5 Historic North Orange County Parks for Vitamin D Seekers
Get Outside! … Part of my weekly series Sunshine with A Slant: Inspiration and Introspection ….
Since the invention of cities, parks have been a way to escape the hustle of modern life and reconnect with nature. The pandemic has found many rediscovering their love of green spaces as a way to get out of the house. Parks are a safe, affordable, and fun way to get outside and gather with others. You can even go by yourself to get your steps in and get some of that vitamin d we are all lacking right now. Parks can also be educational and teach you about a place. Did you know that the first state park in California was established in 1864 when President Lincoln signed The Act of June 30, 1864 which gave the “Yosemite Valley” and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the State of California? Parks have been providing Californians with necessary green spaces for quite some time. Here are five delightful, historic parks in North Orange County for your athletics, picnics, and learning pleasures.
Irvine Regional Park, Orange
1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869
Irvine Park is a 160 acre oak and sycamore grove that was sold to the county for $1 by James Irvine in 1897. All Irvine asked was that the land be kept as natural as possible and the trees well cared for. It is California’s first regional park. Today the park has something for everyone. There are the normal park things like picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, a paved bicycle and walking trail, six playgrounds, four softball fields, two horseshoe pits and lakes. In case that wasn’t enough there is also the Irvine Park Railroad, bike rentals, horse rentals, paddleboat rentals, the Lakeside Snack Bar, pony rides, and the OC Zoo. Every Tuesday from 9 to 1 there is a Farmers Market. There are frequently fun seasonal family events held here such as a pumpkin patch for Halloween and an Egg-stravaganza for spring. Parking is $3 per vehicle entry Monday — Friday; $5 Saturday — Sunday; Higher for some holidays and events.
Park Hours:
Fall — Winter Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST
Spring — Summer Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. PDT
For additional information:
https://www.ocparks.com/parks/irvine/
Pearson Park Anaheim
400 N. Harbor Boulevard Anaheim, CA 92802
A bond measure in 1920 established a historic City Park. This park opened in 1927 and is 19 acres. In 1960, it was renamed Pearson Park as a tribute to former Major Charles A. Pearson. In addition to being an excellent park to hang out in, this park tells the stories of many famous Anaheim residents. Park amenities include an amphitheater, volleyball courts, playground, ponds, picnic areas, swimming pool, tennis courts, lighted soccer fields, and softball courts. There is a statue of Madame Modjeska, a famous Polish Shakespearean actor who resided in Anaheim. There is a historic cactus garden started by Rudolph Boysen, creator of the boysenberry. The surrounding neighborhood is also worth exploring. It boosts many beautiful old historic homes including one previously owned by Carl Karcher, founder of Carl’s Jr. hamburger chain. The Packing House, Made, City Hall and Center Street Promenade are all close by for continued adventuring.
Park Hours:
5:00 AM — 10:30 PM
For additional information:
https://www.anaheim.net/Facilities/Facility/Details/Pearson-Park-48
Eisenhower Park Orange
2864 N. Tustin St. in Orange, CA
Eisenhower Park’s 16.46-acres were acquired in 1969, the year that President Dwight Eisenhower died. The land was formerly used as a floor mill powered by the manmade lake and irrigation canals. Today it is a peaceful place with multiple levels to enjoy a picnic, walk, or moment of zen. Although there are not the big sports courts like the previously listed parks there is fishing in the manmade lake. Other park amenities include barbecue stations, restrooms, two playgrounds, benches, and serene atmosphere.
Park Hours:
5:00 AM to 11:00PM
For additional information:
https://cityoforange.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Eisenhower-Park-and-Lake-20
Yorba Regional Park
7600 E. La Palma Anaheim, CA 92807
Yorba Regional is narrow linear park located near the Santa Ana River. The park is designed to recreate the river bank feeling. It is over a mile long and 140 acres. The land was originally a small part of larger cattle ranch and farm owned by Bernando Yorba in the 1800s. In 1972, Orange County purchased the land. The park opened in 1976 as the official Orange County bicentennial project. Park amenities include over 400 picnic tables, lots of shade, four lakes, bike trails connecting to the larger Santa Ana River trails, six playgrounds, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and two baseball fields. This park has an aquatic emphasis. There is fishing, boat rentals, model boats floating, and bird watching. Signs posted here describe the Egyptian Geese seen around local parks. Parking is $3 per vehicle entry Monday — Friday; $5 Saturday — Sunday; Higher for some holidays and events. There is free parking by the baseball fields.
For additional information:
https://www.ocparks.com/parks/yorba
Park Hours:
Fall — Winter Hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Spring — Summer Hours, 7 a.m to 9 p.m
Anaheim Coves
2916 E Lincoln Ave Anaheim, CA 92806
The Anaheim Coves is 2.5 multi-use trail and nature park completed in June 2019. It is the newest park on this list. While this park does not have the same historic backstories as the others on this list, it celebrates local history with the signage found on the path. Other amenities include fitness work out areas, native plants, restrooms, and playground. The explorers cove playground includes a fossil dig and zip line. It is a great easy level path to get in your steps or push yourself on a run in a beautiful setting.
For additional information:
https://www.anaheim.net/Facilities/Facility/Details/Anaheim-Coves-92
Park Hours:
Park is open from dawn to dusk.
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