Photo of Chollas Lake Park Gloria's Mesa in California1 / 2
Playgrounds

Chollas Lake Park Gloria's Mesa

📍 Oak Park, CA

★4.7(40 Google reviews)

Gloria's Mesa at Chollas Lake Park in San Diego combines a playground for young children with lake access, adult outdoor workout equipment, and regular wildlife sightings including squirrels and wild birds.

✓ lakeside✓ toddler-friendly✓ wildlife viewing✓ adult fitness equipment✓ San Diego
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★★★★★Featured review by Jaime B

Great park for kids. Only downside is the relatively early closing time of the gated parking lot. My 2yo and 4yo love it here. Easy walk to the water if they want to check out the lake, plenty of adult workout equipment around, sometimes wild birds wander through. The kids also live watching the squirrels. The play equipment is fun and suitable for littles and bigger kids. Some of the recycled tire is a bit worn away, but my kids havent had any problems with it. Trash cans available, and a portapotty.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy a mix of play, light nature exploration, and lakeside walking. The wildlife sightings are a genuine bonus for young kids. Arrive early to secure parking — city employee vehicles are known to compete for spots, and the lot gate closes before sunset.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Arrive early to secure parking — city employees use a significant portion of the lot during work hours
⏰Check the gated parking lot closing time before visiting to avoid being locked in
đŸŽŸī¸Walk to the lake after playground time — it's flat and easy for toddlers
🚗Wildlife is most active in the morning — birds and squirrels are regular visitors near the play area

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

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4.7
★★★★★

40 Google reviews

Great for young kids45%
Lake and wildlife draw30%
Parking frustration25%
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Jaime B

★★★★★

“Great park for kids. Only downside is the relatively early closing time of the gated parking lot. My 2yo and 4yo love it here. Easy walk to the water if they want to check out the lake, plenty of adult workout equipment around, sometimes wild birds wander through. The kids also live watching the squirrels. The play equipment is fun and suitable for littles and bigger kids. Some of the recycled tire is a bit worn away, but my kids havent had any problems with it. Trash cans available, and a portapotty.”

J

Jimmy Jurchenko

★★★★★

“Great place. It is a shame that city employees use all the parking. The parking is completely out of control and a mess. More city employee parking than park/lake.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Chollas Lake Park's Gloria's Mesa area is a compact and activity-rich stop for families. The playground suits toddlers and preschoolers well, with reviewers specifically mentioning 2- and 4-year-olds thriving here. The lake is an easy, flat walk from the play area and adds a nature dimension to the visit. Adult workout stations are scattered through the park. Wild birds and squirrels are regular visitors, providing spontaneous wildlife watching for young children.

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