Orange County Parks – Which one’s Perfect for You?

Here are some of the many choices: Heisler Park in Laguna Beach,  San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, Fairview Park in Costa Mesa  and Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley

With Southern California’s climate perfection, and the growing awareness that being outdoors really is the best antidote for stressful urban living, finding the perfect park here is both a wise decision for you, and is a really good choice for  many reasons.

In fact, you may want to create your own ‘best park list.’  Huntington’s Central Park is nearby for me, and I often stop by to do my walk that starts near the Park Bench Café onGoldenwest St.  I’ve find twenty minutes out of my day by doing this and I always feel better afterwards.

Ask yourself: “What do you want most in a park?” Convenient locations for an early morning run? Fantastic views, beautiful grounds, family areas, pet facilities, exercise facilities and sports areas–or quiet spots for retreats?

Each one of these features helps to make every park an excellent choice. Naturally, the more the merrier for everyone’s particular tastes.

So let’s find out which one of these Orange County Parks is perfect for you:

• Heisler Park  in Laguna.  Are you all about the view?  Take your camera, a picnic lunch and someone special for a memorable outing.
• This park takes the prize for stunning views. Known as one of the most popular parks in Laguna Beach,Heisler Park provides unmatched views of the southern coastline. Just steps away from theLagunaArt Museum and the popular Las Brisas Restaurant, a constant flow of people stroll through the park, pause by the park’s gazebo and admire the park’s collection of artwork commissioned by the city.   There are walkways and stairs to the beach, and this is also a popular spot for diving.  Metered parking is available onCliff Street. The park is at 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach,CA 92651 

•  San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary  Are you happiest when the wind and the birds are the only sounds around?   Then this is your spot.  Huge jackrabbits silently bound through the bushes and overhead flocks of birds’ wheel through the sky. Way off in the distance you can glimpseIrvine’s massive buildings, or see an occasional glint of a car reflecting in the sunlight.  But in the sanctuary all is quiet. The San Diego Creek parallels the wide walking trails.  Bring a camera and wear comfortable shoes. The sanctuary is situated at the edge of the University of California Irvine campus, just off Campus Road.   Watch for the turnoff onto Riparian Street.  You can easily miss the sharp left turn onto the straight little two lane road. Then one more sharp left takes you down a steep driveway, and you are there.  The sanctuary is at  5 Riparian View, Irvine CA 92612 

• Fairview Park in Costa Mesa. Are you looking for family options and open spaces for you and your dog?  Fairview offers vast expanses of rolling green wilderness and neatly clipped grassy areas.  The park has three main sections: a plateau above the riverbed; the riverbed; and a mini-train track across the street–the Goathill Train—perfect for birthday parties and special outings.  For BMX riders there are jumps and hills hidden within the plants. For model airplane fans there’s an “air strip.” It’s fun to use as well as fun to watch.  Near the entrance of the park there’s a special area for kites. Hiking, biking, running and pet walking are all welcome here. There are also trails for horseback riding, and lots of small alcoves for picnics. If you love exploring a park with miles of open space, wear your walking shoes and enjoy the hike here. Open from sunrise to sunset, the park is located at2501 Placentia Avenue inCosta Mesa.

• Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley  Are  you always looking for new places for a walk or a jog?   For true fitness buffs, this park has a four mile track around its perimeter facing the streets of Euclid, Brookhurst, Warner and Edinger.  It is a mile on each side, just right for early morning jogs or late afternoon walks. Inside this four mile square regional park there’s an urban playground of 640 acres fully  equipped with well kept facilities for soccer, tennis,  baseball, softball, archery, basketball, cross country meets and volleyball.  There’s also a twenty acre nature center, two fishing lakes, 18 hole golf courses,  a coffee shop, bar, driving range and banquet room.  For family or group outings. Check their website for the fishing spots; overnight camping programs for juniors; bike and pedal boat rentals; and barbeque and fire rings for picnics or birthdays.MileSquarePark is located at 16801Euclid inFountain Valley,CA92708.