Sergeant Matt Davis Park in Mission Viejo offers visitors "Pretty much a 270 degree view of Saddleback Mtns/foothills and undeveloped hills beyond Ladera and Antonio Pkwy. I was on the highest point of the bigger kid play structure and enjoyed a small ocean view! Not too shabby for a Mission Viejo Park! This park isn't used enough for how awesome it is." Thanks to Brian for the recommendation.
The park is hidden in a neighborhood where you almost can't even see it from the street! It has a sidewalk that spans all around the exterior.
Directions to Sergeant Matt Davis Park: From the 5 Freeway, exit at Oso Parkway and drive towards the foothills. Turn right on Marguerite Parkway and turn left onto Felipe Road. Then turn right on Athens Court, right on San Rafael and an immediate left on Barcelona Drive. The final turn is a left onto Camino Largo where you'll park a little ways up on the right. The playground is not visible from the street. (Directions sound difficult, but it's not really too complicated.) Park Address: 26210 Camino Largo, Mission Viejo. MAP TO SERGEANT MATT DAVIS PARK IN MISSION VIEJO
Recommended by: Brian
Highlights:
- Two very cool playgrounds. One for toddlers and one for bigger kids, adults.
- 2 baby swings, 2 regular swings
- Springy dinosaur and truck
- Big stand up teeter totter with rubber wheel cushions
- Great path/trail leading in to the park, which makes the play area far from the street or danger of traffic.
- Wonderful perimeter path through gardens, sycamores, pines, with great views of Saddleback Mtn and the creek far below. Nice view of hills and open country past Ladera Ranch.
- Lots of hills and grass to run around or picnic
Special Note:
- This park was dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Matt Davis. The memorial sits at the most beautiful spot in the park where families can sit and gaze out at the view and ocean - and honor a sheriff who gave his life while serving his community.
Be Aware:
- Summer brings rattlesnakes along the perimeter walk and into the sand area, though I have never seen one in the 3 times I visited last summer. They are there because the park does border open country!
- NO restrooms
- Could be quite hot in the summer (no shade on the playground)
Checklist:
- NO restrooms
- There is a drinking fountain
- Parking on the street
- Sand and recycled rubber play surface
- Lots of benches and small tables to view the kids (reminds me of Melinda Park)
- Lawn space for families spread out blankets and enjoy the tranquility of the spot
- Shade for picnics, but not for play
- Official City of Mission Viejo interactive park map
- Nearest public library: Mission Viejo Library (not part of OCPL)
Nearby Parks:
Originally published in January 2011.
