El Estero Park Complex

Services / Parks and Beaches / El Estero Park Complex

El Estero Park Complex

Dennis the Menace Playground Reopens, May 3, 2017

prev next

El Estero Park Complex is a 45-acre City-wide multi-use recreation area in the center of Monterey at Del Monte/Camino Aguajito/Fremont/Camino El Estero. Paddleboat concession at lake, group BBQ picnic area, exercise course, restrooms (reservations: 646-3866).

Dennis the Menace Playground

Open daily 10 a.m. to dusk. Closed on non-holiday Tuesdays, Sept. - May.

Dennis the Menace Playground, the City's most popular as well as famous, municipal playground is located on Pearl Street right next to the Frank E. Sollecito Jr. Ballpark and the Monterey Youth Center.

The park first opened on Nov. 17, 1956, and was the result of creative efforts donated to the City by Mr. Hank Ketchum, creator of the Dennis the Menace comic strip. The Monterey Peninsula Jaycees also donated extensive hours of labor towards the development of this children's playground. Since then, Dennis the Menace Park has undergone several renovations, each time making the park brighter and better!

Please note: The steam engine which has been located at Dennis the Menace Park since 1956 is currently fenced off. The city staff is attempting to find a way to allow access while meeting our current safety standards. Your patience is appreciated as we search for a solution to this issue.

Monterey Youth Center

777 Pearl Street. Multi-use recreation facility for youth, teen, and adult activities. Programming information: 646.3873. [more...]

Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ballpark

Multi-use field, standard ball diamond (lighted), bleachers, restrooms. Programming Information: 646-3969.

Monterey Dance Studio

Wood dance floor, ballet bars. Programming information: 646-3873.

El Estero Boating Concession

For more info visit their webstite http://www.elesteroboating.com/ or call (831) 375-1484

El Estero Snack Bar

Open weekends year round (summer, Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), (831) 372-8446.

Monterey Dog Park

The City of Monterey has a dog park where your dog can run off leash. The park is located across from the Monterey Youth Center. There are separate areas for small dogs and larger dogs. Water is available; however, you need to bring your own container. [More...]

Monterey Skate Park

Open daily from 9 a.m. until dusk. Located next to Lake El Estero behind Sollecito Ballpark. The Monterey Skate Park features fun and exciting elements that will challenge skateboarders and in-line skaters of all skills and abilities. More than 40 local skaters and youth participated in the design, development and construction process. [More...]

Rules: 1) Skaters under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult; 2) All skaters are required to wear safety gear, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist/hand guards. (Monterey City Ordinance No. 3268).

El Estero Exercise Course

A wonderful recreational experience for the folks of Monterey! A parcourse combines all the elements of a scientifically designed exercise program. The parcourse is a series of 18 exercise stations spaced in 3 clusters. It is approximately a 1.2 mile path around Lake El Estero. Information board is located at each cluster.

El Estero Fishing Piers

Grab your fishing pole and come fish off the piers at El Estero Lake. The piers are located on Pearl Street across from El Estero picnic area. The lake is stocked several times a year. Anyone 16 years and older is required to have a fishing license. Any adult assisting a youth is also required to have a license. For further information, call the City of Monterey Parks Division at (831) 646-3860.