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OC PARKS: Recreation...Education...Inspiration
OC Parks, formerly the County of Orange Department of Harbors, Beaches & Parks, is a key partner and owner of the second-largest acreage of wildlands and parks on the historic Irvine Ranch. OC Parks' core function is to operate regional recreational facilities and manage historical and natural resources. The department, which is a local public agency, oversees approximately 37,000 acres of parkland and open space county-wide, which include regional and wilderness parks; nature preserves and recreational trails; historic sites; and harbors and beaches. Recently, OC Parks began implementing a long-term Strategic Plan that serves as a roadmap for the department. The Plan includes a clear, powerful vision statement: "Preserve Orange County's parks in perpetuity for the recreation, education and inspiration of all visitors." "The Strategic Plan means that we are all about serving others by providing wonderful places to enjoy outdoor recreation, educational opportunities for people to learn about Orange County's natural and historic resources, and stewarding spectacular natural assets that inspire people every day," says Mark Denny, OC Parks new Director. "I am honored to lead this department and look forward to building on a great foundation to provide outstanding customer service to our park visitors." To help carry out its mission, OC Parks engages in active partnerships with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, the Laguna Canyon Foundation and the Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends among others. The department will be expanding and developing new relationships throughout the county, including the Orange County Fire Authority and other key agencies. OC Parks, like the Irvine Ranch Conservancy and other land managers, understands the critical issue of wildfires and the importance of preventing them. OC Parks works hard to serve the public and follows policies set by the County Board of Supervisors. OC Parks remains a committed ally of all landowners and managers in their common goals of excellent land stewardship and connecting people to the wildlands and parks. 
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