Orange Park Acres is a rural-equestrian community in eastern Orange, California, with roots dating to 1928. The area includes both unincorporated Orange County property and neighborhoods within the City of Orange, a mix created as portions of the community were annexed during later development. Large lots, horses, multi-use trails and nearby open space continue to define the character of Orange Park Acres.
About Orange Park Acres
- Established: 1928
- Location: Eastern Orange County, surrounded largely by the City of Orange
- ZIP code: 92869
- Area code: 714
- Community character: Rural and equestrian, with comparatively large residential lots and extensive multi-use trails
- Government: A mix of unincorporated Orange County and incorporated City of Orange neighborhoods
The boundaries people commonly associate with Orange Park Acres do not correspond neatly to a single government jurisdiction. Some neighborhoods developed in the 1970s were annexed into the City of Orange while portions of the original community remained unincorporated. This page covers both the historic Orange Park Acres community and nearby neighborhoods commonly associated with it.
Orange Park Acres History
In 1894, Ferdinand Kiefhaber purchased a roughly 2,000-acre farm that was part of Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. In 1911, the Kiefhaber family sold much of the land to several buyers, including C.C. Chapman, Dr. Randell, Mervin Monnette and Frank Mead Sr.
In 1928, Frank Mead Jr. and Monnette formed the Orange Park Acres Corporation to develop 640 acres of what became Orange Park Acres. The company also drilled wells and formed the Orange Park Acres Mutual Water Company. The area remained lightly populated until after World War II, when its agricultural landscape gradually transitioned toward residential use.
The Orange Park Property Owners Association was formed in 1953 amid concerns about annexation into the City of Orange. The present Orange Park Association was formed in 1960. During the 1970s, substantial residential development brought neighborhoods such as Grovewood, The Wilderness, Saddlehill, Broadmoor, Pheasant Run, Lazy Creek, Kennymead, Orange Hill and High Horse Trails. Several of those developments were annexed into Orange, creating the city-and-county jurisdictional mix that remains today.
Trails & Equestrian Community
Orange Park Acres is best known for its equestrian character and extensive multi-use trail network. The Orange Park Association maintains and supports the community trail system, which is used by equestrians, walkers, runners and bicyclists. A 2026 Orange Park Association membership notice describes the network as approximately 25 miles of multi-use trails.
Horses and other domestic animals remain a visible part of the community, and the trail network connects neighborhoods with surrounding open spaces and recreational areas. Visitors should respect private property, trail-use rules and posted restrictions.
For community, trail, membership and event information, visit the Orange Park Association.
Orange Park Acres Neighborhoods
Orange Park Acres includes a collection of established neighborhoods, many developed during the 1970s. Some are within unincorporated Orange County and others are within the City of Orange, so the neighborhood name does not necessarily indicate government jurisdiction.
Broadmoor Park
Developed in 1976, Broadmoor added 202 homes along with equestrian facilities and a lake. The gated community is near the Orange Canyon Center.
High Horse Trails
High Horse Trails was developed in 1979 with 140 homes and an equestrian facility. It is located near the Orange Canyon Center.
Kennymead
The Kennymead development added 24 half-acre equestrian homes in 1978. Over time, some original homes have been replaced with newer residences.
Lazy Creek Estates
Lazy Creek was developed in 1978 with 35 one-acre equestrian estates. Its larger lots and looping residential streets reflect the rural character associated with Orange Park Acres.
Orange Hill
Orange Hill was developed in 1978 with 83 homes near the hills overlooking the Orange Park Acres area.
Orangewood
Originally known as Grovewood, this development added 35 homes in 1972 and was among the first major residential developments of the 1970s.
Pheasant Run
Pheasant Run was developed in 1976 with 48 residences and horse facilities. The neighborhood is adjacent to Broadmoor.
The Reserve
The Reserve is a gated estate community developed in the late 1980s with half-acre lots. It is commonly associated with the broader Orange Park Acres area, although jurisdiction can vary among neighborhoods identified with OPA.
Saddle Hill Ranch
Saddlehill was developed in 1975 with 36 one-acre equestrian home sites and remains part of the area’s horse-oriented residential landscape.
The Wilderness
The Wilderness was developed in 1974 as a gated community with equestrian facilities and approximately 100 homes.
Orange Park Acres Schools
Public-school addresses in the Orange Park Acres area are served by Orange Unified School District. Schools associated with the area include Chapman Hills Elementary and Linda Vista Elementary, Santiago Charter Middle School and El Modena High School. Elementary schools in Orange Unified serve transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.
School attendance boundaries can vary by address and can change. Families should confirm their assigned school directly with Orange Unified School District rather than relying on a neighborhood name alone. See our guide to private schools near Villa Park and Orange for additional options.
Government & Public Services
Orange Park Acres has an unusual jurisdictional structure. Properties in the unincorporated portion are governed by the County of Orange, while incorporated neighborhoods are governed by the City of Orange. Police, planning, code enforcement and other municipal services therefore depend on the property’s jurisdiction.
- Unincorporated properties: County of Orange jurisdiction; law-enforcement services are generally provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
- City of Orange properties: City of Orange jurisdiction and City municipal services, including Orange Police Department service.
- Fire protection: Service depends on jurisdiction and location; residents should use their property address to confirm the appropriate agency.
- Water: Irvine Ranch Water District serves portions of the community. The historic Orange Park Acres Mutual Water Company later merged with IRWD.
Orange Park Acres Events
The Orange Park Association organizes and supports community traditions throughout the year. Recurring events have included the Fourth of July Parade, Annual Fall Barbeque, Denim & Diamonds, horse shows and gymkhanas, and Christmas activities. Dates, venues and activities can change from year to year, so check the Orange Park Association and the individual event pages for current information.
- Denim & Diamonds
- Orange Park Acres Fourth of July Races & Parade
- Orange Park Acres Family Picnic
- Orange Park Acres Fall BBQ & Auction
- Orange Park Acres Community Tree Lighting
Mara Brandman Horse Arena
The community horse arena reflects Orange Park Acres’ long equestrian tradition. The arena was renamed in honor of Mara Brandman, who played an important role in securing an equestrian facility for the community. Horse shows, gymkhanas and other equestrian activities have been held there over the years. Because schedules, access and event rules can change, check the Orange Park Association for current arena and event information before visiting.
Parks & Open Space
Ridgeline
The former Ridgeline Country Club was an important recreation and social center in Orange Park Acres for decades, with tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, driving range, pool and other amenities. The golf course closed in 2006 and the remaining facilities later closed. A lengthy land-use dispute followed proposed residential development of the property. In 2017, the City of Orange reclassified the approximately 47-acre property from residential to open space, preserving it from the residential proposal that had generated years of community debate.
Former Sully-Miller Property
The former Sully-Miller property at 6145 E. Santiago Canyon Road has been the subject of development proposals, environmental review and community interest for decades. Older proposals contemplated substantial residential development on portions of the former sand-and-gravel site, but the situation has changed significantly.
In August 2026, the Orange City Council considered and approved agreements establishing a pathway for approximately 67.7 acres of the former Sully-Miller property to be restored and ultimately conveyed to the City for permanent public open-space purposes, subject to environmental, regulatory, engineering and other conditions. The agreement does not itself create finished trails, equestrian facilities or other public amenities; those would require future City planning, environmental review, funding and approvals.
The broader land-use framework also includes residential components on other nearby properties. Because the project has evolved substantially over time, readers should use current City of Orange documents rather than older development proposals when following the site.
Wildlife & Living Near Open Space
Orange Park Acres borders creeks, trails and large areas of open space, so residents may encounter coyotes and other wildlife. Small pets should be supervised outdoors, food and other wildlife attractants should be secured, and wild animals should never be fed. See our coyote sightings and safety information for more local resources.
Bobcats, raccoons, skunks and other wildlife also move through the area. Nearby Santiago Oaks Regional Park and the Santiago Creek corridor provide significant habitat and open-space connections.
Wildfire Awareness
Orange Park Acres has experienced significant wildfires because of its inland location, surrounding vegetation and exposure to Santa Ana winds. Historic fires affecting the greater area include the Windy Ridge Fire, a 2015 brush fire near the 241 toll road and the 2017 Canyon 2 Fire. Residents in wildfire-prone areas should maintain current evacuation plans for family members, pets and horses and follow official Orange County and local emergency information during fire-weather events.
Orange Park Acres & Annexation History
Annexation has played an important role in Orange Park Acres history. The Orange Park Property Owners Association formed in 1953 as residents responded to the prospect of annexation into the City of Orange. During the residential growth of the 1970s, several new developments were annexed into Orange while other areas remained under County jurisdiction.
That history explains today’s patchwork of City and County jurisdiction. Questions about a particular property’s government services, planning rules or jurisdiction should be confirmed using the property address and current City or County records.
Orange Park Acres FAQ
Is Orange Park Acres part of the City of Orange?
Partly. Orange Park Acres includes unincorporated Orange County property as well as neighborhoods within the City of Orange. The mix resulted in part from residential developments that were annexed into Orange during the 1970s.
When was Orange Park Acres established?
Orange Park Acres dates to 1928, when the Orange Park Acres Corporation was formed to develop 640 acres of the area.
Is Orange Park Acres an equestrian community?
Yes. Horses, equestrian properties and multi-use trails are central to the community’s history and present-day character.
How many miles of trails are in Orange Park Acres?
A 2026 Orange Park Association membership notice describes approximately 25 miles of multi-use trails maintained for the community.
What schools serve Orange Park Acres?
Orange Unified School District serves addresses in the Orange Park Acres area. Because attendance boundaries vary, families should confirm their assigned elementary, middle and high school with OUSD using their specific address.
Who provides government services in Orange Park Acres?
It depends on the property. Unincorporated addresses fall under Orange County jurisdiction, while incorporated neighborhoods receive City of Orange municipal services.
Where is Orange Park Acres?
Orange Park Acres is in eastern Orange County near Irvine Regional Park, Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Santiago Canyon Road and the eastern edge of the City of Orange.
Explore Nearby
Explore nearby Irvine Regional Park, Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Peters Canyon Regional Park, Mabury Ranch and our guide to large-lot communities in Orange County.