777 Pearl St., Monterey

646-3866,

www.monterey.org

Dennis the Menace Park first opened in 1956, via the “creative efforts” of the comic strip’s creator, Hank Ketchum. From the beginning it was a haven of fun and adventure for kids and has, over the years, bestowed those gifts to generations who’ve crawled on the big steam locomotive, tramped across the walking bridge, drank from the gaping mouth of the lion water fountain and slid down various slides. One can almost sense Hank smiling.