Hillcrest Park (Fullerton) Explained

Hillcrest Park
Photo Width:300
Type:Municipal public park
Location:1200 N Harbor BlvdFullerton, CA 92832
Coords:33.8829°N -117.9222°W
Area:37.8acres
Created:1922
Operator:Fullerton Department of Parks and Recreation
Publictransit:OC Bus 43, 143

Hillcrest Park is a 37.8acres park in Fullerton, California. Opened in 1922, it is the oldest park in the city of Fullerton.[1] The park is located north of Downtown Fullerton and Fullerton College between Brea Boulevard, Harbor Boulevard, Valley View Drive, and Lemon Street. It is operated by the Fullerton Department of Parks and Recreation.

The park is nestled among hilly terrain, offering views to the west and south from its peak. Within the park are a large historic fountain, picnic areas, trails, restrooms, the Hillcrest Stairs, and the Hillcrest Recreation Center.[2]

Features and amenities

A large historic fountain constructed by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s is located in the park along Harbor Boulevard. The fountain was inoperable from the 1970s until a major renovation of the park was completed in 2018, which also restored the Great Lawn in front of the fountain, as well as a bridge across Brea Creek.[3]

The Hillcrest Park Duck Pond is located to the north of the historic fountain. The duck pond, which had fallen into disrepair, was restored and improved in renovations in 2020.[4] [5]

Hillcrest Park became a fitness destination following the opening of the Hillcrest Steps in 2017. The wood steps provide access to the peak of Hillcrest Park from Lions Field, a group of softball fields on the western side of the park. Along the steps are staggered small observation decks with benches.[6]

Korean War Memorial

The Orange County Korean War Memorial is located along the edge of the park near Brea Boulevard. The granite memorial is engraved with the names of all 36,591 U.S. service members who died as a result of their military service during the Korean War. The memorial was unveiled on Veterans Day 2021.[7] [8]

Notes and References

  1. News: New stairway in Fullerton connects Lions Field to Hillcrest Park and it’s a 467-step workout . Whitehead, Brian . May 9, 2017 . The Orange County Register . December 7, 2022.
  2. Web site: Hillcrest Park . City of Fullerton . December 7, 2022.
  3. News: Fullerton celebrates $4 million restoration of Hillcrest Park’s fountain and Great Lawn . McRea, Heather . May 7, 2018 . The Orange County Register . December 7, 2022.
  4. News: Fullerton’s duck pond restoration at Hillcrest Park draws interested visitors . McRea, Heather . January 4, 2021 . The Orange County Register . December 7, 2022.
  5. News: Hillcrest Park Duck Pond Improvements To Move Forward . April 26, 2020 . The Orange County Register . December 7, 2022.
  6. News: New stairway in Fullerton connects Lions Field to Hillcrest Park and it’s a 467-step workout . Whitehead, Brian . May 9, 2017 . The Orange County Register . December 7, 2022.
  7. News: Korean War Memorial Unveiled . La Tour, Jesse . November 14, 2021 . The Fullerton Observer . December 7, 2022.
  8. News: Korean War memorial in Fullerton got donations from near and far . Do, Anh . November 20, 2021 . The Los Angeles Times . December 7, 2022.