Manuel J Barandas Park

I feel like a very lucky girl to have this park right around the corner from home. Spacious and perfect for dog owners, it seems to be one of the lesser known parks in Natomas. A lot of times when I stop by it's just me and my four-legged buddies. A fairly large recreation area for little tykes attracts suburban families living in the condos and apartments across the street. A large field equipped with soccer posts dominates the majority of the space. Most weekdays, there's a big adult men's soccer game happening during the noon hour. Free lunch time entertainment ladies!There's a single baseball diamond in the back corner. Finally, a tree-lined bike/walking trail runs along the back. This trail meanders across the freeway or to other parts of Natomas.There's a large mesh covered picnic area available. Alas, as is so often the case these days, the drinking fountains are dry. Booooo Sac City Parks & Rec!!! I much prefer coming here rather than going to Discovery Park for my frequent picnics with the pups. I've never had issues with vagrants or excessive trash here. Even though it's not a dog park, I often see other dog owners joining me in breaking the leash law with their well trained pups and enjoying the ample open space. There's four or five trash cans to help you be a responsible pet owner as well.Just steps away from Carl's Jr., Jack in the Box, Togo's, sushi, Chinese or Indian, it's an ideal spot to bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a little Mother Nature.

This park has become a regular spot for our family to take walks and to spend time with our dog and let him sniff around. The park is well kept and has a lot of green space as well as a baseball field, futsal court, basketball court, volleyball area, play area and dog park with separate fenced in areas for small and large dogs. There is also a walking/biking path that cuts through the park and sidewalks all the way around it.Sometimes we'll just do a loop or two, and sometimes we walk through this park and through to some of the connected ones from the bike/walking path. We used to use the dog park, but it's mostly gravel and our dog gets dirty pretty quick here. We've also seen, on a couple occasions, some bad dog interactions at the dog park so we prefer to just stay with our dog and have family walks on the path. Watch out for glass on the sidewalk by the street, especially if you're walking your dog. 9/10 it's safe and clean but occasionally there are some shards from broken bottles or windows.Overall, this park is well populated and used by people in the area, it's clean and it feels safe.

The best part of my weekdays. The best views of the sunset. Definitely my peaceful place.

Got shade, and kids play areas, even dog parks too.Have driven by numerous times figured it was time to check it out.Kind of impressed with all the trees around for the shade and seating areas underneath it all. They have 2 spots for young tots and then for the kids to play around in. Slides, seesaw, swings etc.A large grass area on one side of the play area open for your imagination. Long as the grass is mowed it will be fun.They also have a big area with shade above in a picnic like table area, also good to host a party if needed.Then they have a recently opened a big and small doggy gated park.

Gotta be the loneliest dog park in Sacramento on a Tuesday morning. Both large and small dog parks were clean but completely empty! No dogs, no toys. Seats and shading nice for humans, but no grass for dogs. M'eh.

Nice quiet park. I like the openness to it. It backs up to the bike trail. Parents with youngsters, business people, and a soccer match were going on while I was visiting the park. Feels safe. I wouldn't drive to this park just for the park's sake, but if you live or work in the area, it's a nice place to retreat to.

Picnic!Went here last Saturday and had a nice picnic. This park is a bit underdeveloped, but was clean and a nice spot to relax. It's also good to take your dog there for a run. We saw several with dogs who were very nice to talk to.

Very nice park in Willow Creek / South NatomasWooded areas and open green spaces are nicely balanced. There is a spacious playground that has been well accepted by the local toddlers and their parents. A dog part at the south end provides relaxation and fun for our furry family members.