Ridgecrest Park—Beyond the Playground

When was the last time you rolled down a grassy hill?  I mean a serious roll—starting on your back, arms crossed over your chest, rocking side to side until you have catapulted yourself into a free-roll down the side of a hill.  Has it been 20 or 30 years?  

Two weeks ago, I rolled down a hill.  And yes, it was on purpose.  By the time I had reached the bottom of the hill, I had itchy arms, bruised elbows and loose blades of grass in my hair.  But the ride going down the hill…oh the thrill!  I couldn’t help but laugh as I felt the ground spin around me.  Then my joy doubled as I heard the whoops and hollers of my kids as they bravely rolled after me.  It was definitely a memorable afternoon. 

Are you looking for a way to get in touch with your inner child this weekend?  I recommend a visit to Ridgecrest Park in Aliso Viejo.  Located at the corner of Aliso Hills and Eastwing, Ridgecrest Park has gorgeous landscaping, fantastic playground equipment and (drum roll please) a perfect hill for rolling! 

Last week, the kids and I enjoyed a play date with some of our friends at Ridgecrest Park.  I feel lucky to have met a fantastic group of moms from my son’s preschool class.  Since our conversations are usually rushed at preschool pick-up and drop-off, we decided that a park play date was in order. 

As the moms chatted, the kids explored the playground and dug for treasures in the sand.  After the kids had some lunch (and Starbucks for the Moms), I suggested some play time on one of the grassy hills. The kids ran up the hill and proudly waved from the top.  Once the rolling began, giggles mixed with shrieks of joy filled the air.  And it wasn’t just the preschoolers that were having fun.  My 8-year old daughter had invited her own friend to the play date.  The two of them had just as much fun rolling down the hill as the little ones.  

The kids also discovered that it was fun to hold hands while running down the hill.  I loved watching their smiles as they tried to make it down to the bottom of the hill without letting go of each others hands.  Of course, some of the kids also found it funny to purposely fall mid-way down the hill.  All I know is that our play date was a huge success and all of the moms agreed we would do it again. 

Aliso Viejo’s weather is looking great for the weekend.  Perhaps the hills of Ridgecrest Park are calling your name.  Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!