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Home » Playgrounds by City » OC South » Lake Forest

Alton Park in Foothill Ranch: Small Shaded Park Almost Has It All

Alton Park in Foothill Ranch (Lake Forest) is one of those rare parks that has everything in one small package - except restrooms.

How to Get to Alton Park in Lake Forest: Take Lake Forest Drive or Bake Parkway up to Portola and turn left. Take a right onto Alton Parkway and the park is on your left. Or go ahead and take Alton Parkway all the way from Interstate 5. (Address: 18992 Alton Parkway, Foothill Ranch) MAP TO ALTON PARK IN LAKE FOREST

Highlights:

  • Lots of shade from trees and shade cover!  And a very sheltered feel to the playground.
  • Kids will love the clubhouse for pretend kitchen play -- and this one is longer than the typical clubhouse.
  • Half basketball court for older kids while the youngers are on the playground.
  • 3 person "shower head" spinner.
  • Bridges, slides, climbing challenges -- all on a playground that's relatively close to the ground.
  • 2 bench swings and one baby swing.
  • Large grassy area for play and sidewalk for little nature walks.
  • There is a water feature near a sandbox, but it wasn't working when we visited.
  • Ramp entries to playground, but not particularly accessible equipment.
  • I was inspired to build "fairy houses" or "gnome houses" with the leaves, sticks, and other treasures I found on the playground. There's even little spots along the hillside where I could see other children had played.
  • Very near the main shopping centers and restaurants in Foothill Ranch.

Be Aware:

  • As always, there are a couple of drop points above the ladders where you'll need to watch younger kids closely.
  • NO restroom
  • Not a lot of benches in the shade, but if you bring a camp chair -- you'd have prime viewing along the hillside that leads to the rest of the park
  • Bordered by a cul-de-sac near the playground and Alton on the other side by the basketball court

Checklist:

  • Free street parking
  • No restrooms
  • Play surface is wood chips and sand
  • Half basketball court
  • 3 to 4 tables with grills set up around a grassy area with a view
  • 3 small picnic tables under a shaded cover within view of the playground
  • Official City of Lake Forest page for Alton Park
  • Nearest public library: Foothill Ranch branch of OCPL.org website

Nearby parks:

  • Borrego Park
  • Foothill Ranch Community Park
  • Nature Park

Originally published in October 2013.

More Lake Forest Parks

  • Lake Forest Sports Park Playgrounds and Recreation Center
  • tamarisk park lake forest
    Tamarisk Park in Lake Forest
  • Serrano Creek Park in Lake Forest: Horse Trails and Eucalyptus for a Real Rancho Feel
  • Mountain View Park in Lake Forest

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

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