It's easy to find parks without sand or "Sand Free Parks in Orange County" with this list. Thanks to the reader who wrote in requesting the information.
"I am looking for parks that don't have bark chips or sand. I would prefer the rubber padded flooring. My granddaughter is autistic and due to the sensory issues that come along with that she would rather spend hours touching the sand or wood chips. If I could find a park without either it would enable her to enjoy the slides, swings, etc. I'm sure there are many parents of autistic children that would enjoy knowing where these parks are at in Orange County."
This reader will be happy to know that the recycled rubber surface is becoming a preferred surface at many playgrounds.
Parks Without Sand (and Without Bark Chips)
Parks marked with * have restrooms. I've listed the parks without sand by south county, central county, and north county so it's easier to find a sand free park near you.
Sand Free Parks in South Orange County
- Hidden Hills Park in Laguna Niguel
- Niguel Heights Park in Laguna Niguel
- Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel*
- Chapparosa Park in Laguna Niguel*
- Clipper Cove Park in Laguna Niguel
- Beacon Hill Park in Laguna Niguel
- Bear Brand Park in Laguna Niguel
- La Hermosa Park in Laguna Niguel
- La Plata Park in Laguna Niguel
- Parc Vista Park in Laguna Niguel
- Reef View Node Park in Laguna Niguel
- Seminole Park in Laguna Niguel
- Mackenzie Park in Laguna Hills
- Baker Ranch Community Park in Lake Forest*
- Cherry Park in Lake Forest
- Darrin Park in Lake Forest
- Portola Park in Lake Forest*
- Del Obispo Park in Dana Point
- Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point*
- Dana Crest Park in Dana Point
- Sea Canyon in Dana Point*
- Shipwreck Park in Dana Point
- Sunset Park in Dana Point / Capo Beach* - bark only under swings
Sand Free Parks in Central Orange County
- Bauer Park in Huntington Beach
- Pattinson Park in Huntington Beach
- Harriett Weider Regional Park in Huntington Beach*
- Slater Avenue Playground in Huntington Beach*
- Woodbridge Village Center in Irvine*
- Bosque Playground at Great Park Trails in Irvine*
- Veterans Sports Park in Tustin Legacy*
- Peppertree Park in Tustin*
- Bonita Canyon Sports Park (2-5 year old playground) in Newport Beach*
- Uptown Park in Newport Beach*
- Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park*
- Steve Ambriz Memorial Park in Orange*
- Serrano Park in Orange*
- Fred Barrera Park in Orange*
- Santiago Park in Santa Ana*
Sand Free Parks in North Orange County
- Eastside Community Park in Yorba Linda*
- Box Canyon Park in Yorba Linda*
- Arroyo Park in Yorba Linda*
- Brea Sports Park Playground*
- Wildcatter's Park in Brea*
- Santa Fe Park in Placentia
- Stanton Central Park in Stanton* - does have wood chips
- Lexington Park in Cypress*
- Pirate Park in Bellflower (not OC, but close)
- Heritage Park Play Island in Cerritos* (not LA, but close - pictured below)
Honorable Mentions (because they have a sandbox separated from the equipment):
- Pavion Park in Mission Viejo*
- Peter Green Park in Huntington Beach
- Larwin Park in Buena Park*
- Vista del Verde Park in Yorba Linda*
- Cabot Park in Laguna Hills*
- Costeau Park in Laguna Hills
- Knotty Pines Park in Laguna Hills
- Stockport Park in Laguna Hills
- Christopher Park in Mission Viejo
- Cordova Park in Mission Viejo
- Coronado Park in Mission Viejo*
- Lions Park in Costa Mesa*
- TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa*
- Great Park Playgrounds in Irvine*
- Portola Springs Community Park in Irvine*
- Plaza Park in Irvine*
- Valley Oak Park in Irvine*
- Tustin Sports Park in Tustin*
- Coastal Peak Park in Newport Beach*
- Grant Howald Park in Newport Beach
- Courtney's Sandcastle in San Clemente*
- Huntington Beach All-Inclusive Playground in the Sand* - this one is tricky because there is sand ALL AROUND, but none on the playground.
I hope that gives you some options! I will keep my eye out as I explore more parks. I know my "Fenced Parks" post has also been a popular one.
Originally published in June 2011.
