Bill Barber Memorial Park

Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park is a 42-acre public park located in Irvine, California, adjacent to the Irvine Civic Center. The park is named in honor of Colonel William E. Barber, a United States Marine who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War.

The park features a variety of recreational facilities and natural spaces. It includes multiple sports fields and courts, catering to activities such as baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis. The park also houses the Deanna Manning Stadium, which hosts various sporting events.

For families and children, the park offers multiple playgrounds with modern equipment. These play areas are designed with safety in mind and include features like shade structures over some of the equipment. The park's layout includes interconnected walkways and bridges, making it an ideal space for activities like tag or hide-and-seek.

In addition to its recreational facilities, Colonel Bill Barber Park incorporates elements that honor its namesake and military heritage. A "Don't Tread on Me" rattlesnake path runs between sections of one of the play areas, adding a patriotic touch to the park's design. The park also features a formal garden area with a frog fountain, surrounded by bougainvillea on trellises and native plants.

The park's expansive green spaces provide ample room for picnicking, kite flying, and other outdoor activities. Several large picnic gazebos are available throughout the park, some of which can be reserved for events. The park's design includes accessibility features, with ramps providing access to various play equipment.

Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park serves as a versatile community space, offering a blend of active recreation, passive enjoyment, and historical commemoration. Its location near the Irvine Civic Center makes it a central gathering place for residents and visitors alike.