Southside Park

The playground/play structures area are nice, with two levels, one for the littles, and one for older kids. That whole area is gated and pretty safe, although since this is downtown, definitely check before your kids play on the structures and make sure there's no questionable items they may pick up, step on, etc. Overall, I do think people who do illegal activities elsewhere in the large park stay outside of this gated (low gates) area where the kids play as they do respect or know better, and hopefully it stays that way.The rest of the park is huge, with a pond, a walking/running path, and covers at least 6-8 city blocks, there's plenty of grass, a stage area w/an artistic mural, there's several stone tables for picnics, tennis courts, and even a pool, although at the moment the pool (which is obviously not free and requires admission) is under repair.Overall, Southside Park is not one of city's best parks, parts of it is kind of rundown, and b/c of its location it's got a lot of interesting individuals loitering after hours or sleeping on the picnic tables, and stone or metal benches throughout the park, and some of whom do things you wouldn't want your kids to see, smell, witness, or try. This is a gathering area for the homeless, with some sleeping or camping out, especially during the pandemic. But it's still a nice park b/c it's downtown where it really needs some urban greenery especially for the neighborhoods immediately surrounding that corner of Sacramento.

I love what has happened to South Park, for all ages come in play look at the amazing mural

I parked here to visit a nearby shop and decided to actually check out the park as well since I had some extra time (was particularly intrigued because the map shows that there's some body of water here).Eh, graffitied restroom building and the pond is hard to see as it's mostly surrounded by tall foliage. Was trying to find the best view of the pond (apparently there's a pier for fishing) but stopped walking along the perimeter of it when I saw a lone Target shopping cart at one point. Witnessing a wanderer looking inside of a parked truck was also another signal for me to bounce out of here.Bit of a shame that the park is in its current condition as it has colossal trees that look pretty neat and a colorful amphitheater. Overall I'd say skip this one if you're looking for a park in the area.

If you've lived in Sacramento for awhile you've probably driven by this park but stopping to go to it, not so much.Today was my first time going to the park because I was at a grilled cheese event.I enjoyed the easy flow of the park. The park had a pond, playground, and long walking path.The bathroom situation is far and few between.I could see if you lived in the area you'd frequent this park.

Today, we signed up for Sacramento City event called "Universal Universe" play date at Southside park. We arrived shortly after 10:30 AM on Saturday, and there were a lot of kids playing at the play ground. We visited a few booth (Police Officers and SMUD) and got some goodies. A great places for all ages to play. Bathroom was recently renovated and added a few additional areas such as music ground and a spinner. It's a fun place for kids!

What a nice park to visit! There's two main areas to play with slides and bridges. There's a sand area for digging, a music area to get groovy, swings to fly, and grass to run around.Next door was the grilled cheese festival, so I read the reviews. While there today, the park was clean, they had restrooms with closed doors that were also clean, and I didn't see a homeless camp too close to the park or any homeless people around. We had a fun time playing, being creative, and just being a kid today. If you're in the area, this is the place to play!

Southside Park is not one of Sacramento's best parks for multiple reasons, making it easy to rate rather low. But considering that it still provides plenty of much needed resources to a corner of downtown that would otherwise have none, you have to give credit where credit is due. In short, consider it a flawed park with good intentions. On the positive side, it's a big, spacious park covering at least the size of six city blocks. There's an iconic stage with beautiful murals, plenty of grass for games or playing with the pup, many beautiful trees, a big lake filled with ducks, tables for picnicking, a large play structure for kids, tennis courts and a pool. I've never seen the pool in operation but I will assume when it is when it isn't COVID. There are fewer negatives, but still plenty to list. This is a big homeless gathering spot, with many actively sleeping or camping. The pond is fenced off and not in the best condition. And I would t suggest anyone, man or woman, hang around at night because of an unsavory element known for gang and drug activity. It's also in eye and ear shot of a busy freeway.Keep it all in mind and enjoy what you can out of it. I will personally come back whenever I have the chance. A city park - even a flawed one - is always better than no park at all.

Great place to take the family. There's a lake, lots of f space, stage, swimming. Picnic tables Basketball courts

This park is pretty huge. There are two playground structures, a sand area, and a few sets of swings. Walking around the park, you will come across a few different exercise platforms/bars. The pond features a variety of of ducks. There is free parking on one side of the park. They have a cool stage for events away from the playground. This would be a fun place to take your family for a few hours.

Park is so fun and is very inclusive for all children. It is clean and there are bathrooms. Nice place for a picnic right next to the pond. Big grassy area my dog ran around in while the babies played. It was a good experience. Kids took a nice nap after.