About This Playground

🌳 La Laguna de San Gabriel, located within Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel, California, is a historic and whimsical playground featuring 14 concrete play sculptures crafted by Mexican artist Benjamin Dominguez. The sand-filled lagoon includes imaginative structures such as Minnie the whale, Stella the starfish, Ozzie the octopus, and three colorful dolphins named Flipper, Speedy, and Peanut. Recognized as one of America's coolest playgrounds, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

Visitor Experience: Visitors praise La Laguna Playground for its unique and interactive play structures, highlighting its appeal to children and adults alike. The playground's historical significance and artistic design are also frequently mentioned in reviews.>

More about this playground

Playground Type

Point of interest Establishment Wheelchair Accessible Indoor Play Ages 0-12

Address

300 W Wells St, San Gabriel, CA 91776, USA

Coordinates

34.08355, -118.10447

Hours of Operation

Open Now
Monday 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday Today 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.

Playground Features

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Age Suitability

Designed for children of all ages, offering engaging play structures for both younger and older kids.

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Equipment Available

Features 14 concrete sculptures, including a whale, octopus, starfish, and dolphins, all integrated into the sand-filled lagoon for climbing, sliding, and exploration.

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Shaded Areas

Provides shaded spots under surrounding trees, though the play structures themselves are exposed to sunlight.

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Seating For Parents

Limited seating is available; parents may need to bring portable chairs for extended visits.

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Restroom Availability

Restrooms are available within Vincent Lugo Park, a short walk from the playground.

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Drinking Fountains

Drinking fountains are located near the playground area for visitor convenience.

Safety Accessibility

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Fencing

The playground is not enclosed by fencing, allowing open access but requiring supervision.

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Surface Material

The play structures are set in a sand-filled lagoon, providing a soft landing surface.

Ada Accessibility

The playground's design includes accessible features, but some structures may have limited accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Cleanliness Maintenance

Maintained by the City of San Gabriel, the playground is generally clean, with ongoing preservation efforts by the Friends of La Laguna organization.

Additional Amenities

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Nearby Parking

Limited parking is available within Vincent Lugo Park, with additional street parking options nearby.

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Pet Policy

Pets are allowed in Vincent Lugo Park but must be kept on leashes and under control.

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Bike Racks

Bike racks are available near the park entrance for cyclists.

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Nearby Food Options

Several dining options are located within a short drive from the park, offering various cuisines.

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Sports Areas

Vincent Lugo Park includes lighted youth baseball diamonds and a multi-purpose athletic field.

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Walking Biking Trails Nearby

The park is adjacent to the San Gabriel River Trail, providing walking and biking paths along the river.

Community Reviews

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User Submitted Photos

Numerous photos are shared by visitors on social media platforms, showcasing the playful sculptures and family activities.

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Recent Reviews

Recent reviews highlight the playground's charm, with comments about its historical importance and the joy it brings to children.

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Crowd Levels

Crowd levels vary; weekends tend to be busier, especially during peak hours.

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Special Events

Occasional community events are held in Vincent Lugo Park, including cultural festivals and outdoor movie nights.

User Experience

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Entrance Fee

Admission to La Laguna Playground is free; Vincent Lugo Park does not charge an entrance fee.

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Space For Groups

The park offers picnic tables and open spaces suitable for group gatherings and family picnics.

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Nature Connection

The playground's design fosters a strong connection to nature, with its sand-filled lagoon and animal-themed structures.

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Noise Level

Generally moderate, with typical playground sounds; can be higher during peak times.

Aesthetic Design

The playground's unique sculptures and artistic layout provide a visually stimulating and enjoyable environment.

Safety Regulations

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Security Presence

Regular patrols by park staff and local law enforcement ensure a safe environment for visitors.

Rules Restrictions

Visitors are expected to supervise children, adhere to posted guidelines, and respect the park's operating hours.

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First Aid Availability

Basic first aid supplies are available at the park's main office; visitors are advised to bring personal first aid kits for emergencies.

Community Interaction

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Community Activities

The park hosts various community activities, including seasonal festivals, educational programs, and volunteer-led clean-up events.

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Social Interaction

The playground serves as a social hub, encouraging interaction among families and community members.

Sustainability Environment

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Eco Friendly Practices

Ongoing efforts are made to maintain the playground's environmental integrity, including sustainable landscaping and waste reduction initiatives.

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Renewable Energy

While specific renewable energy installations are not noted, the park emphasizes green practices in its operations.

Walkability Bike Access

The park is highly accessible by foot and bike, with nearby trails and bike racks promoting active transportation.

Reviews

4.8
(9.0)
K

Kathy

a year ago

This place is very nice. The only thing that makes it a 4 stars is the bathrooms are very dirty and the one small stall is so small you hit your knees on the door. Otherwise the park is very nice with picnic tables and a good amount of benches. Nice place to have a birthday party.

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J

John George

3 years ago

Spent many happy hours here as a child in the '60s. Glad to see that it's not only still there, but renovated and recognized as historic.

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S

SLA

a year ago

Nice park. Good open area for activities

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K

Kevin Dippold

2 years ago

This is a peaceful park with nice exercise equipment and nice mature trees.

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J

Jonathan Zhang

a year ago

Very good for kids and old people

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