LeBard Park

History and Location

Nestled at the base of a hill near the Santa Ana River Bicycle Trail, LeBard Park spans roughly 11.49 acres in Huntington Beach, California. This neighborhood green space has been open since its dedication on May 22, 1970, taking its name from the adjacent LeBard School.

Recreation Facilities

LeBard Park strikes a nice balance between active play areas and relaxing spaces. Baseball enthusiasts will appreciate the six softball fields that buzz with activity during little league season. The SeaView Little League calls these fields home for their games, while practices happen at various spots depending on field availability and coaching schedules.

Beyond baseball, you'll find four tennis courts for those looking to work on their serve. The modern playground features cushiony rubber matting. The play area thoughtfully caters to different age groups with two distinct sections - a gentler zone for the 2-5 crowd featuring climbing structures and swaying platforms, and a more adventurous setup for 5-12 year olds complete with rope climbing challenges, slides, a tire swing, and the crowd favorite: a zipline!

When you need a break, there are plenty of shaded spots and picnic areas with benches to relax. Getting here is hassle-free with both lot and street parking options available.

Recent Improvements

Huntington Beach has been investing in keeping LeBard Park in top shape. Phase 2 of their improvement project includes a complete overhaul of the tennis courts along with some landscape enhancements.

The small clubhouse that once served for league signups is no longer standing as it had deteriorated beyond repair. While there's no immediate funding for a replacement building, the community has expressed interest in seeing something new constructed in the future.

Surrounding Area

One of the park's greatest assets is its proximity to the Santa Ana River - one of Southern California's most significant waterways that travels nearly 100 miles from the San Bernardino mountains before meeting the Pacific Ocean.

A convenient pedestrian and bicycle bridge spans the river, connecting you to several beautiful Costa Mesa parks including Talbert Regional Park, Vista Park, and Fairview Park. Many locals love that this bridge provides access to a bike path leading all the way to the beach, making it a favorite route for cyclists, walkers, and hikers. You might even spot people fishing along the riverbank on a nice day.

Visitor Information

The park features expansive grassy areas fantastic for impromptu games of frisbee, catch, or just lounging in the sun. While there's plenty of space that would work for soccer, do note there aren't any permanent goals set up.

Restrooms are available but only open during baseball games, so plan accordingly. You'll find trash bins throughout the park, but be aware there are no water fountains - you'll want to bring your own water, especially on warmer days.

A word of caution: coyotes have been spotted in the area. You should take proper precautions, particularly if you're bringing small pets or children to the park.