Rowland Heights Park is more than just a patch of green; it is an 11-acre community hub managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks & Recreation. You will find it tucked into a quiet neighborhood at 1500 South Banida Avenue, Rowland Heights, CA 91748—approximately two blocks east of Colima Road. Gates open every morning at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 9:00 p.m., with restrooms accessible daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For field reservations or program details, please call the park office at 626-912-6774 or the county reservations line at 888-239-6700. Parking is free in the on-site lot, and overflow street parking is usually available along Banida Avenue.
First Impressions
Towering jacarandas and mature sycamores frame the park’s entrance, and their broad canopies keep the central lawn pleasantly cool even on summer afternoons. Because the park sits on a gentle rise, you can glimpse the San Gabriel Mountains to the north while kids race toward the brightly colored playground or locals unfurl picnic blankets beneath the trees. Morning joggers and dog walkers dominate the scene before eight; families, fitness groups, and after-school campers take over as the day unfolds.
Facilities and Amenities
Inside the boundary fencing, you will discover regulation basketball courts, freshly resurfaced tennis courts, and well-maintained baseball and softball diamonds—all of which can be reserved for league play. The shaded playground, rebuilt in the 2020s, combines classic slides with low-impact climbing features for toddlers and grade-schoolers alike. Picnic tables dot the perimeter; most come with built-in barbecue grills, and two larger group shelters can hold birthday parties or church potlucks with ease. A fitness-zone pad beside the community center offers step machines, elliptical stations, and stretching rails, making it easy to squeeze in a quick workout while children explore the play structures.
Community Center and Year-Round Programming
At the heart of the park stands a low, stucco-and-tile community building that hosts a range of activities, from basic computer classes to senior line-dancing sessions. After-school care for children aged 6-12, teen clubs, Zumba, beginner aikido, watercolor painting, and weekly chess clinics are just a few of the offerings advertised on the lobby bulletin board. Enrollment fees are modest, and many adult fitness or cultural workshops are free for seniors.
Signature Events
Two marquee gatherings punctuate the calendar. In October, the Buckboard Days Celebration brings live music, food vendors, and a parade of vintage wagons that pays homage to Rowland Heights’ ranching roots. In April, Operation Safe Community ushers in an outreach fair where local deputies, firefighters, and healthcare providers offer safety demonstrations and free child ID kits. Both events draw crowds from across the San Gabriel Valley, so arrive early to secure parking and a shady picnic table.
Rowland Heights Loop Trail
For visitors who crave a little elevation with their stroll, the Rowland Heights Loop Trail starts near the corner of Pathfinder Road and Wellesly Drive, about half a mile from the park’s north gate. This 2.5-mile county-maintained path winds up the hillside, delivers sweeping views of Puente Hills, and reconnects with neighborhood sidewalks for an easy walk back to the park. Expect roughly 650 feet of cumulative gain—enough to raise your heart rate without demanding specialized gear.
Practical Tips
• Shade is plentiful along the central lawn but limited on the ball fields; pack a hat or pop-up canopy if you plan midday sports.
• Dogs are welcome on leash, and waste stations are spaced every 100 yards. The early mornings are best for four-legged visitors, as the pavement can heat up quickly.
• Weekends after 10 a.m. fill fast with birthday parties; if you need a table, arrive before nine or reserve a shelter in advance.
• The nearest Metro bus stop is at Colima Road and Fullerton Road, a seven-minute walk away.
A Local Work-and-Play Pairing
If you are combining errands, fitness, and productivity, consider booking a drop-in desk at Onboard Coworking in nearby Diamond Bar. Many professionals use the park’s loop trail for a mid-morning energy boost, then settle into a quiet office suite with high-speed Wi-Fi to finish client calls before heading home.
Rowland Heights Park rewards repeat visits. Whether you are chasing a personal record on the loop trail, lining up a tennis match, or introducing toddlers to their first community festival, the park’s blend of natural beauty and robust programming makes it one of the San Gabriel Valley’s most versatile outdoor venues.
Next, let’s plan your visit to Schabarum Regional Park.
