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El Estero Park Complex

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. There is a paddleboat concession at the lake, group BBQ picnic areas, an exercise course, and restrooms. Call 831-646-3866 for reservations of public areas.

Dennis the Menace Playground 2017 ADA Improvements

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Details about the Park

El Estero Park Complex

Dennis the Menace Playground
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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 Ketcham, 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, as it does not meet current required safety standards.
Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ballpark
Multi-use field, standard ball diamond (lighted), bleachers, restrooms. Programming Information: 646-3969.
El Estero Park Center Dance Studio
Wood dance floor, ballet bars. Programming information: 646-3873.
El Estero Boating Concession
For more info 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.