This project has been completed

Placement of up to 20,000 cubic yards of sand material from the Santa Ana River, from OC Public Works, at Capistrano Beach within the City of Dana Point. This is a joint project between OC Parks and OC Public Works. Public access may be limited during construction.

What:

•    Transport of 20,000 cubic yards of clean sand removed from flood control maintenance in the Santa Ana River.
•    Screening of sand and trucking to the beach area north of Palisades Drive.
•    Placement of sand along a 550 linear-foot stretch at the north reach of Capistrano Beach.

DETOURS AND SAFETY
Flaggers will direct both pedestrians and bicyclists to avoid the work area. Watch for additional traffic control measures including construction signage.

BACKGROUND
Additional sand serves to counter coastal erosion, protect coastal resources and enhance recreation areas. The California Coastal Commission (CCC) has approved placement of sand as an interim measure.

When:

Anticipated Construction Duration:
July 8 – September 2024

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Working hours and schedule will vary due to tides, inclement weather, ocean conditions and other factors.

Where:

Capistrano Beach Park
35005 Beach Road, Dana Point, CA 92624

Contact Information:

(714) 973-6865

ocparks@ocparks.com

Crawford Canyon Park opened to the public on Nov. 19, 2025. 

In collaboration with Orange County (OC) Parks, OC Public Works will be starting construction of a new neighborhood park and public walkway improvements along Crawford Canyon Road in North Tustin.

WHAT: 

Upcoming project activities will include: 

• Clearing of the park area
• Grading and importing soil material onto the site
• Placement of amenities such as picnic tables, benches, bike racks and waste/recycle receptacles
• Installation of fencing, lighting and electrical equipment, irrigation and landscaping
• Installation of upgraded traffic signal equipment
• Replacement of road guardrail
• Construction of:
  • Retaining wall
  • Entrance driveway and parking lot in southern portion of park area (nine standard parking spaces, two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking spaces)
  • Exercise stations and two youth playground areas
  • Walkways (both concrete and disintegrated granite)
  • Wood pedestrian bridge
  • ADA curb ramps
  • Stormwater catch basin, drain pipe and vegetated swale

Your safety is our top priority! 

Traffic control safety measures will be in place. There may be brief delays or stops for the public along the adjacent path for vehicles and equipment entering the work area. Please observe all project safety signs, barriers and personnel when traveling near the project area.

WHEN: 

May 2024 - May 2025

Schedule is subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: 

The west corner of the intersection of Newport Avenue and Crawford Canyon Road in North Tustin.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Adam Ramos, OC Public Works
(714) 667-1631
ProjectInfo@ocpw.ocgov.com 

Additional park details and project updates.

(Silverado, Calif.) – Hike atop colorful sandstone and cobble bluffs and enjoy breathtaking views of the Santa Ana Mountains and beyond at Red Rock Wilderness.  

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, the approximately 1,500-acre area features more than 8 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.  

“Red Rock Wilderness is the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “I am thrilled to continue expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in Orange County and introducing even more residents to these beautiful spaces. I look forward to exploring this area and standing atop the red rock formations found here.”                                                                                          

Situated on top of the 20 to 40-million-year-old Sespe formation, Red Rock Wilderness was once home to early rhinos and crocodiles that roamed the area. The red rocks developed their striking color and jagged appearance over time as the sediment oxidized and eroded, along with the gradual uplift of the Santa Ana Mountains. The area offers a protected and preserved natural habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including bobcats, mule deer, grey fox and a variety of bird species. Colorful California poppies, lupine and other wildflowers can be enjoyed here during the spring months while coast live oaks, prickly pear cactus, coastal sage scrub and native grasses are visible year-round. 

Red Rock Wilderness features six new multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to explore ranging from easy to difficult. A new scenic overlook offers sweeping views of the nearby red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, the surrounding canyons and beyond. Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Red Rock Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails. 

In 2023, OC Parks opened Saddleback Wilderness and Gypsum Canyon Wilderness, adding nearly 10 miles of multi-use trails for public use in the Irvine Ranch Open Space. Red Rock Wilderness is the newest area to open to the public and supports OC Parks’ continued mission to preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources for recreation, education and exploration throughout Orange County. The land is part of 25,000 acres donated from the Irvine Company to the County of Orange for preservation and recreation. 

Red Rock Wilderness is accessible through scheduled guided and self-guided programs with advance registration. Select programs at Red Rock Wilderness will also provide access to 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, also part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. OC Parks balances environmental stewardship with public access to ensure the area is preserved and enjoyed. Public usage and feedback, along with further monitoring of native habitat and wildlife populations are taken into consideration as future access opportunities and availability are determined. Free public access opportunities will begin Saturday, May 18.  

May and June 2024 Activities and Programs at Red Rock Wilderness

Advance registration required for all activities and programs. Visit OCParks.com/irvine-ranch-open-space for more information and to sign up. Inclement weather may cancel activities and programs.  

May 18 – Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness  
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

May 22 – Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Red Rock Wilderness   
8 – 10 a.m. 

May 23 – The Lure and Lull of Red Rock Wilderness Equestrian Ride   
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

May 24 – Morning Hike at Red Rock Wilderness     
8 – 10:30 a.m. 

May 30 – Nature Hike at Red Rock Wilderness   
9 – 11:30 a.m. 

June 7 – Red Rock to Limestone Distance Hike
6:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

June 13 – Thursday Morning Trek in Red Rock Wilderness     
7:30 – 11 a.m. 

June 14 – Morning Hike at Red Rock Wilderness   
8 – 10:30 a.m. 

June 15 – Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness 
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

June 16 – Moderate-Paced Mountain Bike Ride in Red Rock Wilderness and Loma Ridge   
8 – 11 a.m. 

June 28 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Red Rock Wilderness   
8 – 10:30 a.m.

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

Project Summary: 

Moulton Niguel Water District's (MNWD) Regional Force Main Replacement Project will replace nearly 2 miles of pipelines within Laguna Niguel Regional Park. The existing pipelines carry wastewater from MNWD's pump station to the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The new pipelines will help to ensure continued safe and reliable service. 

Learn more about MNWD's Regional Force Main Replacement Project.

PHASED CONSTRUCTION
Construction will occur in phases to minimize the impact on park visitors. Until construction is completed, park visitors may see necessary trail closures and reduced park access to ensure the public’s safety. Construction will utilize trenchless construction methods, where needed, to safeguard environmentally sensitive areas and minimize the effects on local wildlife. 

TRAIL CLOSURES
Trails will be closed in phases to preserve the public’s access to walking paths and bike trails in the park as much as possible. Be alert for any trail closures and possible rerouting of your normal path. 

NO RESERVATIONS OR PERMITS 
All park shelters will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance reservations will not be permitted throughout the duration of the project. Special events and vendor permits will not be issued during this time.

REDUCED PARK ACCESS
Sections of the park and associated amenities may be closed, as needed, to ensure a safe construction site. Parking spaces may also be limited during construction work.

INCREASED CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC 
Visitors may experience delays or detours due to increased construction traffic throughout the park for the duration of the project.

WHEN: 

Anticipated Construction Duration:
Summer 2024 – Spring 2027 

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Work will not be performed on weekends, holidays or during inclement weather.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Moulton Niguel Water District 
(949) 425-3501
forcemain@mnwd.com

This project has been completed. 

Project Summary: 

The Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park Playground Replacement Project will revitalize an existing playground area by removing old playground equipment and installing new play equipment and impact surfaces to ensure safety and functionality for children of all ages. The project scope also includes minor site enhancements. 

When: 

Fall 2024 – Summer 2025

The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact Information:
OC Parks
(949) 923-2250

(Lake Forest, Calif.) - Immerse yourself in the rich history of Orange County’s rancho era at the annual Rancho Days Fiesta on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park. This event commemorates the unique history of rancho and Native American cultures through interactive activities, live music, dance performances and more in a family-friendly setting.

Free to attend and fun for all ages, Rancho Days Fiesta features a variety of activities including engaging exhibits, cultural performances, craft workshops, piñata breaking and more. Attendees will enjoy vibrant Folklórico and Native American dances, witness educational Charro horseback riding and roping demonstrations and explore the historic buildings at Heritage Hill Historical Park with guided tours provided by Amigos de la Colina docents. Pets are welcome in outdoor areas only and must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. 

“Rancho Days Fiesta is the perfect way for visitors of all ages to glimpse into Orange County’s storied past,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “This annual event is a testament to our community’s history and to the dedication of the County of Orange in preserving and sharing this important legacy with future generations.”

Heritage Hill Historical Park spans 4.1 acres and includes four fully restored and furnished historic buildings that span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area from the Mexican Rancho era to the founding of the town of El Toro through the citrus farming days of the early 20th century. Join OC Parks at Rancho Days Fiesta to experience the charm and excitement of the rancho era.  

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

May 4 - Rancho Days Fiesta 
Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
Admission: Free  
Parking: Free 
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630  
Contact: (949) 923-2230

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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

(Modjeska Canyon, Calif.) –  Following an extensive restoration project, the oldest building on the grounds of OC Parks’ Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens is complete. Originally built in the 1870s, the restored Pleasants Stone House is now fully open to the public for the first time in park history.

Constructed around 1875 by Joseph Pleasants and Mary Refugio Carpenter, the Stone House was first used to keep supplies on their homestead cool during the hot summer months. Pleasants went on to sell the ranch to world-renowned Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska in 1888. The second floor of the Stone House later became living quarters for staff working at the Arden property, including Modjeska’s gardener Theodore Payne, who is well-known for pioneering the use of California native plants in the early 20th century. 

“The Pleasants Stone House is an important part of Orange County’s history,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Built by some of the earliest homesteaders in Modjeska Canyon, the Stone House can now be enjoyed by future generations while further adding to the historical significance of Arden, a National Historic Landmark.”

The restoration was made possible, in part, by a “Save America’s Treasures” grant through the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service. The project took nine months to complete and focused on the meticulous restoration of the second-floor interior and exterior, ensuring preservation of existing character-defining features. 

In 1990, Arden was declared a National Historic Landmark, one of only two sites in Orange County to receive this designation. The restoration now allows visitors access to the second floor of the Stone House, further adding to this historic site.

The Pleasants Stone House can be seen during guided tours offered Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. with advance registration. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the grounds Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens for more information. 

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

Celebrate summertime outdoors with 9 free concerts and 12 free movie screenings at OC Parks 
June 7 to August 30, 2024. 

(Orange County, Calif.) – The County of Orange and OC Parks are excited to announce the 2024 lineup for the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment under the stars at regional parks with free live music and movie screenings all summer long. All events are free to attend with free parking and food and drink options available for purchase. 

OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with nine free outdoor concerts Thursday evenings, June 20 to Aug. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music from exceptional bands and artists at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.

The concert series kicks off with The Smiths and Morrissey cover band Sweet and Tender Hooligans June 20 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by popular local and renowned artists including Mariachi Divas, Flashback Heart Attack, A Thousand Horses, No Duh, Ozomatli, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and The FABBA Show. Jimmy’s Buffet will round out the 2024 OC Parks Summer Concert Series at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. 

OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen to the great outdoors in your favorite regional parks with 12 free movie screenings Friday nights beginning June 7 to Aug. 30 at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Guests of all ages can enjoy recent blockbusters and popular classic films, complete with dynamic pre-show entertainment such as character interactions, DJ-led games and more. Cinema events begin at 6 p.m. with screenings starting after sundown, at approximately 8 p.m. 

Friday night films kick off June 7 and include Wonka (2023), The Little Rascals (1994), Migration (2023), Men in Black (1997), Trolls Band Together (2023), Barbie (2023), National Treasure (2004), Frozen II (2019), Napoleon Dynamite (2004), The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), 13 Going on 30 (2004) and The Goonies (1985).

“The County of Orange and OC Parks are thrilled to continue this beloved annual community tradition,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The return of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema promises yet another season of free, outdoor entertainment, inviting everyone to experience the joy of music and film throughout Orange County’s stunning regional parks."

OC Parks Summer Concert Series and OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series are open to the public of all ages and free to attend with free parking. Food trucks will serve a variety of tasty food options at each event and a beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and older. Gather your chairs, blankets, friends and family and enjoy free concerts and movie screenings this summer with OC Parks.

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese 

OC Parks Summer Concert Series

Thursday nights, 5 p.m. (Event starts at 5 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m.) 
*Translation services available upon request*

Date: June 20
Concert: Sweet and Tender Hooligans @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 27
Concert: Mariachi Divas @ Craig Regional Park

*No summer concert July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Date: July 11
Concert: Flashback Heart Attack @ Mason Regional Park

Date: July 18
Concert: A Thousand Horses @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: July 25
Concert: No Duh: The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt & Gwen Stefani @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 1
Concert: Ozomatli @ Mile Square Regional Park

Date: August 8
Concert: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Mile Square Regional Park

Date: August 15
Concert: The FABBA Show @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

Date: August 22
Concert: Jimmy’s Buffet @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

OC Parks Sunset Cinema

Friday nights, 6 p.m. (Event starts at 6 p.m., movie begins at sunset) 
*All movies will be shown in English*

Date: June 7
Movie: Wonka (2023) @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 14
Movie: The Little Rascals (1994) @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 21
Movie: Migration (2023) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Date: June 28
Movie: Men in Black (1997) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park

*No cinema event July 5 in observance of Independence Day weekend.

Date: July 12
Movie: Trolls Band Together (2023) @ Mason Regional Park

Date: July 19
Movie: Barbie (2023) @ Yorba Regional Park

Date: July 26
Movie: National Treasure (2004) @ Yorba Regional Park

Date: August 2
Movie: Frozen II (2019) @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 9
Movie: Napoleon Dynamite (2004) @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 16
Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Date: August 23
Movie: 13 Going on 30 (2004) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Date: August 30
Movie: The Goonies (1985) @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

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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

Project Summary: 

This project includes the maintenance of the existing rock slope protection along Strands Beach below the Niguel Shores Community. The construction crew will operate from a staging area located within the HOA parking area. The public stairs and ramp will also be repaired at the north end of the revetment area.

WHAT: 

• Retrieve and re-stack displaced stone in 100-foot sections
• Import of up to 1,000 tons of rock
• Repair the existing northerly access ramps
• Repair the existing public, concrete beach stairs

WHEN: 

February 26 - Late May 2024

Working hours and schedule may vary due to inclement weather, tidal conditions, repair conditions, and other factors.

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DETOURS AND SAFETY

Construction activity may impact access to Strands Beach from Niguel Shores Drive and Selva Road Tuesdays between 8-10 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. Flaggers will be present to direct trucks and manage pedestrian foot traffic, along with additional control measures including construction signage to avoid the work area. Portions of the beach may be inaccessible during high tide.

CONTACT INFORMATION
OC Public Works Construction Inspector Paul Weaver
(714) 719-1742

Dates shown are week of stocking. Schedule is subject to change and will be updated as available.

California Fishing License required age 16+ at all parks besides Irvine Lake.

Week of March 18-22, 2024                

• Irvine Lake
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park    
• Yorba Regional Park       

Week of April 22-26, 2024          

• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park         

Week of May 13-17, 2024              

• Tri-City Regional Park      
• Irvine Lake
• Mile Square Regional Park   

Week of June 10-14, 2024                             

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Irvine Regional Park  
• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Week of July 15-19, 2024         

• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Week of Aug. 12-16, 2024 

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Irvine Lake
• Irvine Regional Park

Week of Sept. 9-13, 2024 

• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park

Week of Oct. 14-18, 2024 

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Trout season is estimated to start at the end of November.