Sean G.
Yelp
I visited this park at sunrise in March. So it's probably not really reflective of what you might find in the middle of summer, but since I tend to visit a lot of places at sunrise...
First off, it's a big, open park. It has a great old feel to it. There's a great variety of things to see. There's a pool, a large sprawling playground, some trees, a giant gazebo, and of course their massive rose garden.
Of course in March, the rose garden was completely empty. However, it looked like it would be pretty cool. I'm used to the Rose Test Garden at Washington Park, since I live nearby, but I think the Peninsula garden would certainly hold it's own. It has a more pleasing layout, if you ask me, but doesn't have a sundial or any real accessories that you might enjoy. Well, other than the large, plain fountain.
The play area is awesome. They have the usual swings and spiral slide and the like, but they also have a merry-go-round (always a plus) and teeter-totters and even a variety of gymnastic bars. There are parallel bars, and bars on chains, and rings, and, well, a lot of playground equipment I don't see anymore. So the playground was really cool compared to the dumbed down plastic playgrounds you see at modern parks.
This morning there was plenty of foot traffic as the sun came up. Lots of joggers and people out walking their friendly dogs. I know there is an off-leash area, but everyone let their dogs run around wherever. I didn't see any piles of poo, tho, so at least people are cleaning up after their pets.
So, I would recommend this park. If you want a nice relaxing place to stop, this looks like it'd fit the bill. If, like me, you love photographing the many cool things you'd find at a park, then you'll like this park. Check it out!