Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park

History and Location

Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park is a 106-acre site located in Huntington Beach, California. The park, named after Harriett M. Wieder, the first woman elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, opened to the public on April 6, 2004.

Currently, the County controls about 33 acres of the site as park land, with the remaining area restricted by private development agreements and long-term oil leases. The developed portion covers approximately 4 acres, while the remaining 30 acres comprise natural habitat area.

Park Design and Features

The park features a four-acre developed area that includes various amenities for visitors. It has been designed to blend with its surroundings, utilizing local plants and muted, creative materials for parking spaces, paths, seating, and playgrounds.

The park's grading incorporates water recycling, with a bio-swale system that captures site nuisance water, allowing rain and irrigation water to be locally absorbed to replenish groundwater.

Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding area, including Rancho Palos Verdes and Catalina Island on clear days. The park also offers beautiful overlooks of the Bolsa Chica wetlands and ocean.

Playground Areas

The park features recently renovated inclusive playgrounds with separate areas for toddlers and older children. The playground equipment includes ramps with gradual inclines, providing access to features at every level, making it ADA accessible and wheelchair-friendly.

The children's play area includes slides, monkey bars, climbing structures, and even a zipline in the section designed for older children. The playgrounds use vibrant green equipment that stands out against the natural surroundings.

Fitness Zone

Adults can stay active at the park's Fitness Zone, which features various body weight exercise stations and outdoor fitness equipment. The workout area includes disability-friendly options, making it accessible to visitors of all abilities.

The exercise equipment is well-maintained and positioned to take advantage of the park's scenic views.

Natural Environment

Beyond the developed area, Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park includes 30 acres of natural environment with native vegetation, a seasonal creek, and willow trees. Visitors can explore hiking trails and paths, potentially encountering various bird species from the nearby ecological preserve.

In spring, wildflowers bloom throughout the fields, creating colorful displays along the trails. The park borders the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, making it an excellent location for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and nature appreciation.

Hikers and mountain bikers share the trails, which extend towards both the ocean and nearby housing developments. The natural areas provide opportunities to observe raptors and other wildlife in their habitat.

Facilities

The park provides a 24-car parking lot for visitors, which can fill up quickly during busy times. The lot closes around 6 PM, though street parking is available during posted hours.

Clean public restrooms with sinks and soap are available and close at dusk. The park also offers numerous benches throughout the grounds and open grassy areas perfect for relaxation or play.

Visiting Information

The park is dog-friendly, though dogs should be kept on leashes, especially as coyotes have been spotted in the area. The trails can be dusty, so proper footwear is recommended, particularly if rain is in the forecast.

Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park connects to additional trails near Overlook Park, offering extended outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors looking to explore more of the area.