Notes about your surroundings

Parks Reopen--After closing due to damage caused by heavy January rains, Orange County’s regional parks have reopened in the past few days.

Rangers advise park visitors to stay on paths, carry drinking water and stay out of creeks.

A partial list of Orange County regional parks:

* Crystal Cove State Park: 23 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails along coastal parkland. Located between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar, the park is accessible from two entrances on Coast Highway. Information: (714) 494-3539.

* Laguna Niguel Regional Park: 174-acre park with hiking, biking and equestrian trails, and interpretive nature study programs. Located in Laguna Niguel on La Paz Road, four miles west of Interstate 5. Information: (714) 831-2790.

* O’Neill Regional Park: 12 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Due to the presence of mountain lions, anyone under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Located in Trabuco Canyon on Trabuco Canyon Road at the end of Live Oak Canyon Road. Information: (714) 858-9365.

* Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park: 30 miles of hiking trails. Due to the presence of mountain lions, no one under the age of 18 is allowed in the park. Located east of San Juan Capistrano on the Ortega Highway, seven miles east of Interstate 5. Information: (714) 728-0235.

* Santiago Oaks Regional Park: Trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians link up to trail systems in Anaheim and Peralta hills. Located in Orange on North Windes Drive, just north of Santiago Canyon Road. Information: (714) 538-4400.

* Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park: More than 10 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails in this canyon park. Dogs not allowed. Located in Lake Forest on Portola Parkway near Lake Forest Drive. Information: (714) 589-4729.