Uptown Newport Park, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Hours: Monday-Sunday (6 AM-11 PM)
Restrooms? Yes. Located directly behind the playground
Playground Surface: Rubber
Parking Lot? No. Only 4 parking spaces in front of the playground. Street parking beyond that and can be a little tough to come by
Gated/Fenced? No
Overview
Uptown Newport Park is a nautical themed park in the city of Newport, just down the street from John Wayne Airport, that families are sure to love. The playground was introduced in 2019 in a nice residential apartment area, that is still being built up. The main feature is a ship/boat that kids can climb up and on for hours. The entirety of the ship is covered in rock climbing holds and has multiple climbing nets, making this a climbing delight for youngsters. While the playground and park are rather small, there is enough detail to keep kids entertained for a bit. A picnic area with barbecues and restrooms is located directly behind the playground. Additionally, there is a small but sufficient lawn area next to the picnic area.
Features
- Nautical theme with a ship/boat that is the main play structure
- 1 tunnel slide
- Rock climbing walls make up the stern, bow and midship portion of the boat with multiple climbing nets and a snake ladder climber and a sideways ladder climber
- Rubber “ant hills” for kids to run up and down
- Whale sculpture kids can climb on
Other Amenities
- 2 barbecues and 6 picnic tables under a tiny shade sail adjacent to playground
- Small lawn area. Popular with local residents walking their dogs
Drawbacks
- Very little parking availability here
- No swings
Scout’s Story
On this overcast Monday morning, my wife and I decided to get outside and let our daughter, Scout, play and visit a few new places. We love the Newport area, so I chose a few places in close proximity to make stops at. This had been our first real trip outside to play in some time. Our daughter, Scout, who has been battling stage 4 cancer for closing in on a year, had recently undergone a 10 hour tumor resection surgery to remove half of her liver and to attempt to remove as much of the tumor in her pelvic area as possible.
After two weeks of living in the hospital and watching Scout battle fevers, we finally arrived home, two days before Scout’s 2nd birthday. The following day on May 8th, we were greeted with the news that her pathology was back and that her cancer was being placed into remission. We spent the following week watching Scout, once again, battle fevers while spending every day at the hospital trying to figure out what was causing them. Scout still has a central line leading to her heart, so fevers and illnesses are still a huge concern. Finally, the fevers subsided and Scout’s surgeon will be removing her central line within the next month.
While the Uptown Newport Park was still just a tad bit above Scouts skill level, Scout had a great time nonetheless just running around and playing. Consequently, my wife and I had a great time watching her and spending the morning with her. The “ant hills” here are great for younger kids and Scout spent countless time running up and down these as she circled the playground time and time again.
While Scouts journey will continue, with uncountable doctors visits, scans and check ups, we are as grateful and hopeful for the future as ever and will never take these days or moments for granted.
May 22, 2023
Getting to Uptown Newport Park
There are only 4 parking spaces in front of the playground and they are often full. Additional street parking can be hard to come by but is available just up the street, although a short walk to the playground.
