Polliwog Park: Part of the "magic" of the South Bay

Located at the corner of Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Polliwog Park was developed in 1964 and expanded in 1975. Encompassing 18 acres, this is the largest and perhaps loveliest park in the South Bay area. The property belongs to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and is leased to the City. The focal point of the site is a large pond bordered on one side by a natural wildlife refuge, home to migratory birds and an occasional raccoon or opossum. A favorite site for concerts, performances, weddings and other special events, the park's amphitheater looks out over the majestic pond as ducks and geese swim by providing one of the most idyllic and scenic backdrops for any occasion.

Three gazebos, one situated adjacent to the park's Rose Garden, another positioned near the amphitheater and the third adjacent to the pond, are also favorite spots for birthday parties, anniversaries and family reunions. These can be reserved in advance for two-hour periods. A short distance from the Rose Garden is one of the City's oldest beach cottages which was moved to the site and refurbished. It houses the City's Historical Museum and is open to the public offering guided tours by appointment.

Play areas include a large light house inspired play apparatus with several slides including a spiral tube slide, misters, a small sand area and three separate areas for younger children filled with colorful and imaginative climbing and exploration equipment. Premier Little League Field is located adjacent to the park. The picnic area is comprised of a number of tables and six barbecues which can accommodate large groups.

Also adjacent to the park is Begg Pool which is open during the summer for classes and recreational swimming.

On the southwest corner of the park is the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden. Run by volunteers, the garden is now open to the public on a regular basis. Individuals wishing to help with the garden or who want to schedule a docent-lead viewing of the garden may call Julie Gonella, (310) 546-1354 for more information.

The park contains an exercise course, restroom facilities and drinking fountains. Numerous park benches, grassy mounds and shady areas make this an ideal spot for all types of recreational activities including just relaxing or enjoying a conversation with friends.
A 9-hole disc golf course is now located in Polliwog Park. The course, which is now open to the public, runs throughout the park avoiding walkways and play areas. Players are asked not to throw in areas where people have congregated. The course will be closed during special events such as Concerts in the Park and Earth Day.

Disc golf is a recreational sport for anyone, regardless of age, gender or ability. The object of the game is to traverse a course from beginning to end in the fewest number of throws of the frisbee. Each consecutive throw is made from where the frisbee came to rest after the last throw. Score is determined by counting the number of throws made on each hole plus penalty throws and then summing all holes. The winner is the player who completes the course with the lowest score.

Curbside parking is available along Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

Dogs are permitted along designated pathways parallel with Begg Pool and soccer field.