Orange County Parks

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Orange County Parks

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OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, open space and beaches for the County of Orange, California

Posts by OC Parks communications, parks and zoo staff. County eGov Policies: http://ocgov.com/gov/ceo/cio/govpolicies/

10/19/2026

This isn’t your typical jack-o’-lantern!

Western jack-o’-lantern mushrooms (Omphalotus olivascens) are native to the west coast, often growing at the base of decaying hardwood trees. These mushrooms are also bioluminescent and glow in the dark!

Don’t let the green glow fool you – these mushrooms are poisonous. If you see this frightful fungi in the park, observe from afar and avoid collecting, foraging or consuming wild mushrooms.

10/15/2026

Don’t let long lines keep you from the fun! Head straight to Santiago Canyon College (8045 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA) for additional parking. 🚘

Irvine Regional Park experiences increased visitation in the fall, especially on the weekends. The park entrance may be impacted, and the park could close to vehicle traffic if parking reaches capacity. 🍁

Overflow parking is available on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31 at Santiago Canyon College, approximately a half mile walk to the park. Parking is $2 per vehicle, and overnight parking is not permitted. 🚙

Don’t forget, advance reservations are now required for the Pumpkin Patch on select weekends. Visit parks.oc.gov/irvinepark for more information. 🎃

10/12/2026

Today marks the birthday of world-renowned Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska.

Born on Oct. 12, 1840 in Poland, Modjeska eventually immigrated to the U.S., where she spent three decades dazzling audiences in countless opera houses and theaters across the nation. Eventually she found her haven in Orange County, settling into a ranch home surrounded by oak groves so enchanting they reminded her of the Forest of Arden in the Shakespearean play “As You Like It.” Inspired, she named her beloved home “Arden.”

In 1986, Arden was sold to the County of Orange to establish the historic park, Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens. In 1990, it earned the prestigious designation as a National Historic Landmark.

For more information on guided and self-guided tours of the historic house and gardens, visit parks.oc.gov/Modjeska.

10/11/2026

[10/15/26 at 11:20 a.m.] ⚠️ All parks and trails, including Riley Wilderness Park, have reopened.

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[10/15/26 at 8:45 a.m.] ⚠️ Parks and trails throughout OC Parks have reopened. Riley Wilderness Park remains closed.

🌧 Updates and a full list of closures are available at parks.oc.gov/parks/alerts.

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[10/11/26 at 7:45 a.m.] ⚠️ Parks and trails throughout OC Parks are closed due to wet and muddy conditions.

🌧️ Visit parks.oc.gov/alerts for a full list of closures.

10/07/2026

Monsters are among us!

On this Wildlife Wednesday, we are highlighting the Gila monster, a venomous lizard found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It’s named after the Gila River Basin in Arizona where they were once plentiful.

This desert dweller is usually black with pink or orange coloring and can measure up to 2 feet long. Gila monsters produce venom in specialized glands located in their lower jaw. Unlike snakes with hollow fangs, they chew on their prey to let venom flow into the wound through their grooved teeth.

Learn more about this mysterious reptile and meet other amazing species on your next visit to the OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park!

10/02/2026

Spooky season is creeping in! 🎃

OC Parks is brewing up free programs and eerie-sistible events all month long. 🕸️

Do you dare to join our frightful festivities? Head to parks.oc.gov/events to uncover what’s lurking on our events calendar this month! 👻

09/28/2026

OC Parks is excited to announce Con Cada Paso: A Visual Celebration of Relámpago del Cielo Grupo Folklórico is now on display at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana.

In collaboration with Relámpago del Cielo, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural arts organization, the exhibit was developed in-house by OC Parks staff and features interpretive panels, photographs, authentic folklórico costumes and more.

Admission to the Con Cada Paso exhibit is free and available for viewing at the Exhibit Gallery in the Old Orange County Courthouse Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. now until January 2027. Visit parks.oc.gov to learn more about the exhibit.

09/23/2026

Fall is officially here which means sweater weather and cozy vibes are ahead. As the days get shorter, carve out some time to head to your favorite OC Parks to enjoy time in the great outdoors. 🍂

09/22/2026

Fall travel plans?

If you’re flying through John Wayne Airport in Orange County, don’t forget to Claim Your OC Parks Adventure!

Now on display at all baggage claim carousels in Terminals A, B and C, themed installations and custom travel posters highlight OC Parks’ regional, wilderness and historic parks, beaches and the OC Zoo.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, OC Parks’ award-winning parks and family-friendly events and programs are your getaway to unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Visit parks.oc.gov/claim-your-ocparks-adventure to Claim Your OC Parks Adventure!

09/19/2026

Thank you to the coast-loving crew who attended Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay! 🌊

Coastal Cleanup Day is an annual volunteer event that encourages individuals to take action and protect our oceans and wildlife by removing trash from beaches and waterways. With your help, we can continue to preserve our precious natural resources! 🗑️

Address

13042 Old Myford Road
Irvine, CA
92602

Telephone

+17149736865

Website

http://parks.oc.gov/

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