"300 years ago, the ideal park was a manicured and formal place with straight lines and well-behaved plants. Even if you sought an escape to a natural environment, it was an envornment that was very controlled. In the 19th Century, parks made the move to a more civic space, a place for the masses to enjoy fresh air and relief from the prevalent diseases of the time. In the 20th Century, the heartbeat of the park quickened with exercise sport, and more active forms of recreation." — Great Park Design Studio

The Master Plan for the Orange County Great Park sets a new standard as the first great metropolitan park of the 21st Century. The Great Park will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy many different forms of recreation in a place that honors the past as it looks toward the future.

Orange County’s agricultural heritage will be preserved and the military history of the former air base will be honored. Sustainability - the wise and conservative use of energy, water, and other scarce resources - is central to the Park’s 21st Century design. Cutting-edge technologies will make the park sustainable and the Park will include a “Living Laboratory” to demonstrate eco-friendly design and construction techniques.

The people of Orange County created this plan for the Great Park by voting for Measure W in 2002... by supporting the selection of Ken Smith and the Great Park Design Studio in 2005... and by participating in the design process through public meetings and comments on our website www.ocgp.org. The Great Park is your park and your continued participation will ensure its success.