Randall Preserve Set for Transformation of Former Oil Field

News Summary

Efforts are underway to transform a former oil field into the Randall Preserve, a protected green space spanning 387 acres in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. The project, which has been in development for nearly three decades, aims to benefit sensitive species and reclaim culturally significant sites. Community input is encouraged as public engagement events are planned. The preserve will enhance connectivity with existing parks, providing a vital habitat for endangered species while ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations.

Costa Mesa, California – A significant step towards the transformation of a former oil field into a protected green space has been taken, as conservationists and coastal Orange County communities work together to establish the Randall Preserve. Spanning 387 acres at the border of Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, the initiative has been in development for nearly three decades, culminating in a coalition of agencies publishing initial plans which are open to public input.

The plans for the Randall Preserve detail extensive restoration efforts aimed at benefiting 18 unique sensitive or threatened species that inhabit the area, alongside the reclamation of culturally significant sites and the proposal of various public access options. Interested community members can review these plans online at RandallPreserve.org, with the public input phase slated to conclude on July 16.

As this pivotal moment unfolds for the community, many individuals and stakeholders have expressed their thoughts regarding the proposed plans. Hundreds of responses have been logged, showcasing community engagement and informed feedback on the details of the project. An open house event held in Costa Mesa attracted approximately two dozen attendees, who engaged in discussions about the proposed trails while viewing visuals that depicted the site’s past and future.

Two more open houses are scheduled, offering further opportunities for public engagement. The first will take place at the Norma Hertzog Center on June 2, followed by another on June 21 at the Newport Beach Civic Center. To incentivize community participation, attendees will be eligible to receive $25 gift cards at these events. Transportation and Spanish translation services may also be available to assist interested participants.

Public comments have notably focused on how best to access the park once it opens. The Randall Preserve will be unveiled in phases, with the first section featuring a one-mile hiking loop located at the eastern edge near 17th Street and Whittier Avenue. Before the park’s opening, necessary infrastructure must be developed, including trash cans, restrooms, and vital cleanup addressing the site’s history as an oil field.

The cleanup process is expected to be extensive, involving the removal of residual chemical deposits and the decommissioning of existing access roads, with a targeted completion by 2026 and decommissioning of oil wells scheduled for 2027. In addition to these measures, the planning process also considers the implications of climate change, with modifications aimed at effectively managing the area’s saltwater and freshwater species and habitats.

Once operational, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority will oversee the management of the Randall Preserve, marking its inaugural property in Orange County. This development results from collaborative input and partnerships among various agencies, nonprofits, and local citizens who recognize the environmental significance of preserving the area.

The Randall Preserve is home to over 18 sensitive, threatened, or endangered species, making it a rare habitat vital for ecological diversity. The Trust for Public Land played a crucial role in securing the location, successfully negotiating its purchase with a pivotal $50 million donation from Frank and Joan Randall, which contributed to a raised total of $97 million from various grants and funding sources.

Establishing the Randall Preserve represents a notable achievement for conservation and community involvement in the preservation of natural spaces within Orange County. Furthermore, the planned preserve will enhance connectivity with existing parks, ultimately creating a contiguous 1,000-acre area of protected land for future generations. The initiative prioritizes long-term management and sustainability efforts, ensuring the ongoing ecological integrity and accessibility for the public.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Community Workshop Discusses Future of Frank and Joan Randall Preserve

Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Randall Open House
• OC Register: Community Input for Randall Preserve
• ABC7: SoCal’s Newest Coastal Park
• Los Angeles Times: First Public Meeting on Randall Preserve
• OC Register: Randall Preserve Grant for Public Land Planning
• Wikipedia: Randall Preserve
• Google Search: Randall Preserve
• Google Scholar: Randall Preserve
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Randall Preserve
• Google News: Randall Preserve