The 26-facility county parks system includes the Irvine Ranch Open Space, comprising Limestone Canyon, Weir Canyon and Fremont Canyon nature preserves, as well as Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.
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Description
Mile Square Regional Park is an urban park located in the City of Fountain Valley and totals 607 acres of land. Within the park's boundaries are two regulation golf courses, three soccer fields, three baseball and three softball diamonds, an archery range and a nature area. Also, there are two fishing lakes, concession-operated bike and paddle boat operations, a wide expanse of picnic areas as well as numerous picnic shelters. Shelters serve a wide variety of visitors ranging from individuals to families and group organizations to annual company picnics.
65 acres of land located adjacent to Brookhurst is leased to the City of Fountain Valley for recreational purposes. This parcel has been developed by the city into a high-activity community park. Facilities provided by the city include a community center building, ball diamonds, basketball courts, outdoor play areas and a tennis court complex. Night lighting is provided on much of the outdoor facilities to extend playing hours.
History
Early in World War II the United States Navy Department purchased a square mile of agricultural land in what is today the City of Fountain Valley. The land was purchased to construct military airfields which were utilized in conjunction with the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station and Santa Ana Marine Corps Air Base Facilities. Three landing fields were constructed in a triangular shape in the center of this area, with each field being approximately 2,200 feet in length. During and long after World War II these fields served as military training fields, and it is possible today to find residents in Orange County who flew Navy Corsairs, propeller driven aircraft in World War II, and used this field as a touchdown training location. After the war years the military use of the fields changed to a helicopter touchdown or practice area as the Santa Ana Marine Corps Air Station emphasis shifted to helicopter use.
As the County of Orange developed its Master Plan of Regional Parks in the 1960's, the Mile Square site was viewed as an ideal location for a regional park in the urbanizing area of Orange County. In March of 1967 the county entered into a long term lease with the Navy Department for the perimeter acreage of the site. That lease allowed the county to develop this acreage for regional park purposes, and until the county could afford to develop all the acreage, the county was permitted to continue the agricultural lease.
In 1970, the first 85 acre phase of the park was opened. Phase II which added ball diamonds and a children's play area was constructed and opened in 1973. The Phase III development, extending the park northward to Edinger Avenue was constructed and opened at the end of 1976.
On March 28, 1973, after the Navy Department formally declared the perimeter acreage surplus, the County of Orange received title to the perimeter acreage at no cost under the Federal Legacy Parks Program. Military operations in the center airfield ceased in 1974. In 1975 the county received an annual permit to operate the center triangle area for public recreation.
In June of 1999, the area was converted into a third 18 hole golf course.
The park's Phase IV development commenced in the spring of 1987. Found within this final phase is a 18-hole executive golf course, complete with club house, driving range and banquet facility. Additional acres of park land include picnic facilities, bicycle trails, landscaping and a second park entrance.
Upcoming Activities
Join us at Mile Square Regional Park
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary; please bring a hat,...
Deeper your connection with nature on this gentle and meditative walk-through at Mile Square Regional Park. Inspired by the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” you will discover the healing power of nature for yourself. This slow-paced walk will...
Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary; please bring a hat,...