Heritage Park (Cerritos, California)

Heritage Park is an urban park in Cerritos, California. It measures 15 acres (6.1 ha) in area.[1] It is close to the center of the city, with Cerritos High School, Cerritos Library, and Cerritos Towne Center all located nearby.

Heritage Park
The play island in 2009, at night
Heritage Park (Cerritos, California) is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Heritage Park (Cerritos, California)
Heritage Park (Cerritos, California) is located in California
Heritage Park (Cerritos, California)
Heritage Park (Cerritos, California) is located in the United States
Heritage Park (Cerritos, California)
TypeUrban
LocationCerritos, California
Coordinates33°51′51″N 118°03′43″W / 33.8643°N 118.0619°W / 33.8643; -118.0619
Area15 acres (6.1 ha)
Owned byCity of Cerritos
Open10AM-8PM

History

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In October 1988, then-presidential candidate George H. W. Bush held a rally at the park to gain support for the 1988 United States presidential election as a part of his campaign.[2] The park was refurbished in 2002, to meet new standards set in place for the safety of playgrounds.[3] A new, more modern playground opened in June 2014. It is located outside of the play island.[4] The park's community center was closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and reopened about a year later.[5]

Facilities

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The main attraction of the park is the play island in the center, which is open from 10AM to dusk every day but Tuesday, when it opens at 2PM instead.[1] The island was planned to have the appearance of a Bostonian village in the 1770s, containing themed buildings with play equipment located inside them. A pirate ship and a replica of the Old North Church (which houses a tall tube slide) can also be found. A moat, surrounding the island, is home to ducks, geese, and turtles.[6] The island is made accessible by two covered bridges in the parks front and back.[7][8]

The park also contains a community center with a kitchen, picnic areas, two playgrounds, restrooms, two basketball courts, and a softball diamond.[1] There is also a statue of Paul Revere at the park's entrance[7] and various signs detailing his Midnight Ride are planted throughout the park.[8]

Events

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Starting in 2022, the city holds an annual Mid-Autumn Festival in September at the park. Participants release lanterns in the park's moat.[9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Heritage Park - City of Cerritos". City of Cerritos. August 4, 2023. Archived from the original on November 15, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  2. ^ Newman, Bud (August 14, 1988). "Republican George Bush basked Friday in the warm reviews..." United Press International. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  3. ^ "Heritage Park of Cerritos, California". The Consulting Writer. January 12, 2014. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  4. ^ "Heritage Park in Cerritos opens new playground". Press-Telegram. June 22, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  5. ^ "Cerritos Developing Plans to Reopen City Facilities". Cerritos Community News. April 6, 2021. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  6. ^ "Discover the Hidden Gems of Cerritos, California: A Guide to Living in Paradise". California.com. March 30, 2023. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Whiteaker, Michele (April 14, 2021). "Heritage Park Play Island in Cerritos". Fun Orange County Parks. Archived from the original on November 15, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  8. ^ a b "Heritage Park a Playground for the Mind and Body". Real Mom Time. June 13, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  9. ^ "Cerritos mayor provides positive updates in State of the City address". The Downey Patriot. September 26, 2022. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.