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 Creek Road — so it’s most easily reached by exiting the 73 Tollroad at Glenwood Drive. Head towards Aliso Creek Road and turn left. Then turn left again onto Eastwing. If you are taking I-5, exit at El Toro Road and drive west until you hit Aliso Creek Road. Turn left and pass through the Laguna Audobon neighborhoods (with streets named after birds) until you make a right onto Eastwing. The Ridgecrest Park parking lot is right on the corner of Eastwing and Aliso Creek Road. MAP to Ridgecrest Park in Aliso Viejo
Highlights:
- The shade cover is a huge plus to this park. Actually, there are 4 shade covers: one over the picnic table, one over the swings, and one each over the big kid and little kid playgrounds.
- The kids liked the 4 person teeter-totter and 2 diggers.
- Mr. Play Parks and I took turns walking around the sidewalk running on the perimeter of the park enjoying the solitude and amazing views of Saddleback Valley.
- There’s lots of lawn in the center of the park and another separate lawn area beyond the playground.
- 4 bench swings, 1 baby swing, 1 accessible swing.
Be Aware:
- Seemed like there was a lot of competition for the basketball court, so have a Plan B if this is the only reason for your visit.
- Somewhat close to the street — with a ramp leading away from the main playground area. So stay vigilant if you have a “runner” or “wanderer.”
- You can’t view the kids when you are sitting at the covered picnic table, but there’s an unshaded picnic table near the playground.
Checklist:
- Dedicated parking lot
- Sand play surface
- Restroom near the parking lot
- Drinking fountain right near the playground
- Nice, flat walking path around the park
- Great views
- One bench in the center of the playground
- A covered picnic area right over a small hill from the playground (unshaded table near the playground)
- Tennis courts and basketball court
