The Orange County Great Park is expanding the concept of city parks. It is over twice the size of New York's Central Park. What was once prized lima bean fields, became the Marine Corp Air Station - El Toro, which is now being transformed into a metropolitan park. The park opened its first phase to the public on July 14, 2007, and continues to grow and improve each year without the use of any tax dollars.

The Carousel and Balloon

The Great Park currently offers two free rides: a carousel and a helium balloon. The Carousel offers two minute rides on any of fifteen different carousel animals. The carousel also features hand painted designs which recall the orange crate labels and other historic Orange County scenes.

The second ride is an orange skinned helium balloon. It carries up to 25 passengers 400 feet into the air. It offers a 360 degree view for up to 40 miles. The balloon is illuminated at night. It is a symbol of Orange County in many ways. The orange fruit color and shape, as well as the innovation of the park, highlight the history and future of Orange County.