PARKS

OUTDOORS

PARK YOURSELF HERE

With over 70 parks and playgrounds in Huntington Beach, get back to nature with a leisurely walk, challenging hike, relaxing picnic, or, better yet, a well-

deserved afternoon siesta. | BY MARCIE TAYLOR

Whether you want to chill through a nature trail or get the wiggles out of kids at a playground, Surf City USA has immense greenery for you. Here’s a snapshot of the city’s magical outdoor spaces:

The largest city-owned park in Orange County, Huntington Beach Central Park (18002 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach) covers over 350 acres of land and o ers endless fun (a slice of New York albeit its Central Park spans 843 acres). In the summer, theatregoers can enjoy a free outdoor concert series at the amphitheater while kids can get dirty from throwback games in Adventure Playground. Architecture bu s will take note of the stunning late-modern design of Huntington Beach Library, designed by Richard Neutra’s son Dion and completed in 1975.

Tucked behind the library, one can go on a meditative walk along the Secret Garden, which was built to showcase drought tolerant plants and provide a moment of serenity for those who visit (and a great spot for bird watching). Over on Central Park West, more adventure awaits: a dog park, disc golf course, equestrian center, a senior center, a lake for fishing, and Kathy May’s Lakeview Café.

Kids will discover one of the best playground structures in the city and not your typical slide-and-swing combo. There are three-dimensional climbing structures, rope bridges, and zip lines (think American Ninja Warrior). For younger children, there’s a toddler playground with baby swings and a teeter-totter, with a nice view of the lake.

Another park for kids is the pirate-themed

Huntington Beach All Inclusive Play-

ground (913 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach), which is designed to be all-inclusive and promote interactive play for children of all abilities. It features a rubber surface that complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and equipment that allows wheelchairs. The playground can be accessed from existing pathways from parking areas and the beach path.

Named after Orange County’s first female supervisor, Harriett M. Weider Regional Park (19251 Seapoint Ave., Huntington Beach) sits on four acres of land with nature trails and native plants abound. Get a view of the oil field and parts of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, with the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Playground equipment for older and younger kids, as well as free workout equipment, is available.

Finally, relish the sights, smells, and sounds of countryside living at the Shipley Nature Center (17851 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach), a charming place where one can imagine life in Huntington Beach over a century ago. Go bird watching and wander self-guided trails to find freshwater ponds, stately oak trees, and, come spring, brilliant orange California Poppies.