Touring * Beginner * Slalom *

From U.S. 101 at the south end of San Luis Obispo, take the Marsh Street exit, which heads north toward downtown. Four blocks up, turn east onto Broad Street (State Highway 227). After almost two miles you'll see the sign for Tank Farm Road. Turn left toward the housing development, then right onto Poinsettia. French Park is a couple of blocks up, on the corner of Fuller and Poinsettia. Park on the street.

This small, relatively new park is set on a knoll with a 365-degree view of the surrounding hills, crisply outlined against blue skies that know no smog. The property includes enclosed tennis courts and a basketball court popular with neighborhood skaters and skateboarders alike. The dense lawn edging the smooth concrete sidewalks that criss-cross the knoll make this a great place to learn slalom turns. When balls and players are absent, first-time skaters can learn to glide safely on the perfect concrete of the basketball court.