O'Neill Regional Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids O'Neil Regional Park |
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| Type | Regional park |
| Location | Orange County, California |
| Nearest city | Rancho Santa Margarita |
| Area | 4,500 acres (1,800 ha) |
| Created | 1948 |
| Operated by | OC Parks |
O'Neil Regional Park is a large park in Orange County, California. It is located near Trabuco Creek and Live Oak Canyon. The park covers about 4,500 acres of land with canyons and areas near water.
You can go camping, hiking, biking, and horseback riding there. The park started in 1948 when the O'Neill family gave 278 acres of their land for people to enjoy. More land was added over the years, making the park the size it is today.
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Exploring O'Neil Regional Park's Landscape
This long, narrow park sits at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains. It includes about 7.5 miles of Trabuco Creek, which is a stream that flows mostly in winter and early spring. The park also has the western part of Live Oak Canyon, where Hickey Creek flows.
Trees and Plants You Might See
The areas near the creeks have forests of native coast live oak and sycamore trees. There are also open grassy areas called meadows. On the hillsides, you can find different kinds of plants. These include cactus, wild buckwheat, sagebrush, and chaparral. You might also see scrub oak, buckthorn, and mountain mahogany.
Weather in the Park
The park has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Animals in O'Neil Regional Park
The park is home to many different animals. You might spot bobcats or even very rare mountain lions. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, as these animals live in the park. You should also watch out for rattlesnakes.
Fun Things to Do and See
O'Neil Regional Park has about 23 miles of trails. These trails are perfect for people who like to hike, ride mountain bikes, or go horseback riding. There are also special areas where you can have picnics and barbecues during the day.
Camping at Arroyo Campground
The Arroyo Campground is located off Live Oak Canyon Road. It has 79 campsites, including eight large sites for groups. There are also five special sites for people who want to camp with their horses.
The Local School and Its Unique Features
Near the campsites, there is a school where children attend classes every day. This school has a room filled with taxidermies of local animals. Taxidermy is the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals to make them look alive. The school also has a farm and its own entrance to O’Neil Regional Park.
