SPOTLIGHT: YORBA REGIONAL PARK

Location: 7600 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Description: This is a linear park, more than a mile long, set along the Santa Ana River in the Santa Ana Canyon. Much of the park is turf, with shade trees, and four ponds are connected by streams. Facilities: The park has more than 400 picnic tables, many with shade structures, and about 200 barbecue stoves. Bicycle and equestrian trails meander through the park and connect to the Santa Ana River trails. Playgrounds and restrooms are located throughout the park. And there are three group shelters (available by reservation), volleyball courts, a horseshoe pit, four ball diamonds and a physical fitness course. Fishing and model boat sailing are allowed in the lakes. History: Yorba Regional Park was once part of an expansive cattle ranch belonging to Bernardo Yorba, whose father, Jose Antonio Yorba, was a Spanish soldier with the Portola expedition of 1769. The land remained in agricultural use until the early 1970s, when the park site was added to the county’s Master Plan of Regional Parks. In 1972, the 166-acre site was purchased for $3.6 million. The park opened on Dec. 16, 1976. Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: $1.50 per vehicle Information: (714) 970-1460