Featuring a wide variety of trains, Goat Hill Junction Railroad is operated by the Orange County Model Engineers. It has close to 5 miles of actual track and represents 1.5-inch, 2.5-inch, and 3.75-inch scale equipment. Explore more!
Measure AA ensures that Fairview Park will remain a nature park unless voters say otherwise. The only exceptions are changes required for ADA compliance, habitat restoration, preservation, maintenance, or public safety.
208 Acres of Open Land
The 208 acres of Fairview Park are a true nature sanctuary. The park’s natural landscape includes a variety of wildlife habitats, open grass, and canyons, and is an ideal spot for horseback riding, hiking, running, or biking. It’s also home to the Goat Hill Junction Railroad, which features model train rides on the third weekend of every month.
This park has five distinct ecosystems and is the largest in Orange County. It is also a Nationally Registered Cultural Resource Historic Site and has many species of birds, mammals, plants, and native trees. The park is home to a number of environmental, educational, and recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, wildlife observation, kite flying, and education programs. However, in 2021, it was reported that model aircraft flying has been deemed incompatible with the park’s natural resources by wildlife agencies.
Fish Fry
The annual Fish Fry is a fun and popular event that raises money for schools, clubs, and community organizations. It features a parade, carnival rides, food vendors, raffles, and live music. The Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club sponsors this event.
The 208 acres of Fairview Park contain open fields, trails, hills, and forested areas. Its wetlands and wildflower preserve provide habitat for rare species. The park is ideal for horseback riding, hiking, running, and walking. It also hosts kite-flying events and serves as a gateway to the Orange County Talbert Regional Park.
The annual Fish Fry has been held at Fairview Park since 2012 when it relocated from its longtime home at Lions Park. This year, the event will be held later in September to avoid disrupting bird nesting activity. Volunteers will wear T-shirts with a Ferris wheel and the phrase “Last Ride at Fairview Park.” The event is scheduled to return to Lions Park next year. More places to also visit by clicking here.
Kite Flying
The large, open areas of Recreation Park are great for a kite-flying family picnic or day out. You can also enjoy walking trails and beautiful scenery throughout the park.
The park is also home to a model aircraft flying field run by the Harbor Soaring Society and a miniature railroad operated by the City of Costa Mesa. Both of these activities are open to the public and must obey the City of Costa Mesa Flying Field Rules.
The 10-acre Silver Lake Meadow is a scenic spot where you can enjoy nature and spend some time with your kids. The meadow has a playground, sports fields and courts (including volleyball, tennis, and basketball), picnic tables, and more. You can also admire the native plants that line the park trails. It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Model Airplanes
Costa Mesa is a very walkable city, with many attractions within a short distance. Bus transportation is available through the Orange County Transportation Authority, with a one-way ticket costing $1.90 and a monthly pass around $69. Alternatively, rent an RV in Orange County and explore the coastal region in style.
On the west end of Fairview Park, the Harbor Soaring Society has been flying model aircraft for more than 60 years. Wildlife agencies have communicated that the activities are “incompatible” with sensitive resources, including vernal pools, riparian habitat, and coastal sage scrub.
The City Council voted 5-2 to allow nonmechanical gliders to continue flying in the park while staff updates a master plan for the 208-acre site and looks for alternative locations where the hobbyists can fly with less impact. A public hearing regarding the matter will take place in January, and a final decision is expected by May. In the meantime, the bzzzzzzzzz bzzzzzz sound of radio-controlled aircraft is a constant reminder of why some residents cherish this quiet, beautiful park. Next blog post.
Driving directions from Omega Investment Insurance to Fairview Park
Driving directions from Fairview Park to The Reptile Zoo