Very safe area for children. So many children's parks in LA have been taken over by people who are not kids and are not there with kids. Especially concerning in areas like Santa Monica have been the

Fantastic park and playground. As of June 4, the stream is closed because of drought conditions. The grass is still awfully green, though.

NOT dog friendly. I don't know if it's the neighbors who don't like dogs and are constantly complaining so the rangers feel they need keep constant watch or the city, but there is aggressive policing