CLIPBOARD : DISCOVERY : Tri-City Park

Tom Putnam was standing on the shore of the small lake, casting his line into the mirror-like water. He wanted to hook a whopper.

“My best catch out of this lake was a four-pound big-mouth bass,” Putnam said, reeling in the line. “I know he’s still in here because I threw him back.”

Putnam always throws back his catches. The lake, he says, may be home to many a keeper, but it is too small not to release the catch of the day. He flipped the plastic grub out into the middle of the lake again. Not a bite, not even a tug. Using a steady spinning movement repeated like a mantra, Putnam slowly reeled the line in again, the clear string weaving around the spool.

“On days like today, it doesn’t matter if I catch a fish,” he said, looking out across the lake. “This is just an excuse to be outside.”

A few hours at Tri-City Park in Placentia is just the thing to bring on a case of spring fever. The 40-acre park, showing the effects of the recent rains, is a vibrant, verdant collage of sights, sounds and smells.

Joggers, walkers and children compete with big brown geese for space on the eucalyptus-lined dirt path that wraps around the lake. Along the trail, picnic tables and benches tucked away in the shade of outstretched tree limbs provide a place to pause and reflect on the quiet ambience.

For Rozalynne Kraus, Tri-City Park has always been her refuge. “I grew up in the neighborhood,” Kraus said. “In high school, on sunny days like today, we would cut class and come to the park. There was nothing like sitting in the sun and feeding the ducks.”

The tradition to cut class holds true today. Kraus, who teaches religion classes, has spotted her own students in the park during school hours.

As she was talking, Kraus’ Lhasa apso, Bruno, edged away from his owner to creep up to three large geese. At the first honk, he quickly backpedaled, giving way to a group of children who tossed bread crusts to the odd assembly of geese, wood ducks, coots and sea gulls.

A brightly painted blue-and-orange children’s play area is another highlight of the facility, and Kraus said several of her nieces and nephews have celebrated birthdays at the park.

“Summer picnics and birthday parties are a tradition in our family,” Kraus said. “We take over one section of the lawn. The kids have a safe place to run and play. It’s a perfect atmosphere.”

Six covered picnic sites with barbecues can be reserved at no cost, although a deposit is required (it is refunded providing the users clean up after themselves). The park is also an ideal place for weddings (arrangements are made through the Placentia City Hall).

Although 12-year-old park is in Placentia, the “Tri-City” name refers to an agreement Placentia has with Fullerton and Yorba Linda to share caretaking duties. Regulars such as Kraus and Putnam agree that it’s nice to have such a nice place to come to.

“Tri-City Park has been a big part of my life,” Kraus said. “I’m glad it’s here instead of another mall.”

Hours: 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Address: 2101 Kraemer Blvd., Placentia

Telephone: Placentia City Hall, (714) 993-8232

Miscellaneous Information: To reserve a covered picnic area, call or visit Placentia City Hall.