Noah's First Birthday-Location, Location, Location

I know, I know, it's a little early but I don't like to plan these sort of things last second. So today Noah, his dad, and I went looking for an appropriate spot. We have been talking about this a lot. Since with only my core family and his core family we would have 17 guests we need to have it somewhere other than our house. Noah's birthday is in April and so we thought a park would be great.

What we're looking for:

-play area for the kids

-field area or activity for the bigger kids

-picnic tables

-accessibility

-BBQ

Where we looked:

We looked in three different communities, Palos Verdes, San Pedro, and Long Beach. I wanted to have it at a park in Torrance but then I found out you have to rent the picnic tables so it could end up costing a lot of money. Of course I thought about not following the rules. But what if I go to the park and claim a bench like the good ol' days only to find out someone else followed the rules and reserved all the tables?! So we are going to be good role models and follow the rules-and PV, Pedro, and the LBC are the best options (at least that is what I think).

Reviews:

Palos Verdes:
Robert E. Ryan Park:

Pros:

-lots of open space

This huge field and swing set are only steps away from the other play area
-tables near play area

-clean

-lots of play centers for young kids

There is one more play area that I did not take a picture of. That makes 3 in all!
-easy to get to

Cons:

-lots of stairs

-small parking area

-small tables

-far away

Ladera Linda Community Center

This park sucked. It is hard to get to and not only was the activity center small but it was no where near the picnic benches! It was terrible. No way will we go here!

Fred Hesse Jr. Park:

Pros:

-big open field

What a great space!

-lots of parking

-lots of big picnic tables

We have all of the space and BBQ's that we could possibly need!

Cons:

-play area separate from tables and field

-small play area

I would get bored here in about five minutes.

-RATTLESNAKES!!!!!!

This rattlesnake warning sign was only at this park!

San Pedro:
Point Fermin Park

Pros:

-lots of tables in shade!

Look at all of those benches!

-fun play area

This is one mega play area!

-easy access to the restrooms

This photo was taken from the play area! And the play area is right beside the picnic tables!

Cons:

-difficult parking

-vast open area (might be hard to keep an eye on everyone)

-no BBQ's near the play area picnic tables

Angel Gate Park
We went to see this park but we went to the wrong part-the military part and decided not to go back. I am sure I will go back sometime before April 17th (did I mention that is the day for the party) but until then it is just a no.

Long Beach:
Bixby Park

It had a great large field, a decent size play yard, and was in a pretty easy place to get to. But it was broken up in three different sections with a parking lot separating each area. The kids would have to cross a parking lot to get to the play area. How lame is that? Not to mention we went to see it on a Friday and there was hardly anywhere to park, what would it be like on a beautiful Saturday afternoon?

Decision for now:

We have decided that despite the distance and stairs, Robert E. Ryan Park is the optimal location for a first birthday party. As of right now we are thinking of BBQ'ing some hot dogs and inviting a plethora of people to celebrate Noah's first birthday! But then I think...what if it rains? What if people try to leave their kids and not stay and watch them? Do I need to make up games for everyone? Ideally, everyone comes and we just hang out. The kids play on the playground, the older kids kick around the soccer ball, the adults hang out and play with the kids, and we all eat hot dogs and have cake. Can't that happen?! I hope so...