William R Mason Regional Park — Attraction in Irvine

William R. Mason Regional is a nice large park, featuring 2 joining lakes. A brick bridge spans the meeting point of both lakes. There are accomodating bike/walking trails which circle the lakes, as well as the park. There's a $3 Vehicle Entrance Fee Monday's thru Friday's, $5 Car Entrance Fee Saturday's, Sunday's & Holidays. Lovely mature trees grow everywhere here amidst a spacious meandering lawn. This green natural carpet provides a perfect place to spread out and have a picnic, or play games on. On the west end of this park, there's a low-fenced retreat area, featuring many bright, colorful flowering plants. All these flowers attract lots of butterflies & hummingbirds.

There's a creek which runs along the front of the park, on University Drive, with eucalyptus trees planted here. They provide shade and a nice habitat for birds. I saw a Great Blue Heron fishing in the creek here, as well as various small bird species up in the trees.

I spotted 2 Red-Eared Turtles crawl out of the lake, and up onto a large rock. They were enjoying the warm sunshine.

I also saw several Western Bluebirds up in the park's large deciduous trees, plus hummingbirds and White-Crowned Sparrows in the semi-private retreat area on the west end of the park.

Across Culver Drive, a bike trail continues along a green open space area, with lots of trees, greenery, and a grassy hillside on the southern side of the trail. A small creek is visible about the midway point of this bike trail, where you could see Snowy Egrets or ducks. When you enter this bike trail, across Culver and adjacent to the park, there's a sign warning people of the possibility of seeing mountain lions, rattlesnakes...etc. This freaked me out the first time I biked here, but I've never encountered any dangerous critters on this bike trail. I have seen several Red-Tailed Hawks soaring above this beautiful green nature area, plus lots of ground squirrels &...

Mason regional park is your standard community area for entertainment. It has a lake thats vibrant and filled with life - fish and ducks... it has a walking and jogging paths that extend for miles. In fact, its two parks.in one. On the east side, the park is mostly for walkers joggers bikers and people looking to just stroll. The west is mostly for families, for groups and large scale activities. Of course the west side has all the restrooms, playgrounds large fields and is the main entrance. You have the standard picnic tables, jungle gym, shaded trees, sand courts for volleyball a lake to stroll by, many sections outlined by parking areas and rolling hillsides that complement the park. The east side is coordinated by the turtle rock 🪨 trail system ..its long, curvy and built most.for people trying to do exercise by means of walk jogs and runs. There are a few area for water stations and that for the little critters also. Generally speaking, if your look for a peaceful ✌️ day, to enjoy a simple park, thats clean safe modern and visited by then local community... this would be it. Overall, I give it a strong 3.5 to 3.75

Negatives... the east side could be developed a bit more... by inputting lakes or exercise stations and or a nature center . Plus, it would help if the east side had a parking site, which it doesn't.

A plus, part of the turtle 🐢 rock trail system on the east side. However, this area is mostly leveled paths and east walk ways. Continue south for more...

A serene 345-acre gem in the heart of Irvine, perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.

Highlights:

9-Acre Lake: A picturesque spot for model sailboat enthusiasts and a tranquil setting for picnics.

Playgrounds: Three tot lot playgrounds cater to children of various ages, offering safe and engaging play structures.

Trails: Multiple hiking and biking trails, including the popular Lake Loop, suitable for all skill levels.

Sports Facilities: Two sand volleyball courts, a softball backstop, and a physical fitness vita course provide ample recreational options.

Picnic Areas: Numerous shaded picnic spots with tables and barbecue grills, ideal for gatherings.

Amphitheater: Hosts various events and performances, contributing to the park’s vibrant community atmosphere. eventsincalifornia.com Wilderness Area: A 123-acre natural area within the park offers a tranquil environment for nature walks and wildlife observation.

Parking Fees: $3 per vehicle entry Monday – Friday; $5 Saturday – Sunday.

Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Spring-Summer); 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Fall-Winter).

Dog-Friendly: Dogs are permitted on-leash. Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained facilities are available...