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# William R. Mason Regional Park – A Scenic Retreat in Irvine, CA

William R. Mason Regional Park, located in Irvine, CA, is a vibrant community park that spans 345 acres and offers a blend of recreational activities and natural beauty. Named after a former president of the Irvine Company, this park features a picturesque lake, extensive walking trails, and well-maintained facilities. Since its establishment, it has become a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike, providing a serene environment for outdoor activities and family gatherings. Review highlights emphasize its cleanliness, diverse wildlife, and well-kept amenities, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and families seeking a peaceful escape.

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What a little haven in Irvine! I had no idea it existed until a friend recommended we go on a walk here. You do have to pay for entry ($3 on weekday, $5 on weekend) but iirc you can also buy an annual park pass and get entry to a bunch of park (including Mason) all over OC. This was an absolutely lovely spot for a walk. There's a gorgeous lake with a fountain where some older gentlemen were having boat races amongst all the wildlife here (turtles, ducks -- so cute)! It's a bird sanctuary so if you're not big on animals, this is not the spot for you. There was also a lot of duck droppings on the paved trail (although concentrated in certain areas so for the most part you could avoid it). I came back a few days later with my husband and we explored more of the garden and trails. There's lots to see here and it's a great spot to gather as well.

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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 challenging trails .

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My puppy Daisy's favorite park! Love the ducks and occasional frogs! Always peaceful and quiet!

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Cute hiking area; there are ducks, turtles, little paths that are great to take pictures in. Woodsy feel; if you need to be in nature, it's a great place.

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William R. Mason Regional Park is located in Irvine, encompasses 345 acres, and is named after former Irvine Company president William R. Mason. The park runs along University Drive and is separated into two sections divided by Culver Drive. On the west side of the park is a lake spanning 9 acres, volleyball courts, multiple kids playgrounds, a work out structure, tables and gazebos, amphitheater, and picnic areas. While the west side also has walking and running trails, the east side of the park has mainly that and not much else. Unfortunately this park doesn't have things like basketball courts or tennis courts, but there are tons of other activities to do here. The unfortunate thing is that it isn't free to park here ($3 during the weekday and $5 on weekends). However, it is a very well-maintained park so the money does actually benefit the park and its amenities. There is something for everyone and there is a lot of space for birthday parties, private events, and even picnics. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors and natural grass.

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I knew it was in Irvine, but when I brought my parents to William R. Mason Regional Park for the first time (during COVID), I didn't realize it was just northwest of UCI and just west of Concordia University Irvine. That's why it used to be called University Regional Park. As far as Orange County Regional Parks go, it's on the lower end of four stars. The single pond (they call it a lake) is relatively large, and there are some interesting critters creeping and wading and swimming and crawling about. There's plenty of green space, and the entire southern end of the park is buttressed by neighborhoods, and I think you may be able to walk from those neighborhoods right into the park. (We drove the northern, western, and southern perimeters of the park.) I believe the park's eastern border is Culver Drive; but University Trail, which begins in the park itself, continues east of Culver along Sand Canyon Wash all the way to Ridgeline Drive, which may be the true eastern border of the park. It's not the most scenic trail, but then again, you're in Irvine, so what do you expect? This is a perfect park for a large family or birthday party, although, like all OC regional parks, they do charge vehicles to enter. If you can find parking nearby and can shuttle everyone right to the entrance, that would be ideal. If you're willing to pay, there's plenty of parking, and the sheltered table areas are in very good shape. The bathrooms are also modern and clean. It's about equidistant between the 405 and the 73.

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Absolutely wonderfully maintained park!! A great place to go and enjoy the outdoors. This was my first time coming to a park in Irvine, and it really elavated my thoughts of the city. I love how spacious and trimmed the fresh green grass was across the space. Restrooms were clean and maintained really well for it being a park restroom. To park inside, the price was $10. I don't know if it's a private park, but you do have to pay to enter in a car. There are several parking lots inside to drive around the park and figure out where to park. Events or parties can take place here for sure by local communities, just make sure to reserve a certain section. I mainly see people running or jogging here. I saw no basketball courts but I did see sand pits for volleyball. There's a beautiful and relaxing lake in the middle of the park. I got to stay here for about 3-4 hours worth to make the most of the price til I had to go out for lunch. I can imagine having a picnic here would be relaxing and beautiful too!!!

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This is a small, 123 acre park featuring a pond and fountain in the center. There are numerous walkways, some trails and numerous activities available including: Bike Trails Picnic Areas Picnic Tables Fitness Course Volleyball Horseshoes It seems to be very well maintained, and it's a pleasant spot for a short stroll or picnic lunch. These are the hours listed, but they could certainly change. Note that they charge for parking! Fall - Winter Hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT Spring - Summer Hours, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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OC Parks really nailed the summer atmosphere with their Mufasa movie night. The event was perfectly organized -- families sprawled out on picnic blankets, the park crew handing out flashlights to everyone (a thoughtful touch that showed real foresight), and a relaxed, community-centered vibe all evening. Before the film, there were educational stations for kids with animal pelts and nature facts -- simple but surprisingly engaging. It felt like an event that actually wanted children to learn something, not just keep them busy. The lake area is scenic but open, so if you're an unsteady bicyclist or have little ones who tend to wander, keep close -- the water is shallow but exposed. Gazebos offer plenty of shade and make great picnic bases. Pro tip: bring mosquito repellent if you're staying past sunset; summer evenings here can get buggy fast. Overall, a well-run family event that blends education, safety, and fun -- the kind of local programming that makes you appreciate living in Orange County.

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beautiful park! has multiple playgrounds and volleyball nets. the grass is well maintained, and relaxing to walk around.

Discover William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine, CA—an ideal spot for outdoor fun and relaxation. Explore scenic views and vibrant nature. Plan your visit today!

William R. Mason Regional Park in Newport Beach, CA

Irvine

William R. Mason Regional Park

California

Discover outdoor fun at William R. Mason Regional Park in Newport Beach, CA. Enjoy scenic trails, picnic areas & family-friendly activities. Visit us today!

William R. Mason Regional Park Experience – Nature & Recreation in Newport Beach

Learn about William R. Mason Regional Park in Newport Beach, CA. A perfect spot for outdoor adventures, picnics & community events. Explore more now!

About William R. Mason Regional Park, Newport Beach, CA

Opening hours for William R. Mason Regional Park, Newport Beach, CA. Find park hours and plan your visit at 18712 University Dr, Irvine.

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