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What People Are Saying

Photo courtesy of Bosh Images /Mali Workman Photography

I always say my pay comes in pennies and smiles.  Here’s a sampling of comments from my biggest pay days:

“Thank you so much for this fall guide. I have not done any of the activities before. Thank you for being an inspiration to reconnect with earth with our families in a fun way. You are transforming the world, one nature activity at the time.” -Anna (September 2015)

“Having Michele as a guest speaker at Mom & Tot OC was an eye opening experience for all of us. She’s an inspiring mom, blogger, and nature expert and her advice is invaluable to all moms in Orange County. The research she has done on shaded parks, water parks, baby beaches, and more in OC is tremendous! It’s easy to become a creature of habit and visit the same parks everyday, but since she spoke to our group, a lot of us moms have actually ventured out to different parks together.” -Dawn from Mom & Tot OC (August 2015)

“This was an amazing review of this park. Your details are awesome. Love the pictures. I went to the park today because of your post!!! It was my first time. It was a blast. My kids loved it. Going again tomorrow with a friend and her daughter.” -Heather (August 2015)

“I love your e-mails!  We have 3 kids (ages 11/2, 4, 6), and we love being outside and spending time in nature.  We’ll be leaving in 3 weeks for a road trip to go tent camping along the CA and OR coastline.  My sister and her family will be joining us, for a total of 4 adults and 6 kids!  Thanks for writing about your outdoor adventures!  Very inspiring!” -Ginger (August 2015)

“I love, love your blog! It is my new, most favorite resource! I have even gotten my friends involved and we are planning on visiting as many of the parks you’ve listed as we can! It’s a fun to do list for us! I especially love that you have categorized the parks by north, south, etc. Most places don’t do that, and that is a HUGE perk for me!“ -Cory (July 2011)

“I just wanted to say how helpful your website is – I have a one year-old daughter, and trying to find specific details on local parks had been time consuming and rather difficult until I came across your site. I love that you can search by area, see images, and find really detailed information all in one place. Thank you for putting this site together!” -Melanie (July 2011)

“I love your blog and Facebook page! I use the map a lot-especially to find half-way meeting spots for playdates with friends who are an hour away.” -Elizabeth (July 2011)

“Your blog is absolutely fantastic! You take all the guess work out of park exploration! Honestly, with 22 month old twins, there’s no way I’d have time to pre-check parks for safety, parking, bathrooms etc online before heading out the door. You’re amazing! You’ve inspired me, too…we’re at a park literally everyday… checking out at least two new ones a week. You’re truly an inspiration. Many sincere thanks for all you do!” -Emily (July 2011)

“I’m new in your website, but I have to say that I am loving it! Thanks Michelle for putting together this info for the Oc moms looking for great and safe places for our kiddos.” -Carmen (July 2011 / Sweet Shade Park)

“A lovely post — you captured just what it feels like to eat outdoors in the summer, that leisurely feeling when you’re totally attuned to your environment. I also enjoyed the connection you made about parents as possible catalysts for play, not necessarily directing their play but introducing them to all sorts of new places and adventures that might exist in the world. It reminds me of an issue addressed in Mike Lanza’s recent blog on Playborhood, where he writes that childhood can’t be changed without parents’ help. Thanks for taking us through the steps to how your family explores the natural world!” -Amy (July 2011 / A Community Where Nature is Cool)

“I am so excited to find your page and your blog! I’m off for summer and want to get my kids outside and meet up with friends! Thank you for all your great ideas already.” -Joan (June 2011)

“This is a great website. I am staying in San Clemente for the summer with my two girls and this website is a life saver! What a great service. Thank you.” -Kelly (June 2011 / Talega Park)

“Just wanted to thank you for the kind words regarding how this all came about. My kids are great and Tarp Surfing is a total blast! It helped me through cancer making it possible to get stand up dry barrels when I was too sick to go surf. Now I am back surfing everyday with my kids. Thanks again!!” -Robert (June 2011 / The Coolest Kids Around)

“Michele, thank you for all the hard work you do to make it EASIER and FUN for us moms ! You have done such an amazing job researching parks, beaches and places that you know families would love to visit. I told many about this website and Facebook page as well. Keep up the good work! See you around this summer!” -Eva (June 2011)

“Love your blog, Love your website, LOVE the play trips – You are doing a great job!” -Jaymi (June 2011)

“Just found your site this last week! Perfect timing…my kiddos needed a scenery change from our usual park spot! We’ve been to 2 different parks (Heritage Park which they LOVED…went twice this week). And, today we made the trek to “Dinosaur Park” which was also a huge hit!!” -Jena (June 2011)

“Hi Michele, your website and helpful hints were great. Our family and another family friends for ours did this hike with our kids and it was great!” – Suedine (June 2011 / Trestles)

“Michele, thank you so much for your lovely words. This is a terrific post on reaching out to those in our community who make a difference. I love it and it’s my sincere wish that we have the opportunity to meet in person one day. xx” -Caro (May 2011 / Please Meet Your Neighbor)

“You have made your own mark on your own kids, my kids, and probably 1000s of other kids as a Mom who loves nature and loves to write about play in nature. So hats off to you!” -Danielle (May 2011 / Moms are My Best Friends)

“Read your blog daily and enjoy it very much. I have 2 young nature explorers who love going out, hiking, playing camp and explore the outdoors as much as they can. I would like one of the guidebooks very much as it would come helpful on our weekend  “Magic tree house” adventures. I grew up surrounded by nature, meadows, lakes, rivers, forests and have fond memories playing with my dolls, playing pretend.” -Eva (November 2010)

“My lil guy loves to be outside, and we try to frequent local parks often to get outside and enjoy nature. Love your site, and thankful for your great posts! :0)” -Amber (November 2010)

“My daughter LOVES the great outdoors. I use your site frequently to pick new places to visit. Thanks!” -Kristel (November 2010)

“Totally jealous — sounds like a wonderful experience. I SO want to hear an owl hoot, too! And a newt & frogs? How fantastic!” -Debi (October 2010 / Guided Night Hike)

“I grew up at this park and my parents still live nearby, which means my kids visit it often. Because of this, this park is considered my kids “very favorite park” and it just melts my heart to hear that. A park that holds so many good memories for me is doing the same or my little ones. It’s a great little gem and very accessible, yet most weekdays are quiet around there. It’s a very easy park to keep an eye on your kids too!  Adjacent to the playground is a HUGE grassy field, great for rolling down or flying kites. Enjoy!” -M.B. (October 2010)

“Thank you for all your hard work in putting this site together for the awesome pictures, details, and care put into this resource!” -Tanya (September 2010 / Peter Green Park)

“I just remembered this park, My mom used to take me there when I was a kid. I loved the dragon slide. I am so happy to hear it is still around.” -Dori (July 2010 / Atlantis Play Center)

“I am so grateful you shared this park…I posted this page on my facebook……I have a three year old in a wheelchair….I almost cried when I saw that it is accessible for him too! :)” -Tracy (July 2010 / Box Canyon Park)

“Thanks for the info on Corona Del Mar SB. You gave better info. than the county websites!” -Lisa (July 2010 / Corona Del Mar beaches)

“I decided to picnic at a new park with the kids every Wednesday during summer break about a month ago when planning our summer. You can only imagine my joy when I found your site this morning while trying to decide where to start. Thank you !! Today we are off to Box Canyon. My ten year old was complaining he just wanted to stay home and watch TV until I showed him your pic’s now he is asking when we can go. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU !!!” -Jennifer (June 2010 / Park Recommendation form)

“What an excellent review! You covered all the aspects of the day.” -Rocky (June 2010 / Tanaka Farms)

“Holy cow! How have I not been here yet! I can’t wait to do this hike and play at this park!!!! Thanks Michelle!” -Sharlene (May 2010 / San Clemente Beach Trail)

“I grew up in Orange, and we loved to go to Eisenhower Park. I live in Northern Cal. now and miss So Cal. so much. Reading this has brought back to such great memories. Hope to come back soon to feed the ducks.” -Amy  (April 2010 / Eisenhower Park)

“What you’ve brought to the community is inspiring, thoughtful, and kind. The world is a better place because of you.” – Joe (April 2010 / Two Year Anniversary post)

“Thank you so much for this site! I took my 2 toddlers to this park this morning and we had a blast! A great place for imaginative play and those spinny seats are awesome!” -Melody (March 2010 / Coastal Peak Park)

“This post brought back SO many memories from my childhood! I remember painting rocks with real paint. Spending hours outdoors doing that. The water idea is even better! Going to do this activity this afternoon!” -Jennifer (March 2010 / Water Painted Rocks)

“I’m super impressed and super appreciative of this website and the information it provides! I’ve never checked out this park even though I’m relatively close. I will definitely check it out now! Thanks again!” -Nikki (March 2010 / Tustin Sports Park)

“Great site! Thank you for your hard work!” -Jo (November 2009)

“Ahh, I love this park, I just recommended it to my Mom to take the kids too. I need to go here more often.” -Kristi (August 2009 / Pioneer Road Park)

“This is such a wonderful resource. I can’t wait to explore it further. Thank you for doing all the research for us park-going moms!” -Gina (August 2009)

“This park is GREAT! I have been going to this park since the 1970′s. It was a great park back when we just used cardboard to slide down the big hill which is now beautifully landscaped. I had many Indian Maiden sleepover pow wows there as a little girl. I then began taking my son in the 80′s and he loved many years of running crazy and feeding ducks there also. I am now planning my first picnic with my grandson, and of course it will be, TeWinkle Park. It has something for everyone and for all ages to enjoy. A definite must see! Thanks for the memories and looking forward to many more.” -Anonymous (May 2009 / TeWinkle Park)

“I am a park nerd. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have found your blog! I CRAVE green spaces for my kids to run around in. I shall be looking over your entire blog for ideas!! Love it!” -Gina (April 2009)

My quotes in “famous people” books:

  • How to Raise a Wild Child by Dr. Scott Sampson
  • The Nature Principle by Richard Louv

Interviews and Spotlights Featuring FunOrangeCountyParks.com: