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Victory Park in Tustin: An Outdoor Tribute to El Toro Air Station History

by Michele Whiteaker

Victory Park in Tustin makes you feel like you are playing on the grounds of a Marine Corps Air Station. Wait. You are!

Directions to Victory Park in Tustin: The park is right off Jamboree near The District in Tustin. If you are coming from I-5, you take the Warner / Park Avenue exit off Jamboree. Turn right at the stop and the park is ahead of you on your left. Another easy way to get to the park, while getting a close-up view of the original full-size hangars is to take Barranca to Tustin Ranch Road and turn on Victory Road. MAP TO VICTORY PARK

Highlights:

  • Every detail of the park keeps the air station alive — from the hangar-shaped restroom building & covered picnic area to the mini flight control tower replica with photos of the helicopters that flew here

  • The garden area has landing strip details and the benches are shaped like airplane wings sitting on top of a hangar-shaped base. There are 6 placards sharing incredible details and historical photography of the old base.

  • Lots of climbing apparatus with different size handholds that would be fun, even for older kids
  • Grassy hill with a spiral path leading down into the playground – at the top is blue-filtered telescope and a red-filtered binocular that you can set on the hangar in the distance

  • Interactive play panels with drums and music, plus an oddly placed post office doorway that leads into a wall
  • Futuristic monkey bars and “spiderweb” climbers
  • Spinners
  • Balancing pedestals

  • An accessible ramp for wheelchair access to some of the playground features
  • Nice sidewalk around the park for walking or scooters
  • 6 bench swings, 4 baby swings

Be Aware:

  • It’s a BIG playground and you’ll probably have to follow your little one to be able to see him/her in all the places they can go. The good news is that the equipment is big enough to hold adults.
  • The tallest tunnel slide is only reachable by a ladder – and it’s steep. Test it out yourself first!
  • Not much shade on the play area

Checklist:

  • Dedicated parking lot
  • Recycled rubber and bark play surface with lots of lawn areas and some decomposed granite pathways
  • Nice new restroom building
  • Drinking fountain
  • Some benches, but they don’t really provide a great view of the playground
  • Covered picnic area with 4 tables and 2 charcoal grills
  • Four more picnic tables outside the cover, surrounding the grassy area near the parking lot. All situated for easy unloading.
  • 3 small elevated stages with shade covers and electrical for music performances
  • Reservations required for groups of 20 or more
  • Official City of Tustin reservation information
  • Official Victory Park page on city website

Nearby parks:

  • Bill Barber Memorial Park
  • Sweet Shade Park

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Subscribe to my FREE email inspiring you with creative play ideas.

Comments

  1. Rob says

    March 2, 2017 at 10:19 am

    Love this park, but parking lot is small and can be a pain to find a spot.

  2. Lisa says

    November 15, 2015 at 10:40 am

    I took the kids here yesterday, and they LOVED it. That tall side is FUN!

  3. Allie K says

    October 22, 2015 at 7:36 pm

    Wow, who knew? We are headed here tomorrow with my 3.5 & 1.5yr olds! Thanks!!

  4. Dawn Antis says

    October 22, 2015 at 9:36 am

    Wow this looks like an awesome park Michele!! Thanks for sharing! Great pics!

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michele profile photoWriter mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Click to subscribe to my FREE email inspiring you with creative play ideas.

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