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Vincent Lugo Park: A Community Oasis

Discover a whimsical park in San Gabriel with a nautical playground, sports fields, and picnic spots for a perfect family day out.

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Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel is a spacious green retreat known for its whimsical 'La Laguna' playground, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Once a landfill, it was transformed into a vibrant community space and named after the city's former parks supervisor.

A brief summary to Vincent Lugo Park

  • Monday 7:30 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-10 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early on weekends, especially if you're planning a picnic, as parking and picnic spots fill up quickly.
  • Bring your own grilling tools and charcoal if you plan to use the barbecue grills.
  • Pack snacks and water, especially if visiting with children who will be using the playground.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Vincent Lugo Park is located at the intersection of Wells Street and Ramona Street in San Gabriel. From most points in San Gabriel, navigate towards this intersection. The park has a public parking lot available for visitors. Parking is free, but it can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

  • Walking

    From the San Gabriel Mission, walk east on W Mission Road, then turn right onto S. Santa Anita Street. Turn left onto W. Wells Street. The park will be on your right. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The park is accessible via public transportation, though options may be limited. Check local bus routes for service to the vicinity of Wells Street and Ramona Street. From the bus stop, it may be necessary to walk a short distance to reach the park. A single bus fare typically costs around $1.75.

Unlock the Best of Vincent Lugo Park

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Discover more about Vincent Lugo Park

Vincent Lugo Park, the largest park in San Gabriel, California, offers a blend of recreational facilities and natural beauty. The park's grounds include a lighted youth baseball diamond, a multi-purpose athletic field, picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, and the Girl Scout House. The park's most distinctive feature is 'La Laguna de San Gabriel,' also known as 'Dinosaur Park' or 'Monster Park'. This whimsical playground, created by Mexican-American artist Benjamin Dominguez, features 14 colorful concrete sea creature sculptures rising from a sand-filled lagoon. These include Minnie the whale, Stella the starfish, and Ozzie the octopus. Vincent Lugo Park has a rich history. In 1965, Vincent Lugo, then the city's parks supervisor, spearheaded the transformation of a former landfill into what was then known as San Gabriel Municipal Park. His contributions to the city over three decades led to the park being renamed in his honor in 1988. In the early 2000s, the playground faced demolition due to safety concerns, but community efforts saved and restored it. Today, 'La Laguna' is recognized as a local landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park provides a space for various activities, from sports and picnics to leisurely strolls along its multipurpose trails. Recent enhancements have further transformed Vincent Lugo Park into an urban sanctuary, inviting visitors to enjoy fresh air and wide-open spaces.

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