This 7.8 acre park is located just above Old Town on Juan St and features 7 historic Victorian buildings that were saved from demolition and moved to this location for preservation.  Among the buildings is San Diego's oldest synagogue as well as several intricatly designed former residences.  Management of the park was recently taken over by the Pacific Hospitality Group, who also own the nearby Best Western Hacienda Hotel. Several restoration projects are underway as are plans to open additional homes as Bed and Breakfast Inns. The park is open daily along with several of its architectural gems. It is a popular site for weddings and photos.

More information on the park, ongoing renovations, and opening times can be found on the Heritage Park's website.

Read more: Heritage Park

Adjacent to Grant School, Pioneer Park is a central gathering place for the Mission Hills Community.  Steeped in history, the park dates back to the late 19th century and was home to one of the earliest cemeteries in San Diego.  Original tombstones still stand in a far corner of the park, and a plaque commemorates those buried here. Today, Pioneer Park is full of life with children enjoying the playground, couples picnicing in the grass, and energetic types practicing tai chi or walking their dogs.  Pioneer Park hosts several community activities including the annual Fourth of July Celebration as well as summertime Concerts in the Park on Friday evenings.

Here is a great website about the history of Pioneer Park done by the students of Grant Elementary school.

Click here for a good article about Pioneer Parks' days as Calvary Cemetery in the Uptown News.

Click here to learn more about the people buried there - there is even a plot map!

 

More information about the park's facilities can be found on Pioneer Park's website.

Read more: Pioneer Park

Perched on the hills overlooking Old Town, Presidio Park is an important site in early San Diego history.  This spot was the original home to the Mission San Diego de Alcala from which Mission Hills gets its name, and the site of the first Spanish Presidio,  or royal fort, established in California in 1769.  While no historical structures remain, Presidio Park is home to the Junipero Serra Museum, operated by the San Diego Historical Society.  Today the park is popular for its peaceful hiking trails and scenic picnic spots.

More information about the park's facilities and trails can be found on Presidio Park's Website.

Read more: Presidio Park

Mission Hills has two neighborhood tennis courst available to the public.  They are located across from Pioneer Park on the corner of Randolph St and Washington Pl.  The Grant school has exclusive use of the courts on school days and at other times required for the intramural and competitive tennis programs.  The courts are closed on Fridays for cleaning from 7am-9am.