Knotty Pine Park in Laguna Hills: Perfect for Lazy Day Play

Knotty Pine Park in Laguna Hills was a surprise discovery behind bustling La Paz Road — tucked back in a well-manicured neighborhood. It’s easy to access from Interstate 5 and features lots of big sycamore trees for shade.

Directions to Knotty Pine Park: From Interstate 5, exit at La Paz and turn toward the ocean (up the hill). Make a left onto McIntyre where you’ll see Dunkin’ Donuts on your left and the shopping center housing Ironwood restaurant on corner on your right. Pass the shopping and turn right onto Knotty Pine Road. The park is on your left. (Park Address: Corner of MacKenzie Street and Knotty Pine Road) MAP to Knotty Pines Park in Laguna Hills

Highlights:

• Shade spots the park, so even on hot days you can find a cool spot
• Large expanse of lawn past the park for rolling down the hill, a game of tag, or playing frisbee
• A bit of an ocean theme with blue & green play surface and 2 hopscotch spots
• I liked using the concrete wall for a bench – it was well-shaded and also fun for using as a balance beam
• A little clubhouse on the sand for pretend play
• Two bench swings and one baby swing
• Benches right on the playground so it’s easy to see the kids from there or sitting along the concrete wall
• We love Villa Roma restaurant and market – if I were you I would grab some beef empanadas from their freezer section to bring home to bake for an easy dinner

Be Aware:

• One of the trees near the playground dropped seed pods which would be especially inviting for younger kids to put in their mouth (but it’s off the playground)
• NO restroom
• It is a hilly park, so scooters here could be a challenge for beginners

Checklist:

• Ample street parking along MacKenzie or Knotty Pine Road
• Recycled rubber play surface with small sandy area
• NO restrooms, but there is a drinking fountain
• Lots of shade if you move around to find it
• VERY easy to view the kids
• One picnic table near the playground, plus three more under a sycamore grove
• Sand volleyball court
• Official information from City of Laguna Hills on Knotty Pine Park
• Nearest public library: Mission Viejo Public Library or Laguna Hills Technology Library

Nearby Laguna Hills Parks:

• MacKenzie Park
• Dinosaur Park
• Conejo Park

Originally published in August 2009.