Let me tell you a story.
Yes, again I know.
I can remember this park, Mountain View Park in Fullerton, ever since the early 2000's. You can research and find out that it was established in 2002. Before that, especially when I lived here during some of my childhood in the early-mid 1990's. I actually don't recall what this area was back then. I would assume it was just a plain field with your typical chain-linked fence up with green construction tarp on it, who knows. Point being, this park I like for several reasons and let me tell you why.
First, when living in Mid-South Orange County (close to the beaches) back when first started to notice this particular park, but never really stopped to "smell the roses" you can say, I used to exit off the Yorba LInda Blvd., exit on the 57 Freeway. I would exit, make my left on Yorba, then make a right hand turn on Associated Road and then proceed to making a left on Bastanchury Road. I'd go east up the HUGE hill that would give almost anyone a "burn" in their legs if they were even to attempt something so much as a fast paced walk. Reaching Bastanchury Road where it intersects with State College Blvd. I would find myself from time to time, stopped at a red light there, facing east, as I was going to my destination of La Habra, where I was visiting a good friend of mine. But I would never really look at what beauty lied right in front of me! Then again, during that time, It was far from my mind. Just the way it was I guess. This would continue on for a couple years.
Secondly, I started to really notice what this park had to offer as time went on from first discovering it, but not really paying attention to the details of it. I'd say it was about 2007 is when I really started to look out onto the horizon, no really, and seeing silhouettes of the San Gabriel Mountains, and a line of very tall palm trees that would line the street near where I grew up just thirteen years before. Then, just then I really started to understand why it was called "Mountain View Park". The View was just...wow.
Now, just in these past two years and especially this last year alone, I have really come to appreciate this park altogether. Every time I drive up to the top of Bastanchury and State College, I have the tendency to slow my speed just to the point where I can enjoy the view of the San Gabriel's, the Palm Trees that still remain from my childhood memories and neighborhood, and last but certainly not least...the silhouette of the Los Angeles Skyline. Wow. You'd never think you could see it all of this, but it's on a pretty big hill (mountain). Also on a crystal clear blue-sky shiny day you can even faintly see, but will most likely need binoculars, to see the HOLLYWOOD SIGN itself! Pretty cool eh?
So from time to time, I always include the E Bastanchury Road Hill during my exercise walks/runs or even for casual walk. This way I can reach the destination of the Mountain View Park and just stand....or sit, and look out and enjoy what that park has to offer. Mind you, it's not big, it doesn't have ducks, a pond, a lake, or even tents or barbecues, but what it does have is...A MOUNTAIN VIEW! I'm glad they established this in 2002, hey, better late than never! I still can't for the life of me, figure out what it was prior to what it is now.
Plus, this park has been the destination for viewing fireworks for me these last two years (2010 & 2011). To be honest, the firework show was better last year than it was this year, that's because since a year ago, the trees that surround the hillside seemed to have grown much taller, obstructing the view of fireworks coming from La Habra, Fullerton H.S. and so on. But that's okay, you were still able to see some good ones in the not too far distance out in the city of Yorba Linda. It's still a good place to go and it seems to always attract a bunch of people (atleast 200 of so).
In conclusion, whether it's for fireworks or just a walk on a nice morning, afternoon or evening, Mountain View Park is a great place to stop and "smell the roses", in other words, really stop and look what you have around you and just to remind how small we all really are in this world. It's a great experience and I know that I will not stop going here from time to time, because everytime I do, I always relive some fond memories and look out into the distance at my dreams and bask in the moment and remain in awe. There are some nice curvy walkways, a good number of benches, trashcans for disposal of trash, beautiful landscaping and nearby astounding houses and neighborhoods to look down on as well. Nice stone work as well. The location is great and is near businesses of all kinds. Besides parking is limited, but still easily accessible and your better off walking to this park if you live nearby, it's worth the walk! Believe me! It's great!!
Go here if you have not already. For those who have, you know what I'm talking about! The Best View in Town! read more