Jennie Dean Park

When I mention Jennie Dean park to people, the first response I generally get is "huh, where's that?"

Granted, Jennie Dean isn't one of the County's marquee parks or one of it's largest and best well-known. But those facts alone make it worth checking out - it's got some cool stuff and is often not crowded.

Where is it? Jennie Dean Park is located just off Four Mile Run Dr. (3630 27th St S), just a hop, skip, and a jump (really just a hop) from all the restaurants in Shirlington. Four Mile Run is one of the more industrial parts of Arlington with car repair, storage and such. For that reason I don't think it stands out as much.

What's it got? The simple answer -- two lighted tennis courts, lighted full-court outdoor basketball, two very nice diamond fields (one youth and one adult), lots of picnic tables in a nice shaded area, and a small grassy area where you can often find a pick-up soccer game.

What's it like? The tennis courts were just resurfaced this summer - they're nice. On the negative side, the last time I was there, there were a couple of lights out which made it difficult to play at night. The basketball court is great. Good surface, good lights, and rarely crowded - in contrast to some of the other outdoor basketball in Arlington, which can be packed. If you' re looking for pick-up soccer, there's a decent chance you'll find it here. And if you're looking for a nice picnic table in a shaded area, it's a good spot too.

Some people who are familiar with Jennie Dean are a little intimidated by it. There is a day laborer pick-up nearby, and I know (and understand) some people find that a bit scary. The truth is if you go there, and do your thing, basketball, tennis, whatever - nobody is going to bother you, and you get the advantage of a nice, and often underused park.

I recommend checking it out.