A Park for the Ages

“The Gift Munificent: Mr. James Irvine makes presentation to the County of Orange of the beautiful tract of land consisting of 160 acres, located in the Santiago Canyon and now known as Irvine Park of Orange County, California.”

--Preamble of an 1897 Board of Supervisors document accepting James Irvine Jr.’s donation.

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People don’t use words like “munificent” anymore, so the word stuck in my mind when I saw it inscribed on a statue of James Irvine Jr. at Irvine Regional Park (1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, [714] 633-8074).

The word, which means bountiful or lavish, aptly describes Irvine’s gift of his private refuge for use as a public park in 1897. The word hints of a bygone era.

Indeed, a visit to the park is like stepping back in time with its quiet lakes, outdoor band shell and a boathouse built in 1914. As Irvine envisioned, generations of families have picnicked under its tall oaks and sycamores. Photos displayed in the nature center show women in flowing white dresses being rowed around the lake by suitors wearing ties and fedoras. Life moved at a slower pace. The park was isolated then, and getting there required a lengthy journey up a steep road.

The 103-year-old park has provided subsequent generations with a sense of continuity and permanence. “People who played here as children return to this place with their children,” said supervising ranger Jim Simkins. “But every generation finds new uses and ways to enjoy the park. It’s constantly changing,” he added.

Archeological evidence suggests that Indians from the Tongua tribe camped among its ancient grove of coast live oaks. It was once part of Rancho Lomas de Santiago, a Mexican land grant presented to Teodosio Yorba, who grazed his cattle there. The land changed ownership several times before James Irvine Sr. purchased it in 1876.

Early settlers called it the Picnic Grounds, but the park’s first official name was Orange County Park. It was renamed Irvine Regional Park in 1926.

In the ‘20s and ‘30s it served as a tuberculosis health camp. During World War II, it was converted to an Army training facility. Numerous westerns and dramas have been filmed there, including “Lassie Come Home,” starring Roddy McDowall and Elizabeth Taylor in 1943.

Through the years, it has been expanded to 477 acres through donations and land purchases. In the ‘80s, it underwent a $4-million renovation that included extensive efforts to preserve the oaks. It’s open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 1 through March 31; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 1 through Oct. 31.

I have visited the park many times with my family, and we have yet to experience all the attractions. Here are some favorites:

All Aboard

The Irvine Park Railroad, a one-third-scale replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington locomotive, winds through the trees and around the lakes. The trip takes about about 10 minutes and costs $3 per person with children 1 year old and younger riding for free. It is wheelchair accessible.

The conductor acts as tour guide, pointing out the park’s oldest tree, the indentations in a rock where Indians ground acorns, and other interesting spots. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the park. Kids come running when they hear the train whistle blow and there is usually a line on weekends.

The railroad is operated by Steve Horn and John Ford, two Orange County natives who loved the park as youths and eventually took over the food concessions. Horn’s father, Jerry, helped build the station and took an early retirement to drive the train. Little train enthusiasts’ eyes light up when “Engineer Jerry” toots the train whistle and makes steam come out of the shiny chrome stack.

In December, the train is decorated with lights and takes visitors through the park at night to see Santa at the park’s band shell.

Paper engineer hats (75 cents), commemorative whistles ($3.95) and T-shirts ($7.95) are sold in the train station gift shop. Hamburgers ($3), hot dogs ($2.50), grilled cheese sandwiches ($3) and other refreshments are served at the snack bar.

Right next to the station, there are two covered party pavilions that rent for $100 a day each. The pavilions, which accommodate up to 80 people, include picnic tables, barbecues, water and electrical outlets and restrooms. Reserve one and receive discounts on train tickets and gift shop merchandise. Train hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays. (714) 997-3968.

Giddyap

For $3, children as young as 1 year old can ride a pony (led by a parent or other adult) around a circular trail. Smaller children ride the little Shetlands, and adventurous children 3 and up can ride the larger trot ponies around an adjacent path accompanied by mounted guides. Child-sized saddles and safety belts are used for added security.

Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays; summer hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Closed Mondays. (760) 956-8441.

It’s a Zoo

The Orange County Zoo features animals native to Orange County and the Southwestern United States. My favorites are the vagabonds, the ones housed here that would have otherwise been killed or could not have survived in the wild.

No doubt the first one you’ll meet is Abner, the talking raven. His cage is near the entrance, and he’s the perfect greeter. He says, “Hi!” “Good Morning!” and “Good Morning, Albert.” No one knows who Albert is, but Abner hasn’t forgotten him.

Abner may be the most magnanimous, but the most famous is Samson, the hot-tubbing bear. He arrived in 1996 after a Monrovia couple videotaped him lounging in their hot tub and dining on fruit from backyard trees. He was captured and found to be seriously ill.

He was nearly euthanized, but a campaign to save him resulted in a 3,000-square-foot habitat being built for him at the zoo. He has a line of T-shirts, ball caps and other memorabilia at the zoo gift shop.

Samson was preceded by the Freeway Foxes, a pair of red foxes that temporarily halted the completion of the Costa Mesa Freeway by refusing to give up their habitat.

The latest addition to the menagerie is Chipper and Chopper, two female beavers who faced extermination when their gnawing threatened an endangered species bird habitat in Riverside County. There is also a glorious bald eagle, a golden eagle, an armadillo and an anteater. Children can hand-feed a variety of pigs, cows and goats at the petting zoo ($1 per person. Children 5 and younger are free).

The 100-animal zoo is expanding and plans to add a bison exhibit and a walk-through aviary.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily; closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. (714) 633-2022.

IF YOU GO

* Getting there

From North County, take the Costa Mesa Freeway to Chapman Avenue. Head east for five miles to Jamboree Road and turn left at the park entry. From South County, take the Santa Ana Freeway (5) to Jamboree Road. Head east for 7.5 miles to the park entry.

* Parking

Weekdays, $2; weekends, $4; holidays, $5.

* Some rules

Rates are for one-time entry only. Alcohol is not permitted, and dogs must be on a leash. All groups of 100 or more must obtain a group permit 15 days in advance.

* Aside

At the Boathouse Snack Bar and Rentals, have an ice cream ($1.25), then try some of these fun rentals: paddle boat: $9 per half hour; tandem bicycle: $12 per hour. Information: (714) 997-3656.

* Group trail rides

Guided horseback tours of the surrounding wilderness area offered Tuesday through Sunday by appointment. One hour: $25 per rider. 2 to 3 hours: $40-$60. Children must be at least 8 years old. Rider weight must not exceed 200 pounds.Information: (714) 538-5860.