Monterey's Dennis the Menace Park

Dennis the Menace Playground, the City's most popular as well as famous, municipal playground is located on Pearl Street right next to the Frank E. Sollecito Jr. Ballpark and the Monterey Youth Center.
The park first opened on Nov. 17, 1956, and was the result of creative efforts donated to the City by Mr. Hank Ketchum, creator of the Dennis the Menace comic strip. It houses several unique play equipment including a train, suspension bridge, hedge maze, climbing wall, slides and other play equipment. You will find a great lake, ballfields, dog park, trails, boating, fishing and a skate park nearby.

[@michaelcaldwell4890]

Used to go back in the 70s when my father was stationed at Fort Ord. I can still remember being terrified to run across the suspension bridge!!! I would run like a roadrunner to get across and feel so happy to have made it. The metal slide was a blast as well. Of course we would go up the slide and not the stairs. Old locomotive was a real blast to climb over and try to mess with stuff on it. Feels like a good dream now. Life isn’t fair.

[@IsabellaMilligan-kp9wk]

I remember when I was 6 and LOVED going here,lol

[@HuyenPhan-ir2wo]

I remember this place, plus this is where I first watched Ponyo in my dad's phone a decade ago!

[@FoodieBabies]

We were just here a week ago. It really was a ton of fun. This was our first time here, so we didn't see the parts that were no longer there. But we did see the train, unfortunately it's behind a fence now. The weather I must say was great though, even in winter!

[@1jeffr]

Boy the park sure has changed from when I was a Kid (40 years ago). The only thing that I remember that is still there is the steam engine. Used to climb all over it. Wonder how I didn't fall off and get hurt.

[@CMDRFandragon]

Why is the train closed? I remember climbing on it all the time when babye went there. Climb up on the roof, climb the sides of the engine, etc. Fun times.

[@Kellmorremeows]

they still have the steam engine there, but the city may put up a fence around it since it's 'not safe' and children keep getting hurt on it...well, apparently three last year.

[@nojumper6573]

KellmorreMeows I used to love that train when I was younger

[@HuyenPhan-ir2wo]

KellmorreMeows Memories... ;(

[@efrem1]

Too bad many of the historic playground areas like the treehouse are gone. I am also very displeased that the train could be removed or blocked off from play. The era of fun is ending and the age of smothering safety is beginning.

[@cletusspucklerstablejeaniu1059]

Does it still have the "Good Old Mr. Wilson Lap Ride?"

[@TheMaxundmoritz]

Was there in 55. I remember it better than Disneyland. It must have been better!

[@SeasideDoowop18]

Swear that looks like me in the 90’s lol

[@anabella2014]

😂 WHAT!!! My exact JJ

[@Monorail-Beyond-the-Veil]

Is it still there?

[@Thegoatttttt831]

Yes

[@joshuabunkers1494]

Wasn't there a giant helicopter ride that you get jump on and off from a giant wall?

[@TheKaffeeKlatsch]

I remember the balance beam.... We would play King of the Beam and try throwing each other off balance.

[@MooPotPie]

Here's the park in (of all places) a 1957 Oldsmobile commercial! The park segment begins at 2 minutes, 30 seconds . . . . it sure looks different.
WESTERN RANCH OLDSMOBILE COMMERCIAL 1957 CLASSIC TV SHOWS on DVDS at TVDAYS.com

[@ciscoperez8190]

Is this open ??

[@Jaydenidk]

No cause of COVID 19 idk my dad lives in Monterey but last time I went it was closed

[@Thegoatttttt831]

Its open now

[@TheKaffeeKlatsch]

Really?

[@mrsean209]

Too many bums now.

[@bakingbreakdancer2453]

This park is lame now