Live Oak Park — Attraction in Manhattan Beach

Live Oak Park has seen me in every phase of my life. Whether it be hitting dingers in my Little League Baseball League, playing pick up basketball as a kid against grown men, taking tennis lessons (I was trash at tennis), or running around here in middle school with my group of friends, Live Oak has been instrumental in my growth as a man.

Most recently, it's been here for me when I come back from NYC and just want to get some shots up alone. Nothing as cathartic as grabbing the new basketball my Granny just got me, popping my airpods in, and doing the basketball workouts I used to do as a kid when hoop dreams were all I cared about.

Something about reconnecting with that part of myself just eases the stresses that come with adulthood. I think that chubby insecure kid would be proud of who I am today, and that makes me smile. It's good to look back at your past and appreciate who you've become... But don't stare at it, or you'll end up staying there. Look back, smile, and keep pushing forward.

I also randomly seen Kendrick Lamar doing a prison workout here a few years back. That was a trip lol.

THANK YOU LIVE OAK! THANK YOU GRANNY I LOVE THIS NEW BASKETBALL!

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Live Oak Park is a cute, gated park area that's great for kids and family. It has a good sized grassy area with beautiful, twisted oak trees that run close to the ground - letting your kids clamber around on the branches and roots. The kid fun doesn't stop there, a large section of the park is wood chips, hosting four swings (two toddler, two older kids/adult), and a good size jungle gym set, complete with a corkscrew slide, rock wall, climbing pole and more.

There are also several concrete picnic benches with grill (hot coals) spaces. You can reserve these tables through the city - they're very popular to host birthday parties! Parking tends to be ample on the street.

The park closes at dusk, so enjoy it before the...

Besides good sports facilities, it's not well known that Live Oak Park has a ceramics studio in it, next to the main park office, that's been around for about 40 years! The studio is run by MB Parks and Recreation and anyone can sign up for classes which are amazing. As a student there I've learn a tremendous amount; going from misshapen pinch pots (which I still have!) to pottery that I can actually sell! Go to the City of Manhattan Beach web site to sign up....