I've been hearing about another splash pad in our area for quite some time. After an experience with several summer camps of older kids at Dalton Park, we finally decided to search it out and see if it may be less crowded.
La Pintoresca park is located in North Pasadena, on the corner of Washington Blvd and Fair Oaks. Anyone familiar with this area knows it is a little run down. However, we felt perfectly safe there during our morning/afternoon visit. When we arrived, the water was not on. We quickly found the switch, however, and the water stayed on the whole time, without us having to hit it again. Unlike Dalton Park, the splash pad area is made of concrete. We didn't have any problems with injury, but I did notice that the children who had no shoes were slipping and falling a lot. My son Kieran was wearing skid proof sandals - definitely recommended!
The park was quiet, not crowded at all, and there were LOTS of big trees providing shade at all times of the day (AHHHHH). It was also nice that the grassy, shady area extends all the way to the edge of the splash pad. We were able to set up our picnic on the grass, and I never felt I had to get up from our blanket to see Kieran playing. There were also several benches and picnic tables, making sitting and watching the kids super easy.
Another plus: the playground near the splash pad is quite large, with lots of cool-looking climbing equipment. Honestly, though, Kieran was so into the splash pad that we never made it over there.
Overall: great park to visit during a hot day. We'll definitely be back!
Erin Hurley is a local Monrovia Mom, past President of the Monrovia Mom's Club. Her son Keiran will soon be a big brother.
