Spotlight: Featherly Regional Park

August 06, 1988|Clipboard researched by Dallas Jamison and Rick VanderKnyff / Los Angeles Times. Graphics by Doris Shields / Los Angeles Times

Address: 24001 Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim.

Phone: (714) 637-0210.

Description: Set along the Santa Ana River in Santa Ana Canyon, the park is about two miles west of the Riverside County line. The river here is still relatively wild, with a mature grove of cottonwood and sycamore trees lining the banks. Of 700 acres, 110 are developed while the rest have been left in their natural streamside state.

Recreation: Featherly is a camping-only park: It is not open to day users with automobiles, although it is a rest stop for bicyclists riding on the Santa Ana River Trail. A visitor center features displays on local wildlife and Indian history. Interpretive programs include summer evening campfire programs in the outdoor amphitheater and guided tours in the wilderness area.

Camping: The park contains 175 individual sites and organized group and youth area camping. Facilities include tables and stoves, a turfed recreation area, playground equipment, dump stations, restrooms and hot showers.

Fees: Camping is $8.50 per day ($4.25 for senior citizens). There is an additional $1 fee per day for each dog. Stays are limited to 15 days within any calendar month. Group camping reservations must be made at least 15 days in advance.

History: Featherly Park opened on Jan. 8, 1970, on land that was once part of the vast Yorba rancho. The third county park and the first established under a master plan adopted in 1965, it was named for former County Supervisor C.M. Featherly, who was instrumental in the county recreational movement. Featherly died in 1974.

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