Villa Park Knowles is a landscaped greenbelt and walking path along Wanda Road between Villa Park Road and Collins Avenue. Dedicated in 2022 as Villa Park’s first official park, the former Wanda Greenbelt features a decomposed-granite walking path, native and drought-tolerant landscaping, benches, outdoor fitness equipment and historical displays celebrating Villa Park’s citrus-growing past.
Villa Park Knowles Information
Location: Wanda Road between Villa Park Road and Collins Avenue, Villa Park, CA 92861
Type: Landscaped greenbelt and walking path
Trail Surface: Decomposed granite
Features: Benches, outdoor fitness stations, landscaping, historical displays and dog-waste stations
Cost: Free
Villa Park Knowles is a neighborhood greenbelt rather than a large recreation park. It is designed primarily for walking, light exercise, enjoying the landscaping and learning about Villa Park’s history.
Walking & Fitness at Villa Park Knowles
A decomposed-granite path runs through the greenbelt, with benches and landscaping along the route. Outdoor exercise equipment includes horizontal bars, parallel bars and a core bench, making it possible to combine a neighborhood walk with a short bodyweight workout.
Landscaping includes drought-tolerant and native-style plantings, wildflowers, succulents and fruit trees that reference Villa Park’s agricultural history. Historical displays along the path also feature vintage-style artwork reflecting the city’s citrus-growing roots.
From Railroad Greenbelt to Villa Park’s First Park
The land that became Villa Park Knowles has ties to the area’s citrus and railroad history. Local fruit farmers formed the Villa Park Orchards Association in 1912, and the Association acquired land along Santiago Boulevard in 1913 for its packing operation and train depot. The packinghouse helped connect Villa Park’s citrus growers with regional and national markets.
By 1969, the Villa Park Orchards Association had grown to 575 members farming approximately 6,000 acres and had become Sunkist’s second-largest orange, grapefruit and tangerine packing company in the country. The original Villa Park packing location had closed in 1967, and the Wanda Road greenbelt remained largely undeveloped for decades.
The City proposed revitalizing the Wanda Greenbelt in 2020. Groundbreaking for the Villa Park Knowles project took place on November 1, 2021, and the completed park was dedicated on June 29, 2022. The project transformed the greenbelt with a walking path, landscaping, exercise equipment, benches and displays recalling the area’s agricultural past.
Learn more about the community’s agricultural roots in our Villa Park history guide.
Villa Park Knowles Timeline
- 1912: Villa Park Orchards Association was formed.
- 1913: The Association acquired land for its Villa Park packing operation.
- 1967: The original Villa Park packing location closed.
- 2020: The City proposed revitalizing the Wanda Greenbelt.
- November 1, 2021: Groundbreaking was held for the Villa Park Knowles project.
- June 29, 2022: Villa Park Knowles was officially dedicated.
Who Was Villa Park Knowles Named For?
Villa Park Knowles was named in honor of Mike Knowles, Villa Park’s longtime Maintenance Supervisor. Knowles worked with residents, City staff and local organizations for decades to maintain and improve the community. The City named the revitalized Wanda Greenbelt for him in recognition of more than 30 years of service.
Knowles retired in February 2026 after more than 38 years of service to Villa Park. During his long tenure he became a familiar figure throughout the community and was sometimes referred to locally as Villa Park’s “unofficial mayor.”
Villa Park Knowles Project & Funding
The completed Villa Park Knowles project cost approximately $385,000. Funding included approximately $225,000 from a state grant, $75,000 from the Villa Park Community Services Foundation, $10,000 from the Villa Park Women’s League and $75,000 from the City of Villa Park.
Connection to the Santiago Creek Bike Trail
At the Collins Avenue end, walkers and cyclists can connect toward the Santiago Creek Bike Trail system, creating a longer route through Orange and toward Grijalva Park. Villa Park Knowles itself is a separate neighborhood greenbelt rather than part of the official Santiago Creek Bike Trail.
Dog-waste stations are located along the greenbelt. Visitors with dogs should follow current City of Villa Park animal-control and leash requirements.
Original Villa Park Knowles Project Plans
The images below show plans prepared during development of the Wanda Greenbelt revitalization project that became Villa Park Knowles.
Villa Park Knowles FAQ
What is Villa Park Knowles?
Villa Park Knowles is a landscaped greenbelt and walking path along Wanda Road. Dedicated in 2022, it is recognized as Villa Park’s first official park.
Where is Villa Park Knowles?
Villa Park Knowles runs along Wanda Road between Villa Park Road and Collins Avenue in Villa Park, California.
Is Villa Park Knowles really Villa Park’s first park?
Yes. The revitalized Wanda Greenbelt was dedicated in 2022 as Villa Park’s first official park.
Who is Mike Knowles?
Mike Knowles was Villa Park’s longtime Maintenance Supervisor. The park was named in recognition of his decades of service to the community. He retired in 2026 after more than 38 years of service.
When did Villa Park Knowles open?
The project broke ground on November 1, 2021, and Villa Park Knowles was formally dedicated on June 29, 2022.
What was the Wanda Greenbelt?
The Wanda Greenbelt was the largely undeveloped strip of land along Wanda Road that was revitalized and formally named Villa Park Knowles. The area’s history is connected to Villa Park’s former citrus packing and railroad operations.
What can you do at Villa Park Knowles?
Visitors can walk the decomposed-granite path, use outdoor fitness equipment, enjoy the landscaping, rest on benches and view displays about Villa Park’s history.
Is there outdoor exercise equipment?
Yes. Fitness equipment includes horizontal bars, parallel bars and a core bench.
Does Villa Park Knowles connect to the Santiago Creek Bike Trail?
The Collins Avenue end provides access toward the Santiago Creek Bike Trail system. Villa Park Knowles is a separate greenbelt and is not itself part of the official bike trail.
Is there a fee to visit Villa Park Knowles?
No. There is no admission fee to use the greenbelt and walking path.
More Things to Do in Villa Park
Explore more of the community with our guides to things to do in Villa Park, Villa Park history, the Santiago Creek Bike Trail and local community organizations.