Next door to the Crossroads Elementary School campus, Memorial Park is distinguished for its skatepark, where at least a few kids are usually found doing ollies. It's also remarkable for the Memorial Park Gym, which features indoor basketball and volleyball courts, and the concession stand that serves the park's two baseball fields. Parents concerned about their kids' safety might find comfort in the Police Activities League building, which is located on park grounds; a children's playground is situated nearby. Other amenities include four tennis courts, all light-equipped; three softball infields; an adult baseball field; a soccer field; and an off-leash area for dogs. The park features community-meeting rooms and, perhaps most attractive of all, a free parking lot containing 63 spaces.
A new fitness room, situated adjacent to the park's gym, opened in September and started attracted a following in the ensuing months. The Annenberg Beach House has temporarily loaned a host of fitness equipment–most of it no more than two years old–to the park. In June, the equipment will be reclaimed, and the fitness room will close.
Memorial Park offers morning and evening circuit-training classes three days a week, with plans for more beginning in January 2011. With no membership required usage fees starting a $3 per day for Santa Monica residents and $4 per day for non-residents, it rivals the costs for national fitness chains without the large crowds.
Tony Carpowich is the Community Program Supervisor of Memorial Park.
