Nature Center Sets Tone for Park

A wilderness scene complete with a small creek, animals and the sounds of nature is the centerpiece of an interpretive center opening today at O’Neill Regional Park.

The grand opening marks the completion of a nearly decade-long revitalization of the 3,100-acre regional park in the foothills of South County, one of the most popular local wilderness getaways.

In recent years, the park has grown by more than 1,000 acres. Miles of trails have been added and camping grounds have been renovated.

The 2,500-square-foot interpretive center, which includes murals of rustic park landscapes, may be the highlight of the new park.

“When you walk into that nature center, you really feel like heading out for a walk in the outdoors,” said Tim Miller, county parks supervisor. “It’s that realistic.”

The center also includes an adjoining building covered in redwood and local creek rock that holds an indoor meeting room for local nature groups and an outdoor amphitheater for wilderness programs.

The nature center will serve the public in many ways, from weddings to art fairs, but its main purpose is to give visitors an education about the park.

“The significance of this project is to attract people to the park so they can learn more about the wilderness, the do’s and don’ts of how to conduct themselves here,” said Miller, “and most of all, to respect what is out there in nature.”

An opening ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. The park is at 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road. Information: (714) 858-9365.