Barney Schwartz Park is Paradise for Kids

How Barney Schwartz Park Has Changed in Twenty Years

The first time I saw Barney Schwartz Park in Paso Robles, I wasn't impressed. It was not long after we moved here over twenty years ago. It appeared to be a huge vacant lot, totally undeveloped, with only a sign to let people know what it was. In the past few years I've passed it a couple of times, while driving, but it's out of the territory I normally roam in. It's on Union Road. I passed it getting to the rural area I wrote about yesterday. But I did stop there this time, and I was impressed.  I wish there had been such a park near me when my own children were growing up. There is something for any age.

Upper Playground, Barney Schwartz Park, March, 2015

I parked in the upper parking lot just to see what was there. I wanted a view from as high as possible. When I got out of the car, I looked down over the rail at the park. This is what I saw.

Trees in Bloom and Children Riding Scooters at Barney Schwartz Park, March, 2015

Those children on scooters are coming from the lower playground. (Bottom left corner of photo above) It was evident to me that what they really enjoyed was a place to ride the scooters. You will see them in many of these pictures. They really got around. You will notice in the far right back corner of the photo above there is a row of blooming trees. You will also see them in the picture of the upper playground. In fact, it seemed the entire park was in bloom. I will have to come back in autumn when all those trees turn red, as they do in fall.

Fertilizing the Grass at Barney Schwartz Park

You will also notice that I happened to pick the day they were fertilizing the grass to explore the park. This kept me off some of the grassy areas I wanted to walk on. It was on the grass all around the lake, but I will have to show you the lake in the next post.

Barney Schwartz Is a Multi-level Park

On thing that makes the park so interesting is the many different levels. There are sports fields on the lower level, and they are busy whenever people are free to play on them. The lake is near the upper level playground. The sidewalks make a lovely walking (or scooter) path between all the levels. These children are headed down toward the playing fields, but they will be back.

Children Riding Scooters at Barney Schwartz Park, March, 2015

Children Riding Scooters at Barney Schwartz Park, March, 2015

I saw them again as I was headed back to my car. They are on the path to the upper lot where I'm parked. This park is huge. I was most interested in the many magnificent oak trees and the pond with lots of turtles. I will show you both of those other interests in future posts.



What are the main attractions of your favorite local park?