Amici Park

I first did a pass-by earlier in the day and saw there are a couple of bocce ball lanes that a few gentleman were playing on when I passed by earlier in the day. Looked like they play here regularly.

I did a quick walk-thru the park later in the afternoon, after I had my mid-day treat down the street. They have a few shaded tables to relax and enjoy the park. I sat there for about 15-minutes to soak in the great weather. There was, what looked like, a transient sleeping on the floor.

I walked down to where I parked, and realized there's also a dog park portion! There were a few people with their dogs enjoying what the park has to offer.

It's a nice park. Liked that they provided a place to play bocce ball. And always appreciate a place for our four-legged friends to have and enjoy!

This is a nice little spot that you can sit at during the farmers market and get your grub on. At this particular time there was a street performer serenading the crowd and adding to the vibe.

Amici Park is located in Little Italy along State St and lays across W Date St right adjacent from Washington Elementary School.

There is ample sitting in the area where you can rest your feet from strolling through Little Italy and maybe enjoy a picnic with family or friends. There is 2 large bocce ball courts where you can catch a quick game in a nice relaxed calm environment and they also have a coffee shop right across from the court. If you have a dog than this is great news because they have a dog park on site to let your furry friend roam around and be free. There are many days where I walk through this park just admiring the freedom and calmness vibe I get from just being in the presence. The park is ran by the Little Italy Association and there are rules and guidance's posted on site to abide by. If you look closely you well find a classic Italian cuisine recipe that was made as a plaque for your viewing and photo purposes. Usually through out the day there is large crowds gathered up by the seats but everyone seems to mind there own business.

Great place for a meet up in the heart of Little Italy or just to get a quick game of Bocce in with friends or to let your furry friend run around with his or her friends while you sip on some nice coffee enjoying the lovely site of Amici Park located in Little Italy.

This is a quaint little park nestled in between the hustle and bustle of Little Italy. It's a nice little stop over as you are walking through Little Italy enjoying all that it has to offer, including this park.

The park included the popular Amici Park Amphitheater, the charming Little Italy Dog Park, and Bocce Ball Courts which I have not taken advantage of. All three are well maintained by the Little Italy Association and the San Diego Unified School District. It was this union that brought this park to being.

The little dog park offers "forever grass" or fake but quality turf. The park is also a great place for people watching and such.

Throughly enjoyed using a crayon and paper to capture the recipes!

Two huge bocce ball courts.

Took a trip down to Little Italy with friends and tripped onto this great dog park. Well, it's not really a dog park and the dogs are supposed to be leashed, but none of them are. There were about 10 dogs and they were having the time of their lives running all over the little park.

It was a hot day but there was a shady tree and we enjoyed watching the action for awhile. Will come back here with my little prince.

Right next to the Bocce ball court.

This place is weird but I suppose it serves its purpose. I believe it is a playground to a school that doubles as a dog park but it is really hard to tell. Are there designated hours when the kids can run and not get eaten by dogs and vice versa? Well let's hope no kids are eating dogs...

When I was here there was one pup and no kids. Granted it was a Saturday and the farmers market was wrapping up but I expected more activity. It really is the only patch of grass in all of Little Italy so why wouldn't dog owners bring the mutts here? I will tell you one thing I saw a couple of girls doing here that I would not recommend. Sunbathing.

That's just gross.

The GREEDY Little Italy Association is charging $50/hour to toss balls onto their Bocce Ball Court, a dirt box, and refuse to offer students who are studying Italian a discount!
Where is their desire to diffuse the Italian culture and to build the well-known reputation of generosity of the Italian people in the Italian Community in San Diego or is it all about MONEY GRUBBING and sticking it to the little guy, in this case, the students??? Shameful!!!

My pups and I absolutely love this place.

After 2pm on weekdays it's open to the public and all hours on the weekends.

A large grassy area for dogs and people to play. A sidewalk around the perimeter for jogging around too! And a small playground to one end for the little ones.

It's the perfect unofficial dog park for the residents of Little Italy!

No matter what day or time I come there is usually at least one other dog here so it's great for doggie socializing.

Would I come play a sports game here in the grass? Probably not due to the fact animals often do their business here (although poop is always picked up by the responsible owners that I've always encountered). But that's why there is a basketball court to one end and a bacci ball area too.

Although the fact it's not fully enclosed scared me during my first couple of trips here, it's made me realize that only owners who trust their dogs and dogs who follow commands well come here, so never any issues here with poorly mannered animals/owners.

If this was a children's park, I'd give it 2 stars, but I don't think this is a park for kids. Sure, they say it's meant for Bacci Ball, but I think this park is most useful as a location for parties or events.

For example, it's an excellent location for a wedding reception if you're getting married across the street at Our Lady of the Rosary. With it's open courtyard and shaded amphitheater style seating area, it's also a great location for the Farmers Market, which they have every Saturday.

Last but not least, this park can easily be transformed for a fundraiser or gala event. Case in point, Ferragosto, the annual Little Italy Association fundraiser/party. In 2010, it was Rome for the evening (see some of my posted photos). There was ample room for 2 stages, one for the Anthology band and one for Caesar Augustus, Cleopatra & the Roman Senate to make their speeches and announcements. There was a large dance floor, 18 restaurant booths, several wine & beverage stations, and plenty of tables for hundreds of people to dine.

So again, if you're looking for a park for your kids, don't bother coming here. But if you're coming here for some sort of a celebration or outdoor market, you will not be disappointed.