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 possum. 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 lighthouse 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.

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

Bird Watching
Bob Shanman with Wild Birds Unlimited has spotted at least 153 different species of birds living in Manhattan Beach’s own Polliwog Park! Find out more on how you can bird watch at Polliwog Park or visitWild Birds Unlimited for other great bird sighting locations.

 

 

Polliwog Dog Run
The Polliwog Park Dog Run opened on June 4, 2010 and is located on the west end of Polliwog Park, adjacent to Begg Field. This 5,900 square foot dog run is the largest in Manhattan Beach. The dog run continues to garnish positive feedback from resident dog owners. One customer commented, “PARKS AND RECREATION TRULY MAKE LIFE BETTER NOT ONLY FOR ALL OF US BUT EVEN FOR THE FOUR LEGGED MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILIES, OUR DOGS”.

Please review the Polliwog Park Dog Run Rules (PDF) and Dog Run Etiquette (PDF) before visiting the dog run.  Dogs are permitted, on leash, along designated pathways parallel with Begg Pool and soccer field.

Polliwog Park Dog Run Hours of Operation

Open Daily	Time
November 1 to March 30	6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
April 1 to October 31	6:30 AM to 9:00 PM

 

Facilities That Can Be Reserved
For reservations, please contact Ada Wallace, Facility Reservations at (310) 802-5410.
Map of reservable areas in Polliwog Park (PDF)

Amphitheater

Maximum Capacity	1,000	Length of Use	Minimum 2 hours Maximum 6 hours
Hours Available	8:00 AM to dusk daily	Equipment	N/A
Note: Amplified sound is not permitted in the park
Appropriate for the following types of events: Performances, weddings, classes, meetings and other large group gatherings

 

Picnic Area

Number of Tables	15	Number of Reservable Tables	8
Maximum Capacity per table	25	Length of Use	Minimum 2 hours Maximum 6 hours
Hours Available	8:00 AM to dusk daily	Equipment	2 barbecues
Appropriate for the following types of events: Parties, picnics, outdoor meetings and classes

 

Central Gazebo

Number of Tables	2
Maximum Capacity per table	25	Length of Use	Minimum 2 hours Maximum 3 hours
Hours Available	8:00 AM to dusk daily	Equipment	N/A
Note: Barbecues not permitted
Appropriate for the following types of events: Parties, gatherings, outdoor meetings, classes

 

West/Rose Gazebo

Number of Tables	2
Maximum Capacity per table	25	Length of Use	Minimum 2 hours Maximum 3 hours
Hours Available	8:00 AM to dusk daily	Equipment	N/A
Note: Barbecues not permitted
Appropriate for the following types of events: Parties, classes, gatherings, social events

 

Pond Gazebo

Number of Tables	2
Maximum Capacity per table	25	Length of Use	Minimum 2 hours Maximum 3 hours
Hours Available	8:00 AM to dusk daily	Equipment	N/A
Note: Barbecues not permitted.
Appropriate for the following types of events: Parties, classes, gatherings, social events