SPOTLIGHT: MILE SQUARE REGIONAL PARK

Location: Bounded by Edinger and Warner avenues, Brookhurst and Euclid streets in Fountain Valley.

Description: This urban park’s 495 acres include open turfed areas; two 18-hole golf courses; two driving ranges; recreational sport fields; two lakes, and a former military airfield. A 55-acre parcel along Brookhurst Street is leased by the county to Fountain Valley and has been developed to include a community center and additional recreation facilities.

Activities: Golf, soccer, baseball and softball, cross-country track, archery, picnicking, dog shows and cricket are among the activities that take place at Mile Square Park. Others include land-sailing, rocket launching, radio-controlled aircraft and fishing. City-operated tennis, softball and baseball are lighted for night use.

History: Early in World War II, the Navy bought a square mile of agricultural land in what is today Fountain Valley. Three landing fields were built to form a triangle in the middle of the base and were used during and long after the war as training fields. The Mile Square property was viewed as an ideal park site as the county developed its Master Plan of Regional Parks in the 1960s. In 1967, the county entered into a long-term lease with the Navy for the site’s perimeter acreage. The first phase of park development, 85 acres, was opened in 1970. Additional stages have been developed since. In 1973, the county received title to the perimeter acreage at no cost. Military operations at the center airfield ceased in 1974. In 1975, the county received an annual permit to operate the center area for public recreation. The arrangement is still in effect, and the area is used by radio-controlled plane fliers, model-rocket builders and land-sailing enthusiasts.

Park fees: Day use is $1.50 per vehicle.

Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (7 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 1-March 31).

Golf: Mile Square Golf Course, in the southwest corner of the park, charges $12 for 18 holes on weekdays ($8 after 4 p.m.) and $16 on weekends ($10 after 4 p.m.). A bucket of balls for the driving range is $1.50-$4. Information: (714) 962-5549.

David Baker Memorial Golf Course, in the northwest corner of the park, charges $8 for 18 holes on weekdays and $13 on weekends. A bucket of balls for the driving range is $2-4. Information: (714) 531-5885.

Mass Transit: OCTD route No. 37 serves the park entrance on Euclid Street. Call (714) 636-7433.

Park information: (714) 962-5549.