Del Rey Park – Del Rey Oaks, CA

What an incredible gem, nestled in the heart of the King’s Oaks! With a ton of free space to roam and walk, this park offers two playgrounds for different age groups. Not only that, but there are volleyball courts, a baseball field, and basketball court. There is also a dog park. Did I mention the Lion’s Head water fountain? My kids loved playing here. There is one shaded structure for birthday parties and such, but none by the enormous brick bbq pit, unless you’re lucky enough to have the sun hitting the surrounding oaks at just the right angle/time of day.

When asking GROK about the history of the park, this is what it had to say:

Del Rey Oaks Park (often simply called Del Rey Park) is a 10-acre public green space in the small city of Del Rey Oaks, Monterey County, California, located at 999 Angelus Way, just behind City Hall and nestled in a residential canyon between Monterey and Seaside. Managed by the City of Del Rey Oaks Parks and Recreation Department, it’s a vital community hub for a town of about 1,600 residents, emphasizing family-friendly recreation in a region famed for its coastal heritage. The park’s name ties into the city’s Spanish-inspired moniker (“Of the King”), reflecting Monterey’s mission-era roots, though its modern form emerged in the mid-20th century amid post-WWII suburban growth.

Del Rey Oaks Park’s story is intertwined with the city’s push for independence and community-building in the 1950s, a time when Monterey Peninsula towns sought autonomy from larger neighbors like Monterey and

(Pre-1950s): The broader area, part of the Monterey Peninsula, was long inhabited by the Rumsen Ohlone people, who thrived on the region’s wetlands, oak woodlands, and marine resources near what is now the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve adjacent to the park. Spanish colonization began in 1770 with the Presidio of Monterey and Mission San Carlos Borromeo, transforming the landscape into ranchos for cattle grazing. By the 19th century, American settlement brought farming—nearby lands were once melon farms and pig ranches. The specific 10-acre plot for the park was donated in the early 1950s by local landowner T.A. Work, earmarked explicitly for public use as a park, symbolizing community investment in green spaces during a period of rapid residential development.

• Recent Developments (2010s–Present): Renovations in the 2010s enhanced accessibility and sustainability, with bocce courts, a dog park, and native plant landscaping. As of 2025, ongoing FORTAG projects include a new pedestrian bridge under Canyon Del Rey Boulevard, improving safe access from the park to Frog Pond and Del Rey Woods Elementary School. The park hosts annual events like the citywide picnic, reinforcing Del Rey Oaks’ family-pet-friendly ethos amid climate initiatives by groups like Sustainable Del Rey Oaks.
Key Features and Community Role
Del Rey Park punches above its weight for a tiny city, blending recreation with historical charm:
• Amenities: Two playgrounds, basketball/volleyball courts, softball field, bocce courts, dog park, picnic areas with barbecues, restrooms, and the iconic lion-head drinking fountain. Grassy fields host youth sports and large gatherings.
• Accessibility: Open dawn to dusk; free entry. Trails link to 100+ miles of FORTAG paths for hiking/biking.

What an incredible gem, nestled in the heart of the King’s Oaks! With a ton of free space to roam and walk, this park offers two playgrounds for different age groups. Not only that, but there are volleyball courts, a baseball field, and basketball court. There is also a dog park. Did I mention the Lion’s Head water fountain? My kids loved playing here. There is one shaded structure for birthday parties and such, but none by the enormous brick bbq pit, unless you’re lucky enough to have the sun hitting the surrounding oaks at just the right angle/time of day.

When asking GROK about the history of the park, this is what it had to say:

Del Rey Oaks Park (often simply called Del Rey Park) is a 10-acre public green space in the small city of Del Rey Oaks, Monterey County, California, located at 999 Angelus Way, just behind City Hall and nestled in a residential canyon between Monterey and Seaside. Managed by the City of Del Rey Oaks Parks and Recreation Department, it’s a vital community hub for a town of about 1,600 residents, emphasizing family-friendly recreation in a region famed for its coastal heritage. The park’s name ties into the city’s Spanish-inspired moniker (“Of the King”), reflecting Monterey’s mission-era roots, though its modern form emerged in the mid-20th century amid post-WWII suburban growth.

Del Rey Oaks Park’s story is intertwined with the city’s push for independence and community-building in the 1950s, a time when Monterey Peninsula towns sought autonomy from larger neighbors like Monterey and

(Pre-1950s): The broader area, part of the Monterey Peninsula, was long inhabited by the Rumsen Ohlone people, who thrived on the region’s wetlands, oak woodlands, and marine resources near what is now the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve adjacent to the park. Spanish colonization began in 1770 with the Presidio of Monterey and Mission San Carlos Borromeo, transforming the landscape into ranchos for cattle grazing. By the 19th century, American settlement brought farming—nearby lands were once melon farms and pig ranches. The specific 10-acre plot for the park was donated in the early 1950s by local landowner T.A. Work, earmarked explicitly for public use as a park, symbolizing community investment in green spaces during a period of rapid residential development.

• Recent Developments (2010s–Present): Renovations in the 2010s enhanced accessibility and sustainability, with bocce courts, a dog park, and native plant landscaping. As of 2025, ongoing FORTAG projects include a new pedestrian bridge under Canyon Del Rey Boulevard, improving safe access from the park to Frog Pond and Del Rey Woods Elementary School. The park hosts annual events like the citywide picnic, reinforcing Del Rey Oaks’ family-pet-friendly ethos amid climate initiatives by groups like Sustainable Del Rey Oaks.
Key Features and Community Role
Del Rey Park punches above its weight for a tiny city, blending recreation with historical charm:
• Amenities: Two playgrounds, basketball/volleyball courts, softball field, bocce courts, dog park, picnic areas with barbecues, restrooms, and the iconic lion-head drinking fountain. Grassy fields host youth sports and large gatherings.
• Accessibility: Open dawn to dusk; free entry. Trails link to 100+ miles of FORTAG paths for hiking/biking.

With the recent upgrades to the playground equipment, the park has become a hidden gem in the area — one I especially enjoy visiting when my grandchildren are in town. Families can take advantage of the new play structures, while residents also appreciate the dedicated dog park, perfect for letting pets run free. For those looking for a little friendly competition, there’s even a basketball court that brings neighbors together. It’s a well-rounded community spot that truly offers something for everyone. Stay tuned for updates on tennis/pickleball courts.