Knotty Pine Park was a surprise discovery behind bustling La Paz Road–tucked back in a well-manicured Laguna Hills neighborhood. It’s easy to access from Interstate 5 and features lots of big sycamore trees for shade.
Location: From Interstate 5, exit at La Paz and turn toward the ocean (up the hill). Make a left onto McIntyre where you’ll see Family Fitness on your left and the shopping center housing Villa Roma on your right. Pass the shopping and turn right onto Knotty Pine Road. The park is on your left. MAP to Knotty Pines Park in Laguna Hills
Highlights:
- Shade spots the park, so even on hot days you can find a cool spot
- Large expanse of lawn past the park for rolling down the hill, a game of tag, or playing frisbee
- A bit of an ocean theme with blue play surface and an octopus for decoration
- I liked using the concrete wall for a bench – it was well-shaded
- A little playhouse on the sand for pretend play
- Two bench swings and one baby swing
Be Aware:
- One of the trees near the playground dropped seed pods which would be especially inviting for younger kids to put in their mouth (but it’s off the playground)
- NO restroom
Checklist:
- Ample street parking along MacKenzie or Knotty Pine Road
- Recycled rubber play surface with small sandy area
- NO restrooms, but there is a drinking fountain
- Lots of shade if you move around to find it
- VERY easy to view the kids
- One picnic table near the playground, plus three more under a sycamore grove
- Sand volleyball court
