One of the most interesting, appealing, and unique features of Orange County is its regional park system. The long legacy of park stewardship began for the then fledgling county more than a century ago. Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks (FHBP) is pleased to release a video history of the County’s park system. View FHBP’s Press Release.

The 14-part series covers the major milestones that marked the establishment of the county’s parks, harbors, beaches, historic sites, and trail systems commencing in 1897 with the opening of Irvine Regional Park, the first of its kind in California. The comprehensive history was produced for FHBP by Eric Jessen. Jessen served as chief of planning, acquisition, and development for OC Parks prior to his retirement in 2005.