Eisenhower Park

A Scenic Oasis

Eisenhower Park is a spacious 16.46-acre public park that offers a serene retreat for visitors. The park's most prominent feature is its man-made lake, which originally served as an irrigation pond and reservoir from the 1880s through the 1950s.

Today, this lake adds to the park's scenic beauty and provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. The park is characterized by its lush landscaping and mature trees, which offer ample shade throughout the grounds.

Walking Paths

Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the park's meandering pathways, which wind around the lake and through the green spaces. The walking paths are divided into three interconnected loops: the Lake Loop (0.18 miles), the Westside Loop (0.70 miles), and the Eastside Loop (0.24 miles).

The entire perimeter walk is approximately 0.8 miles, with some elevation changes that make it an excellent option for light exercise. The paved walkways throughout the park ensure accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.

Water Features

Another notable feature of Eisenhower Park is its stream system. A stream with fountains runs along the north end of the park, flowing under bridges and along paths before emptying into the large lake near Lincoln Avenue.

This water feature adds to the park's tranquil ambiance and provides an attractive backdrop for visitors. The lake is also stocked with fish, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts who practice catch and release.

Wildlife

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors will encounter numerous ducks and geese around the water features, as well as playful squirrels throughout the grounds. The lake also houses a substantial turtle population that can often be spotted sunning themselves or swimming in the water.

This abundance of wildlife creates excellent opportunities for nature observation and photography, making the park particularly appealing to families with children interested in animals.

Family Amenities

The park caters to families with two playgrounds. One smaller playground is located near the parking lot, while a larger playground can be found closer to Tustin Avenue. Both are well-maintained and provide safe play environments for children of different ages.

These play areas offer children opportunities for outdoor recreation and physical activity. The park's open grassy areas are ideal for picnicking, and numerous picnic tables and BBQ stations with grills are available throughout the grounds.

Facilities

Eisenhower Park features two sets of public restrooms that are regularly maintained. Drinking water is available at various points throughout the park for visitors' convenience.

The park is also pet-friendly, welcoming dogs on leashes to enjoy the walking paths alongside their owners. Ample trash receptacles throughout the grounds help maintain the park's cleanliness.

Park History

Named after former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the park opened to the public in 1974. It has since become a beloved community space, offering residents and visitors alike a place to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature within the urban setting of Orange, California.

Some longtime visitors recall when the park featured a small zoo area, which is no longer present. Nevertheless, the park continues to be a popular destination for both everyday recreation and special occasions, with many people using its scenic backdrop for wedding and quinceañera photography.