Nature at Your Back Door

Monticello Park means different things to different people. To some, it is a bird watching sanctuary. To others, it is a dog exercise area off the beaten path. To me, it is a little gem of a place to explore nature with my kids.  

Located in the Beverley Hills neighborhood, just off Russell Road at 320 Beverly Drive, the park is a 6.24-acre stream valley with one central walking trail and a couple of smaller trail off-shoots, a small runoff stream, steep wooded banks and a dog exercise area.  

Just beyond the main entry, there is a bridge that my 2-year-old thinks is fantastic. The main path is less than a quarter mile with a moderate incline and my jogging stroller did just fine. At the top of the park, we explored the side paths by foot before returning down the main path.  

As cool as this little haven is, it could use some love.  

Runoff from the surrounding storm drains is directed into the stream by a conduit pipe, and then slowed by several little dams and chunks of scrap concrete to supposedly help minimize soil erosion.

Unfortunately, the dams cause an unnatural pooling of water that can be oily or soapy, or breed mosquitoes.

The park is fairly well-kept, but there was some trash around. I picked up beer cans and used the opportunity to chat with my daughter about littering.  

All in all, Monticello Park is a great place for a short but sweet nature break. With birds and bugs and trees galore, there is plenty to explore by foot or stroller. Bring bug spray... and maybe take the opportunity to teach your kids about taking care of nature.