park for families with kids. This place has come a long way from when I was a kid. There used to be a sand playground with a huge metal tower that looked like a rocket with a slide exiting the side (at least it was huge when I was that small.) Now, 99% of the floor is padded or paved with newer contraptions and features. These are great for kids of all ages. There are also the water features to allow the kids to get wet. Picnic tables and benches are spread out with nearby BBQs to get your grub on.

The other features were the basketball gym, the outdoor (under the dome) basketball court, baseball diamonds, pool, rec room, exercise equipment area, tennis court and so forth. We have not yet used these areas.

The only downside that got me was the inherant element of low-life people. Of all the fun that I had with my family, and of all the other families that were there celebrating the day, not even a family, but a group of individuals that looked like gang members (looks like a duck and walks like a duck) were there - having a few beers, minding there own business. My wife and I noticed a little boy, around maybe 4-years old, wet from the water park, crying near the swings. An older girl came to ask why he was crying but he continued and the girl left. What it was is that he wanted somebody, like his dad, to play with him. After about 10-minutes of crying next to the swing, this gorilla of a man approaches the little boy, beating his chest and tries to intimidate the little boy into being silent. That didn't work - little boys don't yet know how to respond to idiot men. The gorilla goes back to his table and continues drinking. Finally, after some more crying, another male approaches the little boy, this time, more affectionately, talks a little, and begins to push the boy on the swing.

I didn't know much more they'd be there drinking so I decided it was better to leave. Had it not been for the one bad apple in the bunch, we would have had a better time without that reminder of where we were and the gangs that surround the area.

This weekend, my family and I enjoyed the water off and the pool. All but one small feature were working at the water pad. My kids had a blast. We used the pool the following day and had a great time. The shallow side is 2-1\2 feet deep. Just enough for my little guy to stand with his head outta the water. The lifeguards were friendly and kept order. We'll be back before they close...

Incredible water feature in the summer time! Splash pad here is the best in the city that I have found and it is free. Love the rec center which has a swimming pool that did great baby swim classes for my toddler though to go in the pool you have to check in everything like your bag and phone which was sometimes a little inconvenient. Architecture of the rec center is beautiful. Covered basketball court. Has different sizes of see saws and a xylophone. Nice little sandbox with excavator for 3 year olds or so. Lots of covered picnic tables and multiple playgrounds for different ages. Love how the rec center and the baseball and soccer fields block access to the street and parking lot for any little kids who wander. Shaded from tree cover most of the day. Some violence has occurred nearby during playground hours which is very disheartening but in general it’s a very peaceful and lovely oasis where people frequently have kids birthday parties. One of my favorite playgrounds...

Well it was the beautiful Japanese/Mexican/All American Woman and her son who I rated so highly. City of Terrace is the barrio of East Los. Near where my mother was born and near where my first wife and kids live in Sereno. I finally found my way to her pad without the Google Navigator, but I quit going there (personal reasons). Other than that the roads are winding and narrow and confusing. On a good note... I love the Mexican Stylo and the shops and tienditas and restaurants on nearby Ceasar Chavez (formally Brooklyn) and on City Terrace Drive. Had some really good Chile Relleno burritos at the "world famous" Azteca Restaurant. I am partial to the area because of my culture and upbringing. It is the closest you will get to Mexico without crossing the border. The closest you will feel the Mexica (meshica) soul and heart beat without an expensive trip to...