When you say that you are going to Anaheim, California, many people equate "Anaheim" with "Disneyland;" but there really is a downtown City of Anaheim that is separate from Disneyland. Since I had some unscheduled time one evening, I decided to take the historic downtown Anaheim walking tour. The first thing that really surprised me was that there was no charge for downtown parking. And, I was always under the impression that there was not anyplace in the Metropolitan LA area that had free parking. Nice surprise to start the tour!
First stop was City Hall, but the buildings were all closed for the evening. However, behind City Hall there was a "Water Sustainability Campus" that contained a "first-of-its-kind, small-scale water recycling facility." The small water plant uses a unique combination of state-of-the-art treatment and disinfection technologies to produce recycled water from domestic wastewater. All of the color-coded equipment, along with the labeled functions, is contained in a glass building; so that it is possible to follow the water flow completely through the recycle process. Water from the recycle facility is used throughout the Campus to water the plants. There are also examples of drought tolerant plants that can save up to 70% of outdoor landscaping water uses without compromising aesthetics.
Also located in the area of City Hall are some ornate historical buildings.
The Mezeo Museum and Cultural Center is located across the street from City Hall and occupies the old Anaheim City Library and parts of other buildings. The Museum features Anaheim history and world-class traveling exhibitions, while various programs are held in the Cultural Center (schedule of events is published on their web site). There is also a nice monument in the courtyard that honors Veterans.
Anaheim Ice (formerly known as "Disney Ice") is one of the major works of architect Frank Gehry and is now the practice and training facility for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League.
A favorite stop for visitors to the area is the Packing House, which is the old Sunkist Citrus Plant that has been converted into a collection of restaurants, bars, markets, and specialty shops.
Located adjacent to the Packing House is the Cultivation Kitchen and gardens.
George Washington Park is located on the site of the old Central Elementary School that was built in 1879. This was the first school in California that was built by raising funds using school bonds.
The park improvements were designed to be reminiscent of the early 1900s and to be in harmony with the Craftsman and Victorian style houses in the neighborhood
BONUS PICTURE (Happy Sign)
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