(Orange, Calif.) – Chairman Donald P. Wagner of the Orange County Board of Supervisors cut the ribbon on a new Habitat Adventure Trail at Irvine Regional Park in Orange on October 3.
“This trail allows visitors of all ages to have fun learning about plants and animals that live in Orange County’s natural habitats,” Chairman Wagner said. “I am excited to open this new amenity and thank OC Parks for transforming this area in beautiful Irvine Regional Park for all to enjoy.”
The Habitat Adventure Trail is a quarter-mile loop featuring a walking trail with interpretive panels, nature-themed play components and new irrigation and planting. Users can learn about plants and animals in four different habitats along the way, including oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, riparian and chaparral.
Formerly known as the Children’s Garden, OC Parks utilized grant funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation Habitat Conservation Fund, Trails Program to revitalize the 4-acre area near the Irvine Regional Park entrance.
Irvine Regional Park is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the spring and summer, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the fall and winter. Parking is $3 per vehicle Monday - Friday and $5 on weekends. Visit ocparks.com/Irvinepark for more information.
*This project has been completed as of 9/21/2023.*
Placement of up to 45,000 cubic yards of sand material from the Santa Ana River, from OC Public Works, at Capistrano Beach and the southern portion of Doheny State Beach within the City of Dana Point. This is a joint project between OC Parks, OC Public Works and California State Parks. Public access may be limited during construction.
What:
• Transport of 45,000 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 approximately 2,000 linear feet of beach.
DETOURS AND SAFETY
Flaggers will direct 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:
June 15, 2023 – Fall 2023
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:
Sean Bengtson | Interim Operations Manager, Coastal Operations
(Buena Park, Calif.)– After temporary closure in April 2022, the Interpretive Center at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park in Buena Park has once again reopened to the public.
The Interpretive Center has offered visitors of all ages the chance to enjoy local history since its original opening in 1988. Since then, the center has displayed an array of fossils recovered within Clark Regional Park, northern Orange County’s Coyote Hills and other surrounding areas, as well as an exhibit about the archaeology and cultural traditions of the people who have called Orange County home for more than 10,000 years.The Interpretive Center also contains a fishbowl lab where visitors can view how fossils and artifacts are prepared for research and display.
Over the past year, the facility underwent extensive renovations including roof repair, beam replacement and new window installation to preserve and improve the center for future generations.
“Clark Regional Park’s Interpretive Center is loved by both children and adults and provides visitors with an educational view of prehistoric Orange County,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “With the completed renovations and upcoming additions, the center will welcome future generations to enjoy fossils and artifacts found right here in Orange County.”
The California Natural Resources Agency recently awarded Clark Regional Park’s Interpretive Center with the California Museums Grant. This three-year grant-funded project will be used to upgrade exhibits that have been in place for more than 15 years and improve the overall guest experience by providing new content for all learners. Additions will include expanding exhibits of the County’s archaeology collection developed in collaboration with local Native American tribes to highlight the intricate link between Indigenous communities and the land.
The Interpretive Center will be open Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. School and group tours are available with advance reservation. Please call 714-973-3170 for more information.
About 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
Lake Forest, Calif. - The County of Orange and OC Parks invite you to experience the annual Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event celebrates the history of the rancho and Native American cultures through hands-on activities, music, dancing and more in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Rancho Days Fiesta will feature activities for all ages including exhibitors, vibrant performances, crafts, piñata breaking and more. Folklórico and Native American dancing will be showcased, along with Charro horse riding and roping demonstrations. The historic buildings at Heritage Hill Historical Park will be open for tours, courtesy of the Amigos de la Colina docents.
“We look forward to another year of celebrating Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park,” said Donald P. Wagner, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “This event is a wonderful way for guests of all ages to learn about and commemorate the rich history of Orange County.”
Heritage Hill Historical Park represents distinct eras in the early development of Saddleback Valley and the town of El Toro. Experience the excitement and activities of the rancho era with OC Parks at Rancho Days Fiesta. Pets are welcome outdoors only on leashes no longer than six feet. Admission and parking are free.
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 complete repairs and maintenance at Capistrano Beach Park, an OC Parks beach, within the City of Dana Point. Public access may be limited during construction.
What:
Removal of approximately 200 linear feet of sandcubes and other remnant material.
Construction of a revetment from new and salvaged rock (rip-rap).
Backfilling with sand from stockpile.
Repairs to existing sandbag protection.
PARKING LOT CLOSED
The parking lot will be closed during construction. No stopping or parking will be permitted.
DETOURS AND SAFETY
Flaggers will direct both pedestrians and bicyclists to avoid work area. Watch for additional traffic control measures including construction signage.
BACKGROUND
Sandcube protection placed in 2015 has reached its useful life and is in need of replacement. The California Coastal Commission (CCC) has approved use of rock as an interim measure.
When:
Anticipated Construction Duration:
April 25, 2023 – Early June 2023
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.
Celebrate summertime outdoors with 10 free concerts and 14 free movie screenings at OC Parks June 9 to Sept. 8
(Orange County, Calif.) – The County of Orange and OC Parks are proud to present the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series. Enjoy summer nights under the stars with free live music and movie screenings at regional parks throughout Orange County. All events are family-friendly with free parking and food and drink options available for purchase.
OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with 10 free outdoor concerts Thursday evenings, June 22 to Aug. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music from exceptional bands and artists at Craig Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.
The concert series kicks off with Paco Versailles June 22 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by popular local and acclaimed touring artists including Sweet and Tender Hooligans, The Rembrandts, Ozomatli, No Duh, FlashPants, The English Beat, The Aquabats! and Queen Nation. Flashback Heart Attackwill close out the 2023 OC Parks Summer Concert Series with an electrifying performance at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.
OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen to your favorite regional parks with 14 free movie screenings Friday nights beginning June 9 to Sept. 8 at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Guests of all ages can enjoy recent blockbusters and popular classics, complete with pre-show entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. Showtimes begin after sundown, at approximately 8 p.m.
Friday night films kick off June 9 and include Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), A Bug’s Life (1998), Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Clueless (1995), Lightyear (2022), Nacho Libre (2006), Cruella (2021), Kung Fu Panda (2008), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), Uncharted (2022) and Mamma Mia! (2008).
“The County of Orange and OC Parks are thrilled to bring another fun-filled summer of entertainment to the community,” said Donald P. Wagner, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Enjoying a free concert or movie in the beautiful parks across the County is a wonderful way for visitors of all ages to celebrate the summer outdoors."
OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series are open to all ages and free to attend with free parking. Food trucks will serve a variety of cuisines at each location and a beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and over. Join your friends and family and enjoy free concerts and movie screenings this summer with OC Parks.
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 22
Concert: Paco Versailles @ Craig Regional Park
Date: June 29
Concert: Sweet and Tender Hooligans @ Craig Regional Park
Date: July 6
Concert: The Rembrandts@ Irvine Regional Park
Date: July 13
Concert: Ozomatli @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: July 20
Concert: No Duh: The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt @ Mason Regional Park
Date: July 27
Concert: FlashPants @ Mason Regional Park
Date: August 3
Concert: The English Beat @ Mile Square Regional Park
Date: August 10
Concert: The Aquabats! @ Mile Square Regional Park
Date: August 17
Concert: Queen Nation @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
Date: August 24
Concert: Flashback Heart Attack @ 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 9
Movie:Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) @ Craig Regional Park
Date: June 16
Movie:A Bug’s Life (1998) @ Craig Regional Park
Date: June 23
Movie:Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Date: June 30
Movie:Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Date: July 7
Movie:Top Gun: Maverick (2022) @ Yorba Regional Park
Date: July 14
Movie:Clueless (1995) @ Yorba Regional Park
Date: July 21
Movie: Lightyear (2022) @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: July 28
Movie:Nacho Libre (2006) @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: August 4
Movie:Cruella (2021) @ Mason Regional Park
Date: August 11
Movie:Kung Fu Panda (2008) @ Mason Regional Park
Date: August 18
Movie:Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Date: August 25
Movie:Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Date: September 1
Movie:Uncharted (2022) @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
Date: September 8
Movie:Mamma Mia! (2008) @ 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
(Orange, Calif.)– Enjoy sweeping, 360-degree views from the mountains to the sea along a newly developed trail system at Saddleback Wilderness.
Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Saddleback Wilderness features 3.3 miles of new trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, along with a scenic overlook that offers panoramic views of Orange County and the Pacific Ocean.
“The scenic, new trails at Saddleback Wilderness are something everyone can enjoy,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “It’s great our residents can now access more outdoor rec opportunities – hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding – in a protected and preserved native habitat. I look forward to checking out its panoramic views and enjoying all the benefits that these trails offer.”
The trails are situated at the site of America’s first off-road motorsports park, known as Saddleback Park, which was established in 1967 and concluded in 1984. Today, Saddleback Wilderness’ natural habitat has been restored and offers five trails ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. Picnic tables, portable toilets and parking for horse trailers are also available for public use.
Saddleback Wilderness is home to many unique and protected plant and animal species, including the California gnatcatcher. The area is only accessible through scheduled self-guided and docent-led public programs with advance reservation. Public access opportunities begin Saturday, April 1.
April 2023 Activities and Programs at Saddleback Wilderness
Advance registration required for all activities and programs. Visit OCParks.com/irvine-ranch-open-space for more information and to sign up.
April 1, 8, 22 and 29 – Wilderness Access: Morning Session
8 – 10:30 a.m.
April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 – Wilderness Access: Afternoon Session
The clocks spring forward early March 12, 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 are open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset year-round:
O’Neill Regional Park
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Talbert Regional Park
Wieder Regional Park
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Caspers Wilderness Park
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (parking lots open at 8 a.m.)
Riley Wilderness Park
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Irvine Lake will continue to operate Friday-Sunday from 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 will close at 12 a.m.
OC Parks facilities will remain on these operating hours until daylight saving time ends Nov. 5, 2023.
(Orange, Calif.) – A young jaguar is the newest addition to the OC Zoo’s Large Mammal Exhibit, joining four large cats in the new section of the zoo.
Mickey, an 11-month-old jaguar, comes to the OC Zoo from the Wildlife World Zoo in Arizona just months after his brother, Ziggy, debuted in the zoo’s new, 2-acre habitat.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mickey, the newest jaguar, to the OC Zoo,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The OC Zoo continues to offer a unique, enjoyable and affordable experience for families. Since the opening of the Large Mammal Exhibit last year, the OC Zoo has drawn a record number of visitors, where people of all ages can see animals up close and learn about local wildlife.”
In May 2022, the zoo welcomed two young, orphaned mountain lion sisters to the exhibit, along with a young, injured male mountain lion and an adult jaguar.
Considered endangered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, jaguars’ range includes the southwest of Arizona and New Mexico, south to Argentina and northeastern Brazil.
Mickey, along with the other large cats, will be available for the public to visit Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission into the OC Zoo is $2 per person ages 3 years and over; ages 2 years and under are free.
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
