Crawford Canyon Park is a 2.5-acre passive use park located in North Tustin, California, developed on a previously vacant parcel at the intersection of Newport Avenue and Crawford Canyon Road. Designed by Southern California landscape architecture firm RJM Design Group, the park was delivered for OC Parks as a community-focused public space emphasizing accessibility and nature-based recreation. Street and sidewalk frontage improvements along Crawford Canyon Road were coordinated with and implemented by OC Public Works, strengthening pedestrian connections between the surrounding neighborhoods and nearby trail systems.

Bringing Connectivity
Prior to development, the site lacked pedestrian infrastructure and public amenities, despite its proximity to established residential areas. Extending the sidewalk frontage was a key component of the work, creating safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists while reinforcing the park's role as part of a larger network. These improvements were closely coordinated with the park design to ensure a seamless transition between the public right-of-way and park entry points.

 

RJM Design Group oversaw site planning, playground and park design, accessible circulation layout, grading coordination, planting design, material selection, construction documentation, and construction administration. The design team worked closely with OC Parks, OC Public Works, and Hunsaker & Associates to meet regulatory requirements while maintaining constructability, cost efficiency, and long-term maintainability. Early project goals focused on meeting community needs, maintaining clear visibility for safety, incorporating sustainable and low-maintenance materials, and delivering a park that felt natural rather than overly engineered.

Nature-Based Play
The playground is organized into two distinct age-appropriate play zones - ages 2-5 and ages 5-12 - each designed to support different developmental needs while maintaining a cohesive, nature-based aesthetic. The younger play area emphasizes low-to-the-ground exploration, sensory engagement, and imaginative play. Equipment includes small-scale climbing elements, a wood playhouse structure with slides, balance features, and sculptural play components set within poured-in-place surfacing and natural sand play areas.

The adjacent play area for ages 5-12 introduces higher levels of physical challenge and coordination through a combination of climbing structures, rope nets, balance logs, and elevated play elements. A large net climber and vertical timber structures promote upper-body strength, problem-solving, and confidence building, while varied surfacing textures - including poured-in-place rubber and natural sand - support active play and fall attenuation. A concrete embankment slide and play surfacing embankment with handholds further expand play opportunities, allowing children to interact with the landscape beyond traditional manufactured equipment.

Accessible Fun
Both play zones are centrally located and connected by accessible concrete walking paths, with a decomposed granite path providing a softer connection between the picnic areas, community lawn, and the broader circulation network. One of the project's primary challenges was achieving full ADA accessibility across the site without introducing ramps or handrails that would detract from the park's natural character. This was addressed through careful grading strategies and alignment of accessible routes along gentle slopes that meet ADA requirements, resulting in a fully compliant circulation system that maintains a seamless, park-like experience. Supporting amenities - including picnic tables, seating, and shade trees - are strategically placed to provide clear sightlines into the play areas, reinforcing passive supervision and overall site safety. Security lighting and open visibility throughout the park enhance comfort and usability during evening hours.

New Life
The completed Crawford Canyon Park demonstrates how a local park can deliver significant recreational value through thoughtful planning and a strong focus on play. By prioritizing age-appropriate, nature-based playground design, accessible circulation, and durable materials, the project creates an engaging outdoor environment that supports physical activity, imagination, and community connection. The result is a welcoming and resilient park that will serve the North Tustin community for generations.

As seen in LASN magazine, August 2026.