Barbadanes Park

Barbadanes Park will always be a memorable trip for me because of all the nearby residents who were hanging out or walking through when we visited. We went during after school hours and there were a group of 12 year old eating bags of Funyuns and drinking Kool-Aid just like the old days. The play equipment itself isn’t very notable or updated as compared to many Orange County parks.

Location: From I-5, exit in Mission Viejo at Oso Parkway.  Go east and turn right onto Marguerite Parkway.  Turn left on Felipe Road and take another left onto Barbadanes. Park near the blue fencing you’ll see on your right.  MAP to Barbadanes Park in Mission Viejo

Highlights:

  • The cute, but odd honeybee is the most discerning element of this simple neighborhood playground
  • The playground structure is sunk into a bark pit with 3 steps on each side (it makes a pseudo-boundary for little ones)
  • The structure is accessible to a point by a ramp, but a person in a wheelchair will not be able to go very far onto the equipment
  • 2 bench and 2 baby swings sit above the main playground in a sand pit
  • A really nice half court basketball very near the playground
  • Sidewalk spanning the perimeter of the park with a large lawn area in the middle
  • Benches to sit and view kids while they are playing

Be Aware:

  • The bridges and some of the higher points have some pretty big openings. Maybe not the best for unsteady toddlers
  • NO restrooms
  • Not a destination playground, but nice if you’re in the area

Checklist:

  • On street parking
  • Bark and sand play surfaces
  • NO restrooms
  • Drinking fountain
  • Half court basketball
  • Lots of benches
  • I didn’t see any picnic tables

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Newport Ridge Community Park: Fun for Residents Only

February 6, 2010
Newport Ridge Community Park

Newport Ridge Community Park is an open space dedicated solely to  Newport Ridge Community Association homeowners. It’s not gated, but it’s very clear the public is not welcome with signs sprouting from the top of the playground, the picnic area and the entrance to the parking lot.
I include it here because there are probably some [...]

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They’re Not From Here (and They Miss Their Mommy)

February 4, 2010
wilson and Ditch

That’s me with Wilson and Ditch at the playground. Wilson’s wearing the patriotic red, white, and blue shirt. He’s a pretty smart gopher. Well, at least he quotes brochures a lot. He’s traveling around America with his comical little bro, Ditch.  See that red van behind us?  That’s their ride.  The sign on the door [...]

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Ridgecrest Park: Saddleback Valley Views and Shady Swings

February 1, 2010
Ridgecrest Park

Ridgecrest Park provided us our first sunny play outdoors day after all that rain a few weeks ago.  I don’t know if it’s because we were playground-deprived, but we had an especially good play here. I can see how it would be great in the summer with its shade over the playground.
Location: Right off Aliso [...]

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We Don’t Have An App, But Check Out Our Icon!

January 30, 2010
iPhone icon

I’m such a nerdy girl! That’s why I’m always tinkering with the site and trying out new techie things.  This post is for all my fellow (and future) iPhone  users.  I imagine the same or similar steps would work for you lucky iPad owners, as well.
If there’s one thing lacking about my iPhone, it’s the [...]

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Irvine Central Bark: Check OCDogFriendly.com For More Canine Parks

January 28, 2010
Dog Parks

Irvine Central Bark is one of 13 dedicated dog parks in Orange County. Scott submitted a recommendation for Central Bark because of its separate Big Dog/Little Dog areas. Scott warns he’s seen relatively big dogs in the little dog area –which could be explained because the sign outside says older, frail dogs can use the [...]

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How Play-Doh Saved Me From Restaurant Insanity

January 26, 2010
Play-Doh

I have a love/hate relationship with Play-Doh.  All the mixing, molding, shaping and tasting (oops, that’s just my 2 year old) inspires creative play.  How can you not love a plate of pasta rolled from blue Play-Doh?  Doesn’t the thought of a multi-colored snowman bring a smile to your face?  I must admit, it’s the [...]

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Crystal Cove State Park: Tidepooling at a Natural Playground

January 24, 2010
Crystal Cove State Beach Tidepooling

Crystal Cove State Park’s waters are a designated underwater park–which may be why the tidepooling was so amazing on our visit.  December and January are notorious for the highest of high and lowest of low tides.  I’m sure you’ll find something different on every visit throughout the year.
Location: We’ve been to other parts of [...]

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Anytime-Art Workshop: Professional Instruction on Capturing Family Fun

January 23, 2010
Anytime-Art

Mali and Noel just announced their next Anytime-Art Workshop in Mission Viejo.  Anytime-Art is a photography workshop designed for people who love photography, own an SLR camera and know they could be shooting better pictures… if they only knew how…
This was just the sort of knowledge Dara was looking for when she paid to participate [...]

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