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Bill Barber Community Park
16 Civic Center Plz
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-6711
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-6711
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
3 reviews for Bill Barber Community Park
Irvine has inspired me to run. Seriously. One can only be around so much of the SoCal shopping, cupcakes, OMG-i-just-saw-whats-her-face-from-the-hills, is-that-your-tiny-dog-in-your-louis-vuitton-purse? lifestyle that is characteristic of the OC
If it's one thing that's refreshing about Irvine, it's the greenery. Leafy branches rustling in the wind, dogs with their noses in the grass trotting along, FRESH AIRRRRR.
The thought has me itching to lace up.
But on to Bill Barber.
On of my most favorite things about this park is that outside the stadium closest to the parking lot is a bulletin board that has a handout that has pre-mapped runs for you. Wanna run 2 miles? 3 miles? 5 miles? That little map has the route for you!
LOVE this park. Well-kept, well-manicured, nice breeze comes through here. It's full of life. Depending on what season it is, the fields are usually filled with little league practices. Dog walkers are abound, always kept on leashes to the relief of mothers and toddlers out for a stroll. Tai-chi has been seen here. BBQ areas are available, as well as a playground for kids. People whiz by on bikes or are on runs along the trail that goes along Harvard. You could hear the slam of pucks and body checks from the nearby 949 roller rink.
The best place to take this all in is atop the hill with the plaque and American flag commemorating to Bill Barber. I collapse there after my run and stretch to the sundown.
While commuters are coming home from their grind, weary, starving, and dreading tomorrow, I'm on top of the world.
Absolute bliss!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
There are a lot of parks in Irvine, but this is the one I choose to return to again and again with my toddler daughter.
Highlights:
Sand & water play area which has a faucet that can be turned off and on and a series of basins that the water flows into.
Three separate but adjoining play structures, each designed for a different age group. The separation is good because it keeps my toddler from being trampled by the older kids, but the drawback is it's hard to keep an eye on multiple kids at once.
Large circular fountain with four frog sculptures with water shooting out of their mouths. My daughter gets a kick out of sitting on the frogs and touching the water as it sprays out.
Lots of open grassy area for frolicking.
Several BBQ shelters with picnic tables that can be reserved in advance through the City of Irvine.
The only things that could make this park even more outstanding would be (1) more shade around the play structures for us weary parents, (2) snacks...I've often wished for an ice cream cone while standing there in the sun watching my daughter play in the sand, and (3) more trees in the grassy areas under which to throw out a blanket for a picnic.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
Now from a parent's perspective:
This park kicks butt! This is possibly the best city park that I have ever been to for recreation (barring GG park in SF). This park has it all and in a compact format. They really didn't waste any space on things like forests or open spaces.
The kids park: This is the meat and potatoes for the Parents. The kids park has four (count em) four age relavant play areas (and play sets). The first area is the sand box which has sand and the requisite sifting and digging areas (this is great for the toddlers). Then there is the toddler play set nearby. Next to that there is a huge 5+ year old structure with multiple slides, steps, balancing pads, climbing rings, ramps, etc. Between this set and the next, larger, set there is a huge berm with a walk way on top and an arch with pathwar cutting through the center to the other playset. This last playset is even more expansive than the last with tire swing, ramps, bridges, slides, climbing rungs, zip line, hanging merry go round, and musical scales.
Lots of sitting areas for parents. Bathrooms are immaculate (as is the rest of the park) and nearby. Picnic tables (covered) adjacent to play areas. Parking relatively short walk through the rose garden.
Fab park. Check it out.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
