Connection to the Past The Walkable Historical Timeline at the Great Park offers a journey through thousands of years of human history — with a unique lens on Southern California, Irvine, and the Great Park. Here are a few highlights you’ll find along the timeline.
JULY 1942 Land Purchased for Marine Corps Air Station El Toro
In July 1942, the federal government purchased approximately 2,300 acres from the Irvine Company for construction of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro. In March 1943, MCAS El Toro was formally commissioned as a temporary wartime installation. In December 1944, it was designated as a permanent installation. The base was home to 1,248 officers and 6,831 enlisted personnel, making it the largest Marine Corps Air Station on the West Coast. JULY 1999 Marine Corps Air Station El Toro Closes In 1993, the federal government decided to close MCAS El Toro as part of a national effort to streamline military operations, reduce costs, and address national security readiness. For 50 years, MCAS El Toro was one of the most important jet fighter facilities on the West Coast, supporting U.S. military efforts in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. The station officially closed July 2, 1999.
AUGUST 2005 Dedication of the Great Park
In August 2005, Irvine dedicated the Great Park and celebrated a long effort to secure the former MCAS El Toro and the surrounding land for public use. Initial development efforts focused on sporting venues and recreational facilities, as well as environmental cleanup and stabilization related to the historical military activity. The Great Park project involved many community meetings and planning efforts to develop an exemplary metropolitan park, one of the largest in both the region and the nation. JULY 2007 Great Park Balloon Opens The Great Park Balloon launched its inaugural flight July 14, 2007. The Balloon’s bright orange color honors the citrus growing heritage of Orange County and the rich agricultural history of Irvine. The ride is one of the largest tethered helium balloons in the world and one of the first of its kind in the United States. During flights, it reaches an altitude of 400 feet and offers visitors 360-degree panoramic views. On a clear day, passengers can see up to 40 miles away. The Balloon was the first major attraction at the Great Park.
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