This program has been canceled due to park closure.

*This program takes place at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Santiago Oaks Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

The clocks spring forward early March 9, marking the beginning of daylight saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Most regional parks close at 9 p.m. for the spring and summer. Wilderness parks close at sunset year-round.

Spring-summer hours for the following regional parks are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Craig Regional Park
• Irvine Regional Park (opens at 6 a.m.)
• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mason Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Wilderness parks and the following regional parks open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset year-round:

• Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
• Caspers Wilderness Park
• Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (parking lots open at 8 a.m.)
• O’Neill Regional Park
• Peters Canyon Regional Park  
• Riley Wilderness Park
• Santiago Oaks Regional Park
• Talbert Regional Park
• Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
• Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
• Wieder Regional Park

Irvine Lake will continue to operate Friday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hours for OC Parks’ beaches vary but are generally between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Salt Creek Beach opens at 5 a.m. and closes at midnight.

OC Parks facilities will remain on these operating hours until daylight saving time ends November 2, 2025. 

Irvine Regional Park is expecting an increase in visitation throughout March and April, especially on weekends. The park entrance may be impacted and the park could close to vehicle traffic if parking reaches capacity. 

Overflow parking will be available at Santiago Canyon College, 8045 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA on the following dates: 

• Sunday, March 23 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, April 19 (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Sunday, April 20 (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Santiago Canyon College is approximately a half-mile walk to the park. Overnight parking is not permitted. 

Parking is $10 per vehicle each weekend and $15 per vehicle on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.*

Special events permits and shelter reservations will not be issued during this time. 

Please note: OC Parks annual passes are not valid for parking at Santiago Canyon College.

(Huntington Beach, Calif.) – First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen of the Orange County Board of Supervisors along with OC Parks staff officially opened the newly installed, ADA accessible playground at Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park in Huntington Beach on Feb. 12.

“We are thrilled to offer this revitalized playground to our community,” said Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen. “Our investment in this accessible play area ensures children of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to play together in a dynamic, barrier-free environment.” 

The new playground features new surfacing and two separate play areas, one intended for ages 2 to 5 and one for ages 5 to 12. Notable upgrades include smooth, wide pathways for wheelchair access, sensory play panels with tactile, auditory and visual stimulation and a “Rock with Me" glider, with six seats for riders and room for a person with a mobility device to fit comfortably inside. 

Due to its innovative design, the playground has been recognized as a model project of excellence and designated as a National Demonstration Site by PlayCore, a playground equipment manufacturer dedicated to building healthy communities through play, recreation and outdoor spaces. 

Visitors can enjoy and use the playground daily from 7 a.m. to sunset at Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park located at 19251 Seapoint Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648. 

(Santa Ana, Calif.) – Discover the work of local artists inspired by life in Southern California at Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries art exhibit, now on display at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana (211 W. Santa Ana Blvd.). 

The collection, made up of more than 180 original paintings from over 60 local artists, features art pieces depicting diverse sceneries of nature, cityscapes, florals and more. The exhibit is hosted by OC Parks, in partnership with Southern California Plein Air Painters Association (SOCALPAPA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the tradition of plein air painting. The collection will include plein air pieces and original artwork of all sizes and mediums. In addition, the exhibit will feature art pieces from local students from the Orange County School of Arts. Artwork in the gallery is available for purchase, with sales going directly to the artists. 

“Orange County is home to so many talented individuals,” said Vicente Sarmiento, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “It is wonderful to have a place in the heart of the County, at the historic Old Orange County Courthouse, to display the work of local artists where others can be inspired and introduced to a new art medium.”

Plein air, the French term for “open air,” is the practice of painting outside which provides artists a dynamic artistic experience to capture the spirit and essence of subjects while being outdoors. In addition to focusing on plein-air painting, SOCALPAPA's objectives include bringing artists together, promoting arts education and supporting local conservation efforts that protect our natural landscape.

Members’ paintings are also on display year-round in the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center located at OC Parks’ Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. The artwork in the center often illustrates parks, wilderness areas and coastal spaces, similarly to what is showcased in the Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries exhibit.

Admission to Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries exhibit is free and open to view at the Old Orange County Courthouse gallery Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through March 13. Metered parking is available at the on-site lot and surrounding street parking. Additional parking is available at lot P8 (301 W. 5th Street). Parking fees apply.

For information about Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries art exhibit and the Old Orange County Courthouse, please visit ocparks.com/historic-sites/old-orange-county-courthouse.

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

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OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

OC Public Works will perform ADA improvements at Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea.

WHAT: 

Temporary walkway and path closures details:

• Work will begin on the existing walkway along the pull-in parking spaces along E. Santa Fe Rd. at the northerly portion of the park.
• Work will include removal of the existing walkway and retrofitting with ADA compliant walkway and ramps, and the installation of three energy dissipater outlets to provide drainage.
• Walkway to remain closed for the duration of the project. Access to paths may be limited based on proximity.
• Signage and caution tape will be placed around the work areas. 

WHEN: 

Anticipated Construction Duration:
December 16 - January 29, 2025

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other factors.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Sr. Construction Inspector Raymond Sanchez
(657) 641-5040

Sup. Construction Inspector Rudy Alfaro
(714) 448-0804

ProjectInfo@ocpw.ocgov.com
ocpublicworks.com 

BAY VIEW TRAIL PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CLOSURE WITH DETOURS 
OC Public Works will perform maintenance at the Bay View Trail pedestrian bridge at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. A detour along Mesa Drive will be available for trail users to connect with the trail. 

WHAT: 

• A portion of Bay View Trail, including the pedestrian bridge, will be closed for repairs for the duration of the project, including weekends. 
• Bay View Trail west of Mesa Drive will be open up to the bridge closure, approximately .75 miles. 
• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic control measures such as construction signage and changeable message signs will be present. 
• Detour signs will be placed in the bike lane and sidewalk areas as shown on the attached map.

WHEN: 

Anticipated Construction Closure:
December 9, 2024 - January 3, 2025

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other factors.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Sr. Construction Inspector Ammy Bello 
(714) 949-3790

Sup. Construction Inspector Raymond Marcial
(714) 667-4992

ProjectInfo@ocpw.ocgov.com
ocpublicworks.com 

(Orange County, Calif.) – Have a holly jolly good time with OC Parks this December by taking part in a variety of free, festive holiday happenings throughout Orange County. 

Celebrate the spirit of the holidays at the 38th annual Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park. Stoll through the merry grounds and enjoy historical buildings ornamented with holiday lights and décor December 6-8 from 5 to 9 p.m. Join in the joy of the evening with live musical performances, holiday crafts for kids and a visit with Santa Claus. Refreshments will be available for cash purchase. The event is free to attend with free parking.

The merriment continues the following weekend with the return of OC Parks' Holiday Lights Dec. 13-15 from 5 to 9 p.m. Delight in twinkling light displays and snap pictures in front of a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities. Pets are welcome to join the festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than six feet. Please note additional entertainment and refreshments will not be available during Holiday Lights.

Join the holiday fun Saturday, Dec. 14 for Christmas at the OC Zoo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy holiday crafts for kids and see zoo animals receive treat-filled “gifts” and treats hidden inside Christmas trees throughout the day! Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free). 

Visitors can also enjoy holiday decorations all month long at the Old Orange County Courthouse. The outside of the building will light up at sunset each night through the new year, providing a wonderful and festive historic backdrop for a holiday photo.

Adaptation Spotlight: Staying Warm
Date: December 4
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Address: 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle

Candlelight Walk 
Date: December 6-8 
Time: 5 - 9 p.m. 
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park
Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Art at the Oaks: Citrus Ornaments
Date: December 7
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park 
Address: 2145 Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle

Little Explorers: Snow! 
Date: December 12
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Staging Area
Address: 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle

Christmas at the OC Zoo 
Date: December 14
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under are free)
Parking: $5 per vehicle

Holiday Ornament Painting
Date: December 14
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Holiday Lights
Date: December 13-15 
Time: 5 - 9 p.m. 
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park
Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Winter Bird Watching
Date: December 18
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Irvine Regional Park
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle

Critter Investigation: Merry Mule Deer
Date: December 18
Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Winter Solstice Hike to Mini Moab: Fremont Canyon
Date: December 20
Time: 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Irvine Ranch Open Space
Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Road, Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Nature Creativity: Wood Cookie Ornament 
Date: December 20
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Staging Area
Address: 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle

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OC Parks

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

(Fountain Valley, Calif.) – Badminton and table tennis are now available to the public on weekends at Freedom Hall, located within OC Parks’ Mile Square Regional Park. 

These activities are available to the public free of charge Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Table tennis tables and badminton nets are open on a first come, first served basis and do not require reservations to use. Equipment is available for loan at no cost.

Freedom Hall is located next to the north lake, near parking lot G. Parking is $5 per vehicle on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mile Square Regional Park map.

Visit Mile Square Regional Park for more information and to view other activities occurring at Freedom Hall, including interpretive programs. 

(Lake Forest, Calif.) – Ring in the holiday season at OC Parks' Heritage Hill Historical Park this December with two festive weekends of family-friendly fun at Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights.

Experience the decorated grounds during special park hours and explore the historical buildings decked out with holiday lights and décor at the 38th annual Candlelight Walk Dec. 6-8 from 5 to 9 p.m. Celebrate the joy of the holidays with live musical performances from carolers and brass band musicians, holiday crafts for kids, puppet show productions of “Thumbelina” and an opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Refreshments will be available for cash purchase.

The joy continues the following weekend with the return of OC Parks' Holiday Lights Dec. 13-15 from 5 to 9 p.m. Delight in twinkling light displays and snap pictures in front of a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities. Pets are welcome to join the merry festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than six feet. Please note additional entertainment and refreshments will not be available during Holiday Lights.

"We are excited to show our holiday spirit and gather for another year of family-friendly activities at Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park," said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. "Attendees can visit an incredible historic site in Orange County while experiencing the enchantment of the holiday season."

Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park are free to attend with free parking. Inclement weather may cancel the events.

Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 923-2230 

38th Annual Candlelight Walk
Dates: December 6, 7 and 8
Time: 5 - 9 p.m.
Cost & Parking: Free

Holiday Lights
Dates: December 13, 14 and 15
Time: 5 - 9 p.m.
Cost & Parking: Free

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

###

OC Parks

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com