Memorial Park in downtown San Leandro is a big, inviting playground for all ages and abilities. Surrounded by large trees and a grassy field with ample parking, the cushioned ground, in-ground merry-go-round, and a large teeter-totter create a modern and welcoming feel. Zocolo Coffeehouse is less than a mile away if you want to grab coffee before or after a visit!
There is ramp access to most play structures, and around them, musical instruments, a swing set, and plenty of benches for parents. Play structures are accented with the ABCs in braille and sign language, a color wheel, periscope, and other optical illusions—there’s even a fun mirror.
The play structure is surrounded by green grassy space, the Veterans Memorial Building, and a few big trees that provide a fair amount of shade even in midday. The center of the park is a place to meet and barbecue with a permanent cornhole setup alongside chess and checkers tables. On the opposite side of the park in front of the parking lot, there’s a picnic area shaded with trees with some natural wood play structures.
Notes: There is no tot or sand area or gated area, so this playground is better suited for older kids.
San Leandro’s Memorial Park Features
📍Location: 1105 Bancroft Ave, San Leandro
🚗 Parking: Dedicated parking lot next to the playground, and another across the street. Street parking is easy, too.
🚻 Bathrooms: Yes, conveniently located in the center of the park, accessible, automatic, with adult and child changing stations.
♿ Accessibility Features: ramp access, an in-the-ground merry-go-round, Braille and ASL depicted on structures, and a four-person teeter totter
🥅 Fenced in? No
🛝 Slides: Lots of slides: metal tube, curvy, roller, and two mini slides
🩵 Surfaces: Wood chips and a cushioned rubber mat
🩷 Swings: Two chair swings and two big kid swings (no baby swings)
💚 Unique Features: Musical instruments with oversized mallets, a funhouse mirror, suspended lily pads
🪑 Lunch tables & seating: Two separate picnic table areas
🌲 Shade: A good amount of shade from redwood trees covers the play and eating areas.
➕ Pros: Modern, accessible, unique features. Totally fun!
➖ Cons: No tot area combined with a lack of fencing.
The Bottom Line on San Leandro’s Memorial Park
We loved visiting this special all-abilities playground. My child especially enjoyed the roller slide and merry-go-round, and asks to go back often. While I was overwhelmed at times by the lack of fencing and small child features (and it was CROWDED, which was truly overwhelming, but of course it was opening day, so I don’t know that it is or will continue to be on normal weekends), he was thrilled at the zero-entry equipment that allowed him to test his own gross motor skills. I’d be happy to grab a coffee and return with a second supervising adult anytime.
