Fees and Regulations at the County’s Regional Parks

We in Orange County are quite fortunate in having the numerous beautiful parks.

O’Neill and Featherly have always been a pleasure to visit, until recently. In the past couple of years, the rules and regulations and fees have increased dramatically.

My parents live in a travel trailer and travel the United States. They came to Orange County for the holidays and used the regional parks. The camping fee is $5. My parents are senior citizens, so they pay $2.50. That includes both of them and their 32-foot recreational vehicle. A good deal,huh?

Today I decided to visit them for two hours before going to work. It cost $3 for me to visit them; $2 for an extra car and $1 for my small dog that went along for the ride. That price is absolutely outrageous. I used no facilities. I merely had lunch with them inside their trailer.

The parks also have a 15-day camping limit. Last year, my parents were at Featherly, and on day No. 15 at 8 a.m. the ranger came and told them that if they were not out at 10 a.m. he would call the sheriff.

My parents have traveled all over the United States and have never been treated this way. Only in my home state!

Why the 15-day limit anyway? In the summer it might be appropriate so everyone has a chance to use the parks. But in December? The parks might be 10% full on a good day.

And what about the unfortunate people who are reduced to living in the parks? The rangers come around every 15 days and throw them out.

I feel that as long as they pay their rent and keep their area neat and other people are not kept waiting to get in, let them stay!

It doesn’t hurt anyone.

Beverly Thompson Santa Ana