The 208 acres of public land in Fairview Park contain open fields, trails, hills and a forested sanctuary. It’s a wonderful park for horseback riding, hiking, walking, running and biking enthusiasts. Near the entrance of the park are grassy and open areas to fly kites. An official model airplane air strip is located at the center of the park and it often has organized flying events. The Orange County Model Engineers operate the Goat Hill Junction Railroad at the eastern end of the park, and provide free model train rides on the third weekend of each month.
A series of short trails on the plateau leads through a maze of tall wild flowers that bloom in the spring. At the center of one trail is a wooden platform with benches. In the late afternoon, people can sit here and watch many small birds dart in and out of the flowers. Another trail leads to a riverbed with a beautifully preserved California landscape containing huge oak trees, large grass and fields of native California plants. Bike trails and running trails lead all the way down to the beach.
The Costa Mesa Lions Club hosts the annual Fish Fry at Fairview Park each June. The event attracts between 10,000-20,000 people. Admission is free, fish dinners cost $10, and there are carnival rides and prize drawings. Various kinds of entertainment are also presented. The Fish Fry is presented to help raise money for local schools, clubs and other community organizations.
Trails and best flower viewing can be accessed at the Canary Drive entrance, from Placentia Avenue wetlands crosswalk, or the pedestrian bridge connecting the west and east sides of Fairview Park.
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