The scent of pine infuses beautiful, mountaintop Scholl Canyon Ballfields, set against the rugged Verdugo Mountains and operated by the city of Glendale. In the distance, you can see the tips of downtown L.A.'s skyscrapers. There are three spotless, deep-green ballfields surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees: a huge one with an infield, a softball field and a smaller field, all with bleachers so new that the aluminum looks polished. State-of-the-art lighting, free parking and a weekend snack bar for your large group are among the other plusses. If you are a civic or school group, book far ahead to be safe. For everyone else, no reservations are allowed: Just show up. If a civic group with a reservation comes along, your casual group has to leave. It's free, it's fair, and it works. 3200 E. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale. (818) 548-6420, ci.glendale.ca.us/parks/scholl_canyon_ballfields.asp. —Norm Jenssen

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