Portola Springs Community Park

One early Friday morning, I ventured to Portola Springs Community Park, made my way to a garden celebrating Native American culture and stood for a while with my eyes closed, doing my best to imagine living in this very spot centuries ago as a member of the Acjachemen people. Hard to do, accustomed as I am to buying food from grocery stores and, let’s be quite clear, an aversion to cooking anything from scratch.

As one of the world’s most impatient people, I certainly couldn’t picture myself soaking and then grinding acorns into edibility, or weaving a basket made of grasses – but I could marvel at the way this hill-sheltered expanse of land has hosted so many generations of active families for tens of thousands of years. And it still does, with its acres of sports fields and courts and lively community center.

I loved reading about the Acjachemen lifestyle, written up on three sentinel boards along the walkway. Hundreds of years ago, the village located in this area was the center of trade and toolmaking, much more sophisticated than we perhaps have understood in the past. These are important insights into the lives of America’s native people.

Here, too, attracted by the natural springs, Gaspar de Portolà’s expedition camped in 1769 during the first European exploration of what is now Orange County.

Perfect wandering place

Taking advantage of the sunny, tranquil morning, I wandered around the periphery of the park, enjoying the views of the green hillsides on either side. Early weekday mornings provide ideal opportunities to jog or walk in peace on the paved pathway lined with orange-berried firethorn shrubs. Benches provide the opportunity to sit and meditate, read or simply enjoy the quiet ambience and the aroma of fresh-cut grass.

I wished my New York-based 6-year-old granddaughter were with me. She would have loved the opportunity to ride her bike, finally free of training wheels, around the circuit. I passed joggers, walkers and people pushing strollers, whose tiny occupants slept or gazed happily around them.

Young children enjoy a nature-themed playground, with a large faux log for crawling through, low seats resembling half-acorns, a sandpit and rocks on which to climb. The occasional bunny excites interest in local wildlife, which includes seldom-seen raccoons as well as plentiful butterflies, bees and lizards.

Weekends bring excitement and a bevy of sports-minded families taking advantage of the many soccer and softball fields, as well as tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts. Mind you, the pock-pock of pickleball paddles is a constant throughout the week. The courts are open at 6 a.m. Players can make as much noise as they like without worrying about disturbing neighbors, as this pleasant oasis is thoughtfully designed so as not to directly abut homes.

Six barbecues, three picnic shelters and 15 picnic tables provide ample space for those wishing to celebrate birthdays, host family gatherings or simply enjoy casual meals. Electrical outlets and a concession stand further support group events and organized activities.

Center of activity

The 32-acre Portola Springs Community Park fits the definition of a hub in every way. The community center itself consists of a multipurpose room, patio and meeting room, as well as the Native American Wing. Reservations are available for social activities. Notices and brochures provide detailed information about programs, including day care and educational offerings that speak to the area’s reputation as an ideal place for families.

I changed into my hiking boots to take advantage of the proximity to Tomato Springs trail, known as a gathering place to view sensational sunsets. Because of the rains, a number of wildflowers are blooming early this year. I spotted gorgeous yellow California primroses and wild cucumber as I made my way to the scenic overlook, providing an expansive view of Irvine’s villages and open space. On clear days, Santa Catalina Island is visible on the horizon.

Tomato Springs trail is ideal for after-work (or before-work) exercise, with enough of an incline to raise your heart rate while not providing too onerous of a challenge. It’s a mix of paved and sandy trails with clearly posted signs.

As a hiker familiar with wilderness parks, I found it refreshing to realize that Irvine is home to parks as large as Portola Springs with pathways that are always walkable no matter the weather. Recently, several wilderness areas have been closed due to deep mud along the trails. These conditions make them dangerously slippery and subject to damage as hikers and bikers trample native vegetation in their attempt to avoid the slushy parts. My feet are positively itching to get hiking after extended closures!

Now I’ve been reminded to search out Irvine’s numerous urban parks as alternative ways to get my steps in during those periods – and more importantly, breathe in fresh air, de-stress and revel in the opportunities for outdoor activities so thoughtfully provided in master-planned communities such as Portola Springs.