Crown Valley Community Park

A crown jewel in the city’s park system, Crown Valley Community Park offers a wide range of activities for all ages.

Developed in 1978 by the county and bought by the city in 1989, the park provides recreational opportunities year-round, from hiking and biking to picnics and organized games on the athletic fields.

The park contains about 48 acres of maintained open space, half of which is developed. Visitors may trek along a self-guided trail, stroll through the park’s botanical preserve or explore its greenhouse.

Sports facilities include two soccer fields, a softball diamond, a community swimming pool and a gymnasium, which is operated by the YMCA. The city Recreation Department offices are also at the park.

The American Institute of Architects and UC Irvine included the park on their 1997 list of noteworthy neighborhoods, citing its open space and diverse offerings.

“I think it’s one of our most beautiful locations in the area,� said Pam Lawrence, director of recreation and administrative services for the city. “We think it’s one of the prizes in our park system.�

While enjoying the park’s amenities, the community plays a large role in its maintenance.

Volunteers make improvements to the park, modifying and expanding facilities to meet the public’s needs. The latest volunteer effort is to expand the botanical gardens, Lawrence said.

In citing the park as one of Orange county’s best public places, judges from the architects institute and UCI described the park as “a highly successful, community-level open space.�