Les Sherman Park

Description

Les Sherman Park feels like one of those places you stumble into on a lazy afternoon and end up staying far longer than you planned. It’s a generous stretch of urban green space where the hum of the city fades just enough for you to hear the crunch of gravel under your shoes or the thud of a baseball hitting a mitt. You’ll see families sprawled out on picnic blankets, kids darting between the swings and slides, and the occasional jogger who looks like they’ve been running this loop for years. It’s not flawless—sometimes the grass has a few bare patches, and the playground could use a fresh coat of paint—but that’s part of its charm. It’s a lived-in park, one that feels genuinely used and loved by the community.

There’s a certain rhythm here. On one side, the ball fields echo with the sound of batting practice, while just a short walk away, the hiking and biking trails wind through shaded patches that make you forget you’re still in the city. And if you’re a dog person (I am, and mine loves it here), you’ll appreciate how welcome pets are. The vibe is relaxed, unpretentious, and just a little bit nostalgic—like the parks many of us grew up visiting, only with a few modern touches to make it more accessible and comfortable for everyone.

Key Features

• Baseball fields and a batting cage for casual games or team practices
• Hiking and biking trails with both sunny and shaded stretches
• Playground with slides, swings, and open space for free play
• Plenty of picnic tables for family meals or quiet solo lunches
• Wheelchair accessible entrances and parking for easier access
• Pet-friendly environment—dogs are welcome on-leash
• Kid-friendly hiking routes that are short, safe, and scenic

Best Time to Visit

If you ask me, late spring is when Les Sherman Park really shows off. The trees are in full leaf, the air smells faintly of cut grass, and the trails aren’t yet crowded with summer traffic. Summer afternoons are lovely too, though you’ll want to claim a shady spot early if you’re planning a picnic. Autumn here has its own magic—the crunch of leaves underfoot and that crisp air that makes you want to keep walking just a little farther. Winter can be quiet, almost eerily so, but if you like having a trail to yourself, this might be your season. Just dress warm and watch for icy patches.

How to Get There

Reaching Les Sherman Park is pretty straightforward whether you’re driving, biking, or using public transit. If you’re behind the wheel, there’s a parking lot with accessible spaces right near the main entrance. Cyclists will find bike-friendly roads leading up to the park, and bus routes stop within a short walking distance. I’ve even walked here from downtown on a nice day—it’s a bit of a trek, but it makes arriving feel like part of the outing. The park’s layout is intuitive, so once you’re in, you can just wander and see what you find.

Tips for Visiting

First off, bring water—especially if you’re planning to hit the trails or play ball. There are fountains, but they’re not always in service. If you’re coming with kids, pack a change of clothes; the playground has a way of turning tidy children into happy, muddy ones. Dog owners, you’ll want to bring waste bags since the dispensers sometimes run empty. And if you’re here for a picnic, aim for the tables near the tree line—they offer the best mix of shade and people-watching. Lastly, don’t be in a rush. This isn’t the kind of park you “do” in an hour. It’s better when you let the day unfold slowly, with no real agenda other than enjoying the space.

Location

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