Urban Forest

My visit today was to bring my dog to the Urban Forest, a pleasant hidden gem in the SW corner of Huntington Beach Central Park. Lots of well-maintained, clearly marked paths amongst small themed gardens and trees. Many trees have botanical placards with the tree names. Dogs are allowed while on leash. There is wildlife, including coyotes (signs are clearly posted), and today we saw hummingbirds, skunks, and horses. The Urban Forest is adjacent to the equestrian center so you will likely notice horse manure on the path. There is a chain link fence separating the Urban Forest and Central Park from the horse stables and equestrian center with a private dirt road between the properties, but horses are taken on the paths regularly. Next to the park, there is an area with signs saying "Therapy horses working". Google for the company name in HBCP if that info is something you may be interested in looking in to. The parking lot I entered, on Ellis, is tiny, for 4 cars, 5 if drivers park considerately.

So amazing! Very fun to walk through. We drove an hour to get here and it was super worth it. There's a park with ziplines for children also. I wish more cities would make urban gardens.

What a hidden gem. The beautiful trees, plants and flowers are breath taking. The park has benches and seating to enjoy the atmosphere and a meal. The trick is getting there. We parked our car in the senior center and walked through Central Park and the equestrian center on Edwards then turned on Ellis. It’s a long walk but it’s beautiful walking along the water to get there. Discover and enjoy this cute park which is kept up by volunteers.

Urban Forest is a community-driven effort, having been an extraordinary success with the natural landscape! HB trees has helped to continue the great work here and further inspire the naturalness of the land. A natural map display, provided by HB trees, has been added and can be seen by the upper park trail entrance! This quiet piece of land is located at the southwest end of Huntington Central Park, just adjacent to the Equestrian Center. It makes a nice walk-thru for local residents, with a trail that connects from the residential area trails south of Ellis Ave. I enjoy time at Huntington Central Park at my leisure. If possible, including the extra walk in the forrest makes my park visit more enjoyable! There’s a small parking area just off Ellis Ave. For those who opt to park at the park, where there’s more available spaces, the Urban Forrest trail starts between the Dog Park and the Equestrian Center. The south park trail goes up a hill along the way, over a good view spot, where hikers can look back down on the park lake. From there, all one has to do is turn around and look left, or southeast, to see the beautiful plants, flowers and trees of the Urban Forrest! Taking the trail fork left, just past the Equestrian Center, will end up at the garden and then the forrest. Walk-ins are welcome!

The volunteers have been constantly upgrading the experience of an amazing park. I want to personally recognize that this community creates beauty