Park Series: Verde Park, a Gem of a Pocket Park

By Aleta Walther
Verde Park has few amenities compared to many other San Clemente’s city parks, but what it does offer is tranquility and a plethora of green space and shady trees for relaxing, napping, reading or daydreaming. It is one of two parks in San Clemente that allows dogs, but they must stay on a leash.
“Imagine a park where everywhere you look is lush, green grass and beautiful majestic trees,” sixth-grader Kian Feiner wrote in her essay for the City of San Clemente’s essay contest; Which San Clemente City Park is Your Favorite? “Well, that’s exactly what you will see if you go to Verde Park.”
Verde Park, which is Spanish for green park, is not a sport park although you can find an occasional soccer game or baseball game taking place on the park’s grassy area. The park does have one unlighted tennis court, a swing set of two swings, a sand play area with a jungle gym and slides, a couple picnic tables, two benches, a drinking fountain and limited parking. There are no restrooms at Verde Park. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
“Verde Park is the best park I have ever visited,” Cage Yamamuro, 12, wrote in his park essay. “It has an attractive tennis court and enormous grassy area where I can play almost any sport, from soccer to baseball.”
Considered a “pocket park” because of its intimate size, Verde Park is located on the east side of Interstate 5 at 301 Calle Escuela in the Broadmoor subdivision. The park is secluded by houses and trees so it’s easy to miss unless you are looking for it, but once you experience this neighborhood park, you too will appreciate the gem that is.
Park amenities are generally available without charge or reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to reserve any part of the park for a wedding, birthday party or other event with 50 or more people or bring equipment to the park such as a bounce house, a permit is required. For more park information, call 949.361.8264.
This is the 11th in a weekly series highlighting San Clemente’s parks. The article is provided by the city through its Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department.