Orange County’s Great Park Has Great Plans
Today I visited Orange County’s located in Irvine (). Almost as soon as I pulled in, I saw the giant orange hot air balloon (or so I thought), grounded in the distance.
In the parking lot, I noticed many young trees in planters. Upon further inspection, there was a label that stated the trees are going to be planted in the park, but instead of growing them in a nursery, they would be grown in the giant planters in the parking lot.
The park itself is rather new since the land was a Marine Corps Air Station until early 2005. The park is going to cover 1,300 acres, making it twice as big as Central Park in City.
There are several main features planned for the park which will create a unique atmosphere that other metropolitan parks cannot offer. The first feature is a 165 acre sports park including soccer fields, baseball fields, a skateboard complex, rock climbing wall, and a field house. The second feature is the Canyon, two miles long and up to 60 feet deep in some spots, is heavily planted and a great place for a peaceful stroll. Another planned feature is a dedication to the land’s history with a Great Park Air Museum. Other features include a botanical garden, a cultural terrace, and a 3-mile wildlife corridor.
Besides the permanent features, the park also frequently has special events. Upcoming events include holiday crafts from the garden and 34th Annual Staser Fall Scholastic Chess Tournament. Keep updated on the events by checking the website .
What about that balloon? The Great Balloon can hold 25-30 people and goes up 500 feet above Irvine for an amazing view of Southern California. It’s the largest tethered helium balloon in the United States and it never leaves the ground. Best of all, it’s free!
The park is currently open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 AM to 10 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 10 PM.
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