When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Jesse Owens Park

Why Jesse Owens Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Jesse Owens Park offers a dynamic and engaging environment perfect for gathering with friends and family. This spacious park is well-equipped with a variety of recreational facilities including basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and pools, making it ideal for sports enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. Visitors appreciate the park's cleanliness, safety, and ample parking, contributing to a comfortable and convenient experience. The playground design pays tribute to the legendary athlete Jesse Owens, featuring track-themed play structures and artistic graphics that inspire both children and adults. Its well-maintained open spaces and shelter from the sun allow for year-round enjoyment. Whether you want to engage in team sports, relax at a picnic table, or watch children play in a safe, shaded playground, Jesse Owens Park accommodates diverse interests making it an inviting spot to meet and enjoy active or leisurely activities with friends.
Here's what people think of Jesse Owens Park
As of recent, Jesse Owens Park holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1152 reviews.
Reviews of Jesse Owens Park generally reflect a positive community experience. Many visitors praise the park's large size and variety of activities available, highlighting the covered basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer areas, playgrounds, and picnic spots as excellent features. Positive reviews often mention the park's cleanliness, safety, and ample parking, which enhance the overall visitor experience. Families appreciate that it caters to children and adults of all ages, with vibrant activity areas and shaded playgrounds inspired by Jesse Owens' legacy. On the other hand, some negative remarks focus on minor issues such as the presence of goat heads in the grass, which affected pets during visits, and the temporary closure of the swimming pools. Nonetheless, these drawbacks are seen as isolated concerns and do not significantly detract from the overall appeal. In conclusion, the majority of reviews convey that Jesse Owens Park is a well-maintained, safe, and engaging community space ideal for socializing, sports, and outdoor fun.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alexis
This is a nice park with plenty to do. Restrooms and parking available near the workout equipment and playground. There is playground equipment for children as young as 2. park staff had board games for the children to use. i’d recommend coming here if you haven’t before.
Yü Wu
Jesse Owens Park is a big recreation complex with two large baseball fields, a pool building and next to it a basketball court. There are a few exercise facilities and a playground as well. The restrooms however were closed when I was there on a Sunday.
Jannel Moultrie
The new park after dark program at Jesse Owens park has been successful at curtailing violence in often abandoned parks in evening. Residents are taking back the public utility from criminals by enjoying the park in the evenings while taking advantage of the fair weather of the summer nights. This free event is family friendly and people of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy themselves with good food, music, games and even exercise. Kudos to the sponsors and organizers of this ongoing event. Way to keep it positive. I took stars away because the facilities of the park in decay and need to be updated. The bathroom is from 1940 and sanitation and cleanliness is an issue. The quality of the events and tournaments held here could certainly improve. The pool is hardly open to the public. The diving and swim instructors seem to lazily hang out around the pool with each other as opposed to really teaching the kids to be good swimmers and divers.
Amazon X
This is a great park there a base ball field, pool , playground area it's huge across the street from McDonald's when I use to goto this park , it is a gang territory park so if your child or you have gang affiliations outside of Rollin & Neighborhood Crips I don't think it would be a good park unless you don't have a name known by Rollin 90 Crips besides some Rollin 100 crips , depending the time your at the park or around the park it could get bad when I was out there 05-08
Dzmitry Mik
The park location is perfect but it is under bad management. Pavements are absent, but it is clean. Do not recommend at night time...
How to reach Jesse Owens Park
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Why Jesse Owens Park may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Jesse Owens Park with your friends? Jesse Owens Park is a vibrant community hub ideal for gathering with friends or family due to its versatile facilities, spacious natural grounds, and rich programmatic offerings that cater to all ages and interests. Its large 18.4-acre expanse creates an inviting atmosphere for socializing, playing, and enjoying the outdoors together. Whether you want to engage in active sports, relax at picnic spots, or participate in seasonal events, the park provides a welcoming environment enhanced by modern amenities such as a fieldhouse with a gymnasium and fitness center. The park's Olympic-themed playground adds a unique touch, encouraging fun and creativity among children while inspiring a spirit of competition and athleticism. Additionally, the park’s commitment to sustainability with features like a green roof garden and solar panels reflects a community-conscious ethos appealing to environmentally minded visitors. With a strong 4.3 rating from over 1,150 reviews, Jesse Owens Park has proven to be a well-loved destination that balances recreation, nature, and community spirit — making it an excellent venue for meetups that want both active engagement and relaxation in a safe, well-maintained setting.
What activities can you enjoy at Jesse Owens Park?
The activity options at Jesse Owens Park are diverse, making it perfect for groups with varied interests. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of four ball diamonds and tennis courts that accommodate baseball, softball, and tennis matches or casual games among friends. The multi-purpose field provides ample space for soccer, frisbee, or group workouts. For families with children, the Olympic-themed playground offers a fun and energetic environment where kids can play creatively while adults watch nearby. Indoor activities are also plentiful with the park’s fieldhouse featuring a gymnasium that can host basketball, volleyball, or fitness classes. Multi-purpose rooms support a variety of social gatherings or community meetings, providing sheltered venues for concerts or holiday events held throughout the year. Furthermore, Jesse Owens Park offers rental spaces on Saturdays, allowing groups to reserve areas for private parties, reunions, or special occasions, ensuring your meetup can have dedicated space for food, entertainment, and activities. The presence of picnic groves enhances the experience by providing shaded areas for relaxed meals and conversations, and the surrounding nature garden offers a serene backdrop that adds to the park’s charm.
Why is Jesse Owens Park ideal for group meetups?
Jesse Owens Park is uniquely suited for group meetups because it blends plentiful recreational spaces with comfortable amenities tailored for social gatherings. Its size and layout allow diverse activities to happen simultaneously, ensuring everyone in your party can find something enjoyable. The park’s multiple picnic groves facilitate group dining and casual hangouts, making it easy to share meals and laughter outdoors. Indoor facilities like the gymnasium and multi-purpose rooms provide backup options in case of inclement weather, allowing meetups to continue regardless of season. Special community events organized throughout the year create opportunities for larger neighborhood interactions or themed celebrations that add extra excitement to any gathering. The park’s location within the South Calumet community makes it easily accessible, and the availability of rentals for fields and rooms provides flexibility to tailor your event’s scale and structure. Environmental features such as the green roof garden and solar-powered roof demonstrate the park’s modern design, contributing to a pleasant and healthy atmosphere that visitors appreciate. Safety, cleanliness, and consistent positive reviews further reinforce Jesse Owens Park as not only a recreational spot but a dependable venue for memorable get-togethers with family and friends.
How does Jesse Owens Park support health and fitness for groups?
Physical activity is at the heart of Jesse Owens Park’s offerings, making it an excellent place for groups looking to incorporate fitness into their gatherings. The fieldhouse includes a fitness center with equipment suitable for various workout routines, while the gymnasium regularly hosts adult and youth fitness classes that encourage wellness in a social setting. For runners or those interested in track and field, the park’s open spaces and adjacent running tracks give ample room for jogging, sprinting, or even organized group runs. Special seasonal programs for youth and adults promote involvement in sports and healthy living, turning meetups into motivational fitness sessions or sports clinics. Furthermore, community events such as the annual Jesse Owens 5K Fun Run/Walk celebrate physical activity and honor the legacy of Jesse Owens himself, creating inspiration for participants of all endurance levels to come together in a healthy, active way. These offerings make the park a dynamic environment for groups who want to bond over sports, fitness challenges, or simply staying active while socializing.
What special events and programs enhance the meetup experience at Jesse Owens Park?
Jesse Owens Park enhances social gatherings with a calendar full of special events and engaging programs that appeal to families, youth, and adults alike. Holiday-themed celebrations create festive atmospheres where meetups can enjoy seasonal fun together. The park also hosts events such as concerts, day festivals, and community fairs, providing live entertainment and cultural experiences suitable for all ages. For younger visitors, after-school programs and summer day camps offer structured activities that keep kids engaged and allow parents to relax or mingle, fostering a family-friendly environment. Additionally, the park’s focus on inclusive programming means there are activities for people with diverse abilities, including Special Recreation options. Renting spaces for private functions on Saturdays adds a personalized element to meetups, giving groups control over their itinerary and amenities. These rich programmatic experiences, coupled with the park’s natural beauty and comprehensive facilities, transform Jesse Owens Park from just a green space into a thriving community center where memorable group events unfold year-round.