By Ryan Afable & Walter Bush
Benicia Community Park is a landmark for many Benicia residents. The Community Park was built in 1992 and is on 50 acres of land. It is next to Lake Herman and has 2 different playgrounds, 1 for little kids and the other for older people. There is also a skate park, dog park, barbecues, multiple fields, disc golf course, and reservable seating for parties. The park is right next to Matthew Turner.
Then, there is also the most known part of the park: the slide, which has had thousands of uses from kids and adults. People that are looking for more of a thrill down the slide will use cardboard which will make it faster.
There are many hiking trails around the park which can give a good view of Lake Herman. Lake Herman itself is a really nice place to go for a walk and look at the water.
Many people will look for the park when they want a day out and many people have spent hours there. One of the earliest birthdays I, Ryan, remember is at Community Park and I have been to many other parties at the park.
When one student was asked about his opinion on the park, he said, “My favorite things are how big the play structures are and, of course, the big slide. Going up the stairs only to go down the slide feels so satisfying even as a teenager I’m surprised adults don’t use it.”
Then, another student talked about something that has not been covered. The student said, “my favorites are the hidden art pieces and graffiti.” By Lake Herman there are many many pieces of graffiti on walls.
Yelp has many five stars reviews of the park. One of them was from Kathy V, who wrote, “Children’s laughter around the park with the aroma of BBQ flowing within the breeze on a Sunday afternoon, while soaking up the sun-where am I? Benicia Community Park. Looking to have a b-day, picnic, play soccer, baseball, volleyball, take the kids out to have fun, or even BBQ? This is the spot to be…”
Now time for a personal review from one of the writers. The park features soccer fields, baseball fields, playgrounds, a dog park, a skate park, tables for parties, and nets for volleyball. The sloped paths make the park wheelchair and bike accessible, although you probably aren’t allowed to ride wheelchairs down the slide.
At the playground, there is a fun scavenger hunt to participate in, where you must find symbols hidden around the structure. The spinny thing has been out of service for some time, but it isn’t gone. I rate the park four stars, because of the out of service spinny structure, dirty bathrooms, and weak water fountain pressure.
The park has been a staple and many have grown up with it as the best park in Benicia. Hopefully the park will be there for many new generations of kids and parents alike.
beniciapaw.com 