San Clemente Park, aka«French Park,» has so much to offer! There’s a sanded volleyball court, a covered picnic area, several soccer spaces, three play areas and a baseball field! We call this«French Park» because it is tucked behind the«French School»(Lycée Francais La Perouse). If you go during school hours, or just after school is let out, you will hear lots of French babble. Also, I’ve noticed that these kids run a little more wild than you would normally see at other play grounds. I think it’s a cultural thing — really! I’ve heard that in France, children are allowed to generally work out their differences on their own at play grounds… except when it comes to throwing sand. That’s the only thing that is verboten, apparently. I’m not sure if it’s because of the French influence, or that the children are being«minded»(or not, really) by nannies or parents who don’t pay attention, but there is really a wilder edge here during the hours I mentioned. You will almost never see an adult step in if there’s a little tiff or discord happening and… frankly… that’s refreshing! The truly«public» playground has two play areas — one for smalls, one for bigs. I love the use of wood and all sorts of balance-challenging features. The smalls area is fenced, the bigs is not. In addition, the school has its own separate play area with some really neat looking features, but I’ve never wandered in there. I’m guessing it’s open to whomever when the school is closed. Another great feature is that French Park also has bathrooms and a water fountain! You can access the park by parking in a lot on Paradise Drive and walking across the soccer field /baseball area. Alternatively, and easier, you can turn onto Golden Hind and make a left just past the school into what looks like an abandoned, long driveway. That will take you to the parking area behind the school that provides immediate access to the playground.
