A DAY IN THE PARK

Brand Park

15174 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills

Size: 19 acres.

Facilities: Two baseball diamonds, soccer field, floral garden, covered picnic facilities that will accommodate large parties or receptions.

Hours: 9 a.m. to dark Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to dark Saturdays and Sundays.

Information: (818) 361-1377.

Wilfredo Gabidia, who has been taking care of Brand Park for three years, knows perhaps better than anyone else how many birthday parties and wedding receptions have taken place there.

“There are two reasons why this park is so popular for parties and receptions,” Gabidia said. “First of all, it is beautiful and, second, it is located across the street from the San Fernando Mission.”

Typically, people who get married at the mission take their wedding party across the street for a beautiful outdoor reception, Gabidia said. The park is ideal for taking photographs because it has a large floral garden and dozens of trees, he said. Because of this, the park is very busy on most weekends.

“But the park is a different place during the weekdays,” Gabidia said. “It’s quiet, serene and the perfect place to bring a book or a picnic lunch and get away from the rush of the city for a while.”