Carl Thornton Park — Attraction in Santa Ana

This park was probably an awesome park when it was first opened. Now, however, it has a neglected or undermaintained feel.

We came for a softball game and my daughter needed to use the restroom. I couldn't take her to the gents because the toilet seat has been broken or removed. Additionally, there were no sanitary seat covers or toilet paper. One of the team moms was kind enough to take her to the ladies, where there was a seat to sit on at least.

The style of the woodwork on the buildings is something I would like, but there is an incredible amount of termite damage. The structures are going to need a lot of rework soon to keep them from being condemned.

The playground is a well designed modern playground which is metal so no concern with termite damage. It is unclear whether the torn caution tape tied to the playground in multiple places was part of a prank, or perhaps a construction project that wasnt properly cleaned up after.

The grounds were very pretty, though the water level in the pond was very low. The geese flying around gave the park a nice character.

Overall, I think this park has a lot of potential to be something special again, but needs a fair amount of investment...

Carl Thornton Park in Santa Ana is absolutely beautiful and family-friendly — the perfect place to celebrate a child’s birthday. I hosted my daughter’s party here, and everything went so smoothly. There’s plenty of open space for games and decorations, and the scenery with the lake in the background made for such a peaceful and pretty setting.

We set up near the playground, which kept the children entertained for hours. The play areas are clean, safe, and well-maintained, and there’s a great mix of equipment for different ages. There’s also lots of shaded picnic tables, restrooms close by, and plenty of parking, which made it super convenient for guests.

What I loved most was how relaxed and happy everyone felt — the park has this calm, natural vibe that makes any gathering feel special. Between the lake views, the walking trails, and the open grassy areas, it felt like the perfect blend of fun and nature.

I’d definitely recommend Carl Thornton Park for family gatherings, birthday parties, or even just a sunny afternoon picnic. It’s a beautiful spot that really brings...

I have been going to this park consistently for 2 years and it has so much potential to be great unfortunately it is poorly maintained. They have people tending to the lawns all morning every morning but the bathrooms are honestly despicable. There has never been any soap so I bring my hand sanitizer and don’t touch anything. There have been many incidents of druggies doing absolutely bizzare things in the bathrooms and in the park and a man was found living in the store unit next to the bathrooms. Also the duck poop will be all over your shoes. If they improved their bathrooms, added a trash can in there maybe so people didn’t throw diapers, pads, etc all over the floor then it...