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Community Corner

Patch Picks: Picnic Spots

Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner, which means not only longer days but also the perfect weather to enjoy a picnic.

Grab your picnic blanket and basket and head over to one of the local spots:

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook 

What is a picnic without a great panoramic view? The offers a view of the Los Angeles Basin, the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding mountains from a 511 ft. peak southwest of downtown. While you are there, you can also take a hike on the hiking trail that stretches from the entrance of the 58-acre park on Jefferson Boulevard to the summit. For entertainment, California State Parks staff and volunteers offer public events and free guided interpretive programs. Park hours are from 6 a.m. to sunset daily.

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Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, 6300 Hetzler Rd. Culver City, CA 90232, (310) 558-5547 

El Marino Park 

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Three barbecues, two softball diamonds, one soccer field, basketball court, and children’s play equipment are just some of the amenities available for those wanting to have fun at El Marino Park.  Moonbounces are also allowed with a proper permit. The 3.15 acre park offers six eight-foot picnic tables by the building and three eight- foot tables in the center of the park, allowing the perfect space to enjoy an outdoor meal. The comfortable grass area and night lighting make it hard to leave at the end of the day. Picnic permit hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, seven days a week.

, 5301 Berryman Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230, (310) 391-9152 

Blanco Park

This 3.26 acre park located in the Blanco/Culver City Crest neighborhood offers a picnic shelter with three-eight foot picnic tables so that you don’t have to worry about getting sunburn. It also offers space for moonbounces with a proper permit, two barbeque pits, two sets of children’s play equipment, softball diamonds, one soccer field and four basketball courts.  After you finish your meal, head over to the recreation hut for more leisure time that never ends in this park. Picnic permit hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Blanco Park, 5801 Sawtelle Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, (310) 253-6681

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area 

Whether you are hosting a potluck or treasuring family time, a picnic is a great way to do so, and what better way than in a state park right in your own neighborhood. The Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area features lawns and landscaped areas as well as tot lots next to its picnic areas. With four playgrounds, a half basketball court, a fishing lake, baseball diamonds, a sand volleyball court, and a multi-purpose field, this state park is sure to not only meet your picnic needs but also provide fun activities for everyone on your guest list. The recreation area is open daily from 6 a.m. to sunset.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, 4100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles CA, (323) 298-3660

Fox Hills Park

A hidden treasure tucked in the Fox Hills neighborhood of Culver City, this 10-acre park features a convenient track for those trying to sneak in a few laps before the picnic, as well as a perfect field for throwing a frisbee, or playing baseball or soccer. Also, there are several tennis courts for those looking to bring out their inner Venus Williams. Moonbounces are allowed with a proper permit. Park hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

, Green Valley Circle and Buckingham Pkwy, Culver City, (310) 391-9152 

Lindberg Park 

Cushy green grass, a children’s playground, and exquisite outdoor areas are just some of the things one thinks about when having a picnic. Luckily, Lindberg Park offers all that and more. Lindberg Park, located in Studio Village/Lindberg Park neighborhood offers 4.39 acres of picnic pleasures right in your own neighborhood. Its two picnic areas provide seven eight-foot tables with four barbecue pits to a picnic shelter and four eight-foot tables by the playground. For the athletes that want to get a workout before or after a nice picnic, there are two softball diamonds, one basketball court, a soccer field  and not to mention plenty of free outdoor space. Picnic permit hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lindberg Park, 5041 Rhoda Way, Culver City, CA 90230, (310) 839-0127 

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