Parks and Recreation: Gems in the New Encinitas Area

Summer’s in full swing, so there are plenty of days to get out to a local city park to while away a few hours. This week, we look at parks in the New Encinitas area.

Las Verdes Park

(1390 Paseo De Las Verdes)

Perched on a hillside leading into Encinitas Ranch, this park offers a sweeping view of Quail Gardens Drive and the adjacent open space. The clean, well-kept park has picnic tables housed in gazebos, a modern play structure crowned with a sun shade, and plenty of green grass for running. Above the park is the trailhead that can be followed around and up to the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. The only thing missing is a bathroom on the grounds.

Leo Mullen Sports Park

(951 Via Cantebria)

On weekends, it’s tough to get near this park with all the soccer being played on the sports field. But weekdays are a different story. Yes, there may be a team practice taking place on the lower field, but you won’t be forced to park in the outer reaches of the Target lot like when games are in full swing. Aside from the fields, kids can shoot hoops on the nearby court while small tots can scamper on the playground, which has two bonuses for parents—it’s close to the restrooms, and it’s fenced in to prevent the youngsters from going rogue.

Oakcrest Park

(1219 Encinitas Blvd.)

Tucked away off Encinitas Boulevard near the Boys and Girls Club, this park offers more to see the farther up you go. Starting at the bottom, there are picnic tables that snake up the grassy hill. At the top of that slope are basketball courts, restrooms and the playground equipment perched in sand. A little above that sits the well-manicured bocce ball court; steps above that are four horseshoe pits. Bocce ball courts are usually open Sunday and Thursday evenings if you want to spend a long summer night with your kids watching a different kind of game other than the kind played on your Wii.

Scott Valley Park

(1602 Willowhaven Road)

This small neighborhood park isn’t meant to draw crowds (the entrance is off a neighborhood cul-de-sac) but it’s a nice place for some down time. A blanket of green lawn spreads out before you as you enter the park, and it’s ringed by a path that leads to play areas on the far end of the park. In addition to the standard playground, there is a shady spot with picnic tables, basketball hoops, a sand volleyball court, and a small exercise yard with equipment such as chin-up and balance bars. No restrooms.

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Free Fun

Encinitas residents have a few more days to visit Lux Art Institute for free. Through July 16, locals with proof of residency can check out work created by sculptor Claudette Schreuders, the onsite living quarters where artists stay while in residence, and a sample from the Valise Project, Lux’s art-in-the-classroom program. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. July 14-15 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 16. 1550 S. El Camino Real, 760-436-6611, luxartinstitute.org.

Merry Christmas (in July)

Friends of Cardiff & Carlsbad State Beaches, the nonprofit group that aids our local shores, hosts its major fundraiser of the year, Christmas in July, on July 16. Held at South Carlsbad State Beach starting at 3 p.m., the event includes a parade and photos with Santa, games for kids, and an evening campfire. Prizes including a state parks pass, stays at San Elijo or South Carlsbad campgrounds, and more will be given out; tickets for the prize drawings cost $5, or five for $20. Parking is available at Carlsbad Boulevard and Poinsettia, and costs $10, which gives drivers two drawing tickets. fccsb.org.