Northwood Community Park or Castle Park Irvine has an ACTUAL cinder block castle. It’s just an amazing park, not ordinary in any way. Here, kids can get lost in their imagination as they use the castle to play knights, dragons, kings, etc. Incorporates a creative variety of play areas with equipment unique to this location. Originally posted in August 2008. Re-visited in April 2009 and updated slideshow.
Location: On Bryan Avenue between Culver and Yale east of Interstate 5 in Irvine. (Address: 4531 Bryan Ave, Irvine). MAP to Northwood Community Park (Castle Park) in Irvine
Recommended by: Fun OC Parks Visitor
Highlights:
- The castle structure surrounds the park like a fortress which the kids absolutely love. Clamber over a bridge, duck your head in the tunnel, and scale walls and rocks to conquer the castle.
- A tremendous variety of play areas with rarities like a tire swing and sand stations where kids scoop and transfer sand from sink to sink or sift it through chutes. Also plentiful ride-on horses and a little turtle.
- Very clean. Lots of picnic areas in excellent condition. Has a huge soccer field, as well as baseball field in the back.
- My favorite is the spiral slide on the structure nearest the castle.
Be Aware:
- Only way to get down from the castle once you get up there is down a fire pole or back down the stairs the way you came.
- We once visited on a holiday and it was SWARMED with people. If you don’t like crowds, don’t come on busy weekends. Have a Plan B in mind and prep the kids.
Checklist:
- Parking is plentiful with two lots and on-street parking available. Always a space available.
- Play surface is recycled rubber and sand
- Very clean bathrooms
- Shade over the picnic areas and shade covers over some equipment
- Easy to see kids as they play on all the equipment – you’d only have to follow them if they get on the street or tennis court side of the castle (which is also fun:)
- Picnic areas equipped with grills – so make an evening of it
- Drinking fountains and vending machines
- Soccer field, basketball court, handball court, and half mile track
- 2 lighted tennis courts
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
We love this park!! Lots of stuff to do, and that castle is super unique.
My kids love the castle! It is a fun change of pace from the usual play structure. And the handball court next to the playground just sends me back into memories of my elementary school days. Two thumbs up!