Orange County Great Park
Sun, 05/24/2009 - 10:13 | 
anaheimer
After the closing of El Toro Marine base in 1999 a great debate erupted in OC. What to do with the huge real estate vacated by the marines? Some wanted a new airport, others preferred more urban sprawl, but the forces of nature won. Now we have the Orange County Great Park.
The Orange County Great Park Plan will provide a wide array of activities, including a 2.5 mile canyon and lake, miles of hiking and biking trails, a cultural terrace, Orange County's largest sports park, a botanical garden, and a tethered helium observation balloon that will be an icon for the Great Park.
The park is still being built, but you can still enjoy some of its attractions right now.
The Great Park Balloon is open and it is free. Take a ride up to 400 feet (depending on wind speed) and watch the empty land around you being transformed into a great park.
While you are at the top, gaze down to see a World War II timeline that can only be viewed clearly from above.
Before or after your ride walk through the passage leading into the ride to view a gallery of photos showing future plans.
Finally, check the great park's website regularly. You will find announcements for special events like concerts and parties.
Click here for map and directionsIrvine, CANote: Balloon photo by Daniel Miller
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