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This section is designed for members of the media to find out more about OC Parks.
For more information or story ideas, contact Public Affairs Specialist Marisa O'Neil at (714) 973-6870 or at marisa.oneil@rdmd.ocgov.com.
About OC Parks:
OC Parks manages nearly 40,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources.
OC Parks includes roughly 32,000 acres in 25 urban and wilderness parks, 7 miles of beaches and other coastal facilities and 7,000 acres of open space lands. It also encompasses 150 miles of existing bike trails and nearly 350 miles of existing and proposed dirt trails, as well as significant historical landmarks.
Its facilities provide residents and visitors a variety of settings in which to enjoy the area's natural beauty and fantastic weather – and include some of the best-kept secrets in Southern California.
Irvine Regional Park, the first regional park in California, includes a train ride and the OC Zoo, which features animals of the desert southwest. Other regional parks also offer fishing, bike and boat rentals and food concessions.
Wilderness parks offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities just a short drive from most areas of the County. Caspers Wilderness Park, the largest County park at 7,600 acres, offers overnight camping, as does O’Neill Regional Park.
Historical parks, like the Old Orange County Courthouse and the Historic Helena Modjeska House, give visitors a glimpse into Orange County's past. And coastal facilities, such as Salt Creek Beach and Aliso Beach, provide the perfect place to soak up the sun or paddle out for a surf session.
OC Parks was formed in 1934 as the Harbor District. It later became known as the Harbors, Beaches and Parks District. OC Parks became the official name upon the County Board of Supervisors’ approval of the OC Parks Strategic Plan in 2007. OC Parks has an annual operating budget of more than $90 million, primarily funded by property taxes and grants.
The mission of OC Parks is:
“As a steward of significant natural and cultural resources, Orange County Parks manages and operates a system of regional parks, beaches, harbors, trails and historic sites that are places of recreation and enduring value.”
Media Center
13042 Old Myford Rd.
Irvine, CA 92602-2304
(714)973-6870
marisa.oneil@rdmd.ocgov.com
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