Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is nestled at the foot of the Coyote Hills. The 105-acre park spans both north and south of Rosecrans Avenue. The 40-acre parcel to the north has been developed as a softball complex and designated for league play. Currently leased to a softball league management company, this area is closed to public use. The 65-acre park site lies entirely to the south of Rosecrans Avenue.
Over 400,000 years ago the park site was a land inhabited by creatures much different than those found here today. Ring-tailed cats, mammoths, ground sloths, tapirs and extinct forms of today's horses and bears lived here among ox-bow lakes, reeds, meadows and oak woodlands. Pond turtles, and a species of camel known only to this site complement the turkeys, bobcats, deer and antelope which were also present. This site, due to its varied distribution of vertebrates, has potential for investigation comparable to the La Brea Tar Pits. These rich fossil beds were originally revealed when the California Division of Highways (now CalTrans), excavated sand and gravel from the site for use in construction of the Santa Ana and Riverside Freeways from 1956 to 1970. At that time the park site was known as the Emery Borrow Pit. The significance of the site led to public demand that it be preserved. As a result, the County of Orange acquired the property in 1974. Added to the County's regional park system in 1981 as Los Coyotes Regional Park, the facility was renamed in 1987 in honor of then-retiring County Supervisor Ralph B. Clark. Supervisor Clark was instrumental in the acquisition, planning and development of the 105- site during his 16 years in office. Today, unique Ralph B. Clark Regional Park not only preserves prehistoric fossil beds, but also provides a variety of recreational and educational opportunities.
The park features picnic areas intermingled with open play areas and three playgrounds for the younger set. Team sports enthusiasts can enjoy spacious play areas including three softball fields, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. Fishing in the lake for large mouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish is available for those with current state license.
The amphitheater is ideal for outdoor plays and recreation programs and may be reserved by groups. The adjacent picnic area overlooking the lake is also reservable for group use and includes picnic stoves and electrical outlets. When not in use by organized youth leagues, the ball fields are available for reservation by private parties. Four group picnic shelters, located throughout the park are fully equipped to meet the picnicking needs of groups of 25 to 400 persons and may also be reserved. Information concerning group permits and reservations may be obtained at the park office.
The Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center presents the unique pre-history of this region. Opened in late 1988, the center offers displays, interpretive programs, scientific collections for study purposes, and an active research staff. Volunteers interested in becoming involved in the center and its activities should contact the park office. Please call the park office at (714) 670-8045 for Interpretive Center hours of operation. The center is closed Mondays, Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.
School and group fossil programs for 15 or more persons may be reserved through the park office. Programs of one to two hours are available. Programs may be reserved through the park office at (714) 670-8045. Fee required.
Operating Hours:
November 1 to March 31, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 1 to October 31, 7
a.m. to 9 p.m.
Parking Fees:
| $2.00 | per entry per vehicle |
| $10.00 | per entry per bus |
Annual Day Use Pass:
Valid at all Orange County day use parks.
Valid
only during calender year of purchase.
$30.00 Regular patrons
$7.50
Senior and disabled patrons
senior Citizen rate applies to those 60 years
or older.
Group Use Permits/Reservationss:
Groups of 100 or more persons
must obtain a permit or reservation at least 45 days in advance. Forms are
available at the park office.