Alms Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Alms Park is a highly-rated, beautifully maintained hilltop park offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including an airport and distant mountains. It provides a serene, picturesque escape with well-shaded paths, making it ideal for leisurely family outings, picnics, nature walks, and photography, even on warm days. Its facilities, including a playground and event spaces, make it versatile for various family activities.
Key Highlights
- ✓Breathtaking scenic views from multiple hilltop observation areas, including views of an airport field and distant mountains.
- ✓Park grounds are consistently described as very well-maintained, clean, and featuring well-cared-for plants.
- ✓Features a dedicated children's playground that includes a unique stone slide, ideal for younger kids.
- ✓Offers a serene and picturesque atmosphere, providing a pleasant escape from city bustle.
- ✓Roads leading to and within the park are well-shaded, making them suitable for walking or hiking even on hot days.
- ✓Amenities include a pavilion, shelter house, nature trails, picnic tables, and grills, supporting various outdoor activities.
Standout Features
- ⭐Panoramic observation areas offering stunning views of the airport, distant mountains, and Luken Field.
- ⭐A well-maintained children's playground with a distinct stone slide.
- ⭐Extensive nature trails suitable for walking and exploring wooded areas.
- ⭐Availability of picnic tables and grills, making it convenient for family picnics and outdoor meals.
- ⭐Clean and well-maintained restrooms and shelter houses.
- ⭐Beautiful pavilion and pergola areas perfect for events or enjoying the views.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Arrive early, especially on weekends or if an event is rumored, to secure roadside parking.
- →Check for scheduled private events (e.g., weddings) if you intend to use the pavilion, as it may be bustling and less accessible to the public.
- →Bring water and sun protection, especially on hot days, even though many paths are shaded.
- →Consider visiting on a weekday morning for a quieter experience and easier parking.
- →Utilize the picnic tables and grills for a full family outdoor meal experience.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Parking can be challenging as there's no visible dedicated lot; visitors typically secure spots along the roadside, which can be full during busy times.
- ⚠Specific areas, particularly the pavilion, can become very crowded and bustling during private events (e.g., weddings), potentially limiting access or exploration for general visitors.
- ⚠While shaded paths help, intense summer heat (even in September) can still be a factor for prolonged outdoor activities.
- ⚠One review noted 'Accessibility: ★★☆☆☆' without further detail, suggesting potential issues for those with mobility challenges.
Price & Value
Entry to Alms Park appears to be free, offering exceptional value for families seeking a beautiful, well-maintained outdoor space with recreational amenities and stunning views. Any costs would likely be associated with reserving specific facilities like the pavilion or shelter houses for private events.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •One review rated accessibility at 2 out of 5 stars, but did not provide specific reasons for this low rating.
- •The park is described as being 'perched atop a hill,' which might imply inclines or uneven terrain.
- •No specific accommodations for wheelchairs or sensory needs were mentioned in the reviews. Parents with mobility concerns should investigate further.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food and drinks are allowed and encouraged, with picnic tables and grills explicitly available for public use, making it ideal for family picnics and cooking out.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is exclusively street parking along the roadside; there is no dedicated parking lot mentioned.
- •Finding a spot can be difficult and challenging when the park is busy or hosting events, as the road may be lined with cars.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Can be bustling and crowded, particularly around the pavilion area when private events are scheduled.
- •Roadside parking tends to fill up, indicating higher visitor numbers on good weather days and weekends.
- •Families are noted to create a 'lively and inviting atmosphere' in general.
🛡️Safety Features
- •One detailed review explicitly rated the park 5 out of 5 stars for 'Safety'.
- •The park is consistently described as 'very well maintained' and in 'excellent condition', suggesting a safe environment.
- •No specific safety measures like staff supervision or controlled access points were mentioned, but the overall upkeep contributes to perceived safety.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Visiting the pavilion area if a private event is underway, as it may be crowded and restrict general public access.
- • Prolonged visits during scorching summer afternoons if sensitive to heat, despite shaded areas, without adequate hydration.
- • If accessibility is a primary concern for your family members, as a review indicated low accessibility and the park is on a hill.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Fall ReLeaf
Fall
Krohn Conservatory's Fall Show
Fall
A Healing Garden
Halloween Hikes
Halloween
at Caldwell Nature Center and more!
What People Say
What's Great
- Safe environment for children (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Great for birthday parties (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Recent Reviews
RJD
a month agoBeautiful park that has scenic views of the surrounding area from the hilltop observation area. The park is very well maintained and also has a pavilion, trails, playground, shelter house, and restrooms.
Sarah Rose
a month agoClean well taken care of plants. Wonderful for kids to explore. Playground and stone slide.
Thang
a year ago★☆☆☆☆ Popularity ★☆☆☆☆ Size/Location ★★★★☆ Terrain ★★★☆☆ Scenery ★★☆☆☆ Accessibility ★★★☆☆ Amenities ★★★★★ Condition ★★★★★ Safety Date visited: 09/16/2023 On a scorching summer day, I visited Alms Park perched atop a hill, known for its picturesque views and serene surroundings. As I approached, there was no visible parking lot in sight, but I managed to secure a spot along the roadside. The road was lined with cars, and a service truck hinted at preparations for an event, likely a wedding set to take place in the pavilion. This pavilion, situated at the heart of the park, rested on top of a mound. However, it was bustling with activity, dominated by Latino workers and other guests. Their presence made it difficult for me to explore this particular area. Opposite the pavilion, a pergola provided a delightful alternative. It offered a serene overlook of the airport field below and distant mountains, creating a captivating view that contrasted the intense summer heat. Further southwest within the park, I discovered yet another overlook area. Here, a few older gentlemen sought refuge from the scorching September sun, sitting on the hot concrete and gazing at Luken Field and the horizon beyond. It was a moment that seemed to embody reflection on the past, appreciation of the present, and contemplation of the future. As I ventured deeper into the park, I noticed a nature trail that led into a wooded area below. The temptation to explore was strong, but I opted to save it for another day. The park boasted a variety of amenities, including a children's playground, picnic tables, and grills. Families were making the most of these features, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere that I didn't wish to disturb. Overall, this park atop the hill offered a pleasant escape from the summer heat. The road leading to and within the park was well-shaded, making it an ideal location for a leisurely walk or hike any day of the week.
Amal Ibrahim
10 months agoI went for a short photo shoot which it’s perfect for, but it’s also a nice place to hike/walk the trails and have a picnic. The pavilion and other areas can be reserved for events. I plan to visit again.
Kira LaFave
a year agoAttended a celebration of life for a departed friend here. The extraordinary beauty of the hilltop pavilion was the perfect setting. There is now a tree and a bench across from the pavilion in her honor. Breathtaking views from up there and beautiful facility!!!!