Pioneer Road Park in Tustin

Pioneer Road Park in Tustin is probably best-known for its summer water play. Thanks so much to Mary for recommending this one! It’s not even on the map.

My kids “oooh-ed” and “aaaah-ed” upon arrival at the brick-paved parking lot. Planners thought of every detail to make it feel like you’ve traveled back to pioneer days.

From the many depictions of cowboys and the West to the southwestern-flavored vegetation to the log cabin picnic gazebo with stone chimney – your kids will be saying “Yee-haw!”

How to Get to Pioneer Road Park in Tustin: Pioneer Road Park lies between Cedar Grove Park and Irvine Regional Park off of Jamboree Road. As you are driving up Jamboree, Pioneer Road is just past Patriot Way. Turn left on Pioneer Road. The park is the second driveway on your left with a dedicated parking lot. [Address: 10250 Pioneer Road, Tustin.] MAP to Pioneer Road Park in Tustin

Recommended by: Mary

Highlights:

• Three “covered wagons” are definitely the highlight of this Western-themed park
• Big, fun tube slides
• Water play area for hot summer days (only runs in summer)
• Hardly anyone there during the week and in very nice new area of Tustin (on Tustin/Orange border)
• Swing heaven! Six bench swings and 2 baby swings
• Picnic table heaven! 2 small picnic tables near the grass volleyball court, 1 small table between wagons and playground, 3 small tables by swings, massive covered picnic area
• Lots of opportunities for horizontal climbing
• New playground improvement in 2023 which added to the Pioneer theme: cactus, Francis the Horse, pretend play post office and bank. Plus climbing grips and clock tower. Definitely feels like an “older kid” playground.

Be Aware:

• Mary says: “Popular for birthday parties on weekend and then the small parking lot fills up” (I spoke to another mom when I visited who seconded that it’s great for birthdays.)
• The water play area is on a concrete surface, so be sure to have non-skid water shoes to avoid falls (my daughter skinned her knee here and it wasn’t even wet!)
• In speaking to moms at the park, local word is that it’s a horrible park for multiple kids. I didn’t have a problem with 2, but I could see how any more might get a little worrisome.
• HOT in the summer with no shade on the playground. Try going early in the morning, hit the splash pad after playing before it gets too hot!
• Already heard about scrapes and burns (when it’s hot) from playing on the horse head. Just use caution and be nearby.

Checklist:

• Dedicated parking lot with maybe 20 spaces
• Bark play surface
• Nice, clean restrooms steps away from the play area
• Shade-covered picnic area – no large trees for shade
• If you can corral your kids into one of the many play areas of the park, it’s easy to watch them. If they like to roam, you might be running around.
• Grass volleyball, half-court basketball, water play area.
• Lots of picnic tables and one grill
• Official City of Tustin website – I suggest calling ahead to see if water play is open on the day you want to go!
• Nearest public library: Irvine Katie Wheeler Public Library
• Find more Orange County Splash Parks and Water Play

Parks Nearby Pioneer Road Park in Tustin:

• Cedar Grove Park
• Citrus Ranch Park
• Settlers Park in Irvine

Originally published February 2009.