Max Berg Plaza Park

"~A Quaint Park by Day, A Diverse Urban Mosaic by Night~ Embraced by whispering foliage and vibrant playgrounds, this park stands as a testament to the sheer joy of blending the charm of small-town vibes with the exhilarating pulse of urban life. In the heart of our quaint neighborhood lies a park divided: on one side, serene grasslands offering a tranquil sanctuary; on the other, a playground alive with the jubilant cries of children. On weekends, the spirited local community often hosts large social gatherings, adding to the park's vibrant atmosphere. As twilight casts the sky in shades of mystery, the park undergoes yet another transformation. Cyclists and dog-walkers traverse its paths, setting the stage for a ballet of adolescence—teens on skateboards pirouetting in rebellion, their laughter intertwining with the clandestine whispers of the night. Then comes the nocturnal festival, a kaleidoscope of experiences: the exchange and consumption of mind-altering substances, an unhoused perhaps schizophrenic individual finding a place to rest, fireworks lighting up the sky, and gang rivalries occasionally settled with warning shots from a 9mm handgun. This diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment truly is a space for all walks of life to express themselves. Whether you're seeking a day in the park with your children, a quiet tree under which to read, or a chance to mingle with enigmatic nonconformists who embrace societal decay, the rich mosaic of the Max-Berg experience offers it all. A hidden gem nestled in a quiet Southern Orange County neighborhood, it's a place worth discovering."

"This very small park serves as the outdoor recreation space for a large portion of neighborhood families that are living in rental housing without yards. It is very well maintained with a special shout out to the lady who polices the area for litter every evening. Since the city installed cameras, more lighting, and removed the high hedges, the area is much less hospitable to occasional gang activity. The structure at the center of the park, which replaced a water feature in the 1980's, serves no purpose, and it would be nice if it could be replaced. Also, a permanent area for volleyball and soccer practice would help protect the grass. I enjoy living near Max Berg Park and feel the city really gets its money's worth in use by the neighborhood community."

"This was the biggest playground we found in San Clemente. We enjoyed the shade and polite neighbors."

"I used to work at the park on weekends and holidays as a security officer and for the most part it was routine . Had some problem with skate boarders at times and loud boom boxes and yes it got messy with litter on weekends but a lot of families used the park for picnics and birthday parties and there were a lot of informal soccer games. Overall a fairly decent little neighborhood park."

"Park is great, surrounding neighborhood can be uncomfortable, however people who live right around the park are good! Lots of multi-cultural families right around the park. Can be dirty on weekends due to over usage. My kids grew up playing here and we're perfectly safe!"