Patch Picks: Best Park Bathrooms

The sun is out, and the temperatures are finally "seasonal." Let summer park season begin!

It was kind of a shock to my system this week while visiting a local park when I had to cruise the parking lot for a less-than-prime parking spot, because the place was jammed!

After the unseasonably colder and wet weather, when the temperatures finally headed back into summer territory this week, parents rushed the park like camels that hadn’t seen water in a while.

Because we know that many in our community spend a lot of time at the local parks, and everyone feels the need sooner or later, this week we decided to pick five of the best local parks based on their bathrooms.

The criteria for this list are:

• Cleanliness and maintenance
• Proximity to the playgrounds and play structures
• Wait-times/traffic

1.

3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville

Why it is great: All parents I polled mentioned Oak Hill Park as their top pick. Located inside the community center, the bathrooms are well maintained, and very quick to get to.

Because the park is smaller, the facilities are not usually all that busy, unless it happens to be school pick-up time at adjacent to the park.  

Also, because they bathrooms are next to parking lot, I always keep this park in mind if we are driving in the area and feel the urge.

2. 

1025 La Gonda Way, Danville

Why it is great: Parents said they liked how close the bathrooms are to the play area—particularly important because there is a popular water feature within steps of it, as well as the nearby picnic table area. For a busy, medium-sized park, I’ve rarely had to wait.

It is also one of my favorite pit stop detours when taking the stroller for a stride down the nearby Iron Horse trail. 

3. 

2833 Bethany Rd., San Ramon

Why it is great: A perfectly sized, newer, and often very quiet park tucked in a Windemere neighborhood, Limmerick’s bathrooms are well placed, well maintained, and well stocked. It is also located along a popular community trail in the development.

It helps that they have a perfect and shady gazebo within steps of the bathrooms, making a meal with a kid outdoors enjoyable.

4. 

6330 Murdock Way, San Ramon

Why it is great: Another great park located within a quiet neighborhood, this park is large and has plenty of room to run! The bathrooms are right next to the play area designed for the youngest of the young visitors, as well as adjacent to the picnic area.

If this park had more shade, it would be just about perfect.

5. 

N. Monarch Rd. and Star Jasmine Drive, San Ramon

Why it is great: Another quiet neighborhood park, Valley View’s bathrooms are right next to the play area and the parking lot, also making it a great driving pit-stop park.