New Temple Park

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Parks

California

Nearby: Shiveley Park Mary Van Dyke Park

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

New Temple Park is a popular recreation area located in the city of South El Monte, California.

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Summary

It is a great destination for families looking for outdoor activities and relaxation. The park covers an area of approximately 20 acres and features a variety of amenities including baseball fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a community center.

One of the main attractions of the park is the large lake, offering visitors the opportunity to fish, boat, or simply enjoy the serene surroundings. There is also a walking path that circles the lake for those who prefer a more leisurely activity. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful Japanese Garden and the historic San Gabriel Mission, which is located nearby.

Interesting facts about the park include its unique history as a former landfill site that was transformed into a beautiful recreational area. Additionally, the park was once used as a location for Hollywood films, such as "Gone in 60 Seconds" and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle".

The best time of year to visit New Temple Park is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and comfortable. Summer months can be hot and crowded, while winter can be rainy and cool. Visitors should also be aware of the park's operating hours and parking fees.

Overall, New Temple Park offers a great outdoor experience with plenty of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. It is a must-visit destination for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Southern California.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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