Accessible playgrounds in Orange County have play equipment designed for children with special needs. Many times, that means the actual play structure has ramps that accommodate children in wheelchairs. It also means much of the play surface around the equipment is a flat recycled rubber surface. I've seen accessible swings and "boats" which fit wheelchairs and friends can … [Read more...]
Sweet Shade Park in Irvine
Sweet Shade Park is one of Irvine's city parks. It's tucked off Harvard Avenue near the Villages of Columbus neighborhood. The bright blue geometric play structure caught our eye as we drove by back when the neighborhood was being built. Location of Sweet Shade Park in Irvine: It's off Harvard Avenue which runs parallel to Jamboree Road. The easiest cut overs … [Read more...]
Newport Dunes Beach Cottages and Resort Overview
Newport Dunes beach cottages weren't even on my radar during my days as a student at UCI. I drove by the corner of Jamboree and PCH countless times. My husband and I lived near Rogers Gardens, so we explored most of hilly Newport Beach and Corona Del Mar on foot. We even walked Back Bay Drive. For some reason, I never ended up at Newport Dunes resort. With its wealth of RVs and … [Read more...]
Los Olivos Community Park near Irvine Spectrum
Los Olivos Community Park near Irvine Spectrum opened in March 2019. It's near the site of the old Irvine Meadows Amphitheater off of Irvine Center Drive. This land was once home to Wild Rivers, Camp James, a Christmas tree lot and a huge parking lot to support those big entertainment venues. Now it's a massive apartment housing complex by Irvine Company with security guards … [Read more...]
Creekside Park in Dana Point
Creekside Park in Dana Point sits right off of Stonehill Drive near Interstate 5. Many call it Stonehill Park. It's super easy for freeway access and very near Dana Point Harbor. I used to describe this park as the one with the climbing wall, but since its update in 2016 it's more of a climbing and spinning park with multiple opportunities to do both! This is still one of … [Read more...]