Peralta Canyon Park in Anaheim sits off Santa Ana Canyon Road near the 91 Freeway. It's another great find by reader, Lisa. She is so great at finding North County parks and sharing such detailed info with me -- that she became our volunteer park reporter for a few years!
Location of Peralta Canyon Park: Exit the freeway at Lakeview Avenue. You will immediately hit a T-intersection with the only choices are left or right. Turn left and stay on that road as it turns into Santa Ana Canyon Road. Turn left on Pinney Drive and make your first left onto Gerda. Follow Gerda around where you'll see the parking lot by the picnic shelters. (Address: 115 N. Pinney Drive, Anaheim) MAP TO PERALTA CANYON PARK IN ANAHEIM
Highlights:
- Fun toddler play structure, and huge play structure for the slightly bigger kids (which my toddler prefers, but isn't that always how it is?).
- Rarely crowded except for on holidays or when there are sports practices on the fields. Typically I only see one or two other families while we're playing.
- Keep your eyes and ears open for the flock of green parrots that hangs out here! I usually hear them before I see them, and then they hang around for a while. Very cool, and exciting for the kids.
- A good amount of picnic benches with grills are sprinkled throughout the park, plus there's a lot of shady grassy areas to spread a blanket out on.
- 2 bench swings, NO baby swings
- There is also a neighborhood center offering classes and events up on the corner as you drive into the parking area.
Be Aware:
- The play structure is a little dirty and could use some love and pressure washing, but it certainly doesn't bother my toddler.
- No shade right around the play area - but there are plenty of big shady trees right around there to cool off under.
- The bark level is a little low and it's been piled up under the slides so the drop isn't so great when the kids come flying out.
- A bit of a roar from the 91 Freeway, but still feels peaceful among the tall trees and quiet neighborhood.
- There is a nearby school, so you might want to avoid pick-up and drop-off times.
Checklist:
- Large dedicated parking lot. The one time we experienced a crowd of people there (Easter - so it was to be expected), we were still able to find a parking spot.
- Bark play surface with a recycled rubber accessibility ramp in one spot
- I'd describe it as a sunken play area where parents can sit on benches or along the edges of the playground to watch the kids. There are also 3 picnic tables adjacent to the swings.
- There are picnic shelters for a larger group (with grills, counters, and sinks) available for reservation through the Community Services Department (714-765-5233).
- Drinking fountain is near the picnic shelters.
- Bathrooms by the basketball court.
- Baseball field, basketball court, volleyball court
- Official City of Anaheim page for Peralta Canyon Park
- Nearest public library: Try the Canyon Hills Branch of the Anaheim Public Libraries or Yorba Linda Public Library
Originally published in May 2010.
