Since 2017, Friends of Harbors, Beaches, and Parks (FHBP) has meticulously researched the acquisition history of each regional and wilderness park within the OC Park system, using publicly available documents from the County’s Land Records website. This extensive research culminated in the creation of two digital Story Maps that highlight the rich heritage of Orange County’s parks.
The Park Legacy Story Map offers a historical narrative of 15 Regional Parks and seven Wilderness Parks, revealing the preservation efforts and the reasons behind protecting these natural spaces. Developed with ESRI’s ArcGIS Online software, this digital tool is designed to be engaging, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, providing visitors with detailed information, including historical documents and parcel data. The maps feature park brochures, historical context, and photographs, allowing users to click on any parcel to access basic information and downloadable acquisition documents. This initiative aims to inform decision-making, educate leaders, and engage the public by illustrating the historical significance and conservation efforts of these parks. Welcome to a journey where each park’s story comes alive, showcasing the blend of history, landscape, and conservation.
Many thanks to the The Henry W. and Ellen R. Warne Family Endowment Fund of the Orange County Community Foundation and other funders for their support of this project. Data for this project was purchased from Core Logic, while other data was supplied by OC Parks and the County of Orange.
