Lions Park

Lions Park is a 10-acre community park in Costa Mesa, California. The park has a rich history, originally established in 1940 as Costa Mesa Park after citizens petitioned for a park district. In the late 1970s, it was renamed Lions Park due to the local Lions Club's tradition of holding their Fish Fry community fundraiser there.

The park features several notable facilities, including Davis Field, the Costa Mesa Historical Society, the Downtown Recreation Center, the Neighborhood Community Center, Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library, and Fire Station 5. A highlight for many visitors is the concrete airplane structure, a Korean War-era Grumman F9F Panther jet installed in 1960, which has become an iconic playground feature.

In recent years, Lions Park has undergone renovations, including the construction of a new library building and the addition of a great lawn. The playground area now includes modern equipment such as a tall structure with a bridge between towers, a circular zip line, and play areas suitable for different age groups. The park's surface incorporates recycled rubber, giving the appearance of an airstrip when viewed from above.

While Lions Park offers numerous recreational opportunities, some visitors have reported issues with homelessness in the area.