The Parks of San Carlos: Laureola Park

February 20, 2009

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The Parks of San Carlos” is an occasional series that will highlight each of the great parks and trails that we have in here San Carlos.   My wife Patty and I (along with our dog Maggie) will be checking out each and every one of the 15 or so parks in San Carlos and bringing them alive in these pages.

This week…Laureola Park.

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Laureola Park, San Carlos

Last week we brought you a pure hiking park when we profiled Big Canyon Park, so we thought it would be a good idea this week to spotlight a true “playground” park — and Laureola Park is simply one of the best recreational parks in all of San Carlos.   This park has something for just about everyone.

Where is it?

Laureola is conveniently located close to downtown San Carlos…


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…so it's really easy to find.

The Details…

Laureola Park occupies the 2.6 acres that used to be the site of Laureola School (way back when.)   It's also has the distinction of being the only City park that resides east of the El Camino Real.  One of the first things you'll notice when you come to this park is how much grass there is to use.  Whether it's in the picnic area…

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…or on the huge ball field….

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….you'll find one of the nicest grass surfaces in all of San Carlos right here at Laureola Park.    The field gets quite a workout every year, between AYSO soccer games and San Carlos Little League AA games, but the City of San Carlos does a great job keeping the field in top shape.  It's an ideal field to kick your shoes off and throw a frisbee around, or for a quick pick-up game of soccer.

When the park was created, the City wanted to ensure that there would be enough picnic tables to accommodate large parties.   Are there ever…  There are at least a dozen tables located in different pockets of the park.  There are even elevated BBQ pits for the complete picnic effect.

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But this wouldn't be a great park if it didn't have something fun for the little ones to do, and this is yet another area where Laureola shines.  There are separate play structures to keep the rambunctious toddlers safely away from the infants.   The equipment isn't as nice as the new gear at Burton Park, but it should keep the kids entertained.

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Finally, you'll seldom find this park crowded (unless there's a soccer game or baseball game in progress.)  While the newly renovated Burton Park continues to draw the big crowds, you'll find that Laureola is a much more lower key place to spend the morning.

Things to know before you go…

  1. There are 3 entrances to the park — one on Old County Road, one on Bayport Court, and the other on Holly Street.   The first two have the best parking.
  2. Dogs are OK, but must be kept on a leash.
  3. The park has separate men's & women's bathrooms, which is a good thing.
  4. If you're planning a large picnic, check with the Park & Rec department about reserving an area.
  5. Downtown San Carlos is only 2 blocks away, so getting food for your picnic is a snap.

Have fun!

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