Caspers Park Welcomes Kids After Rules Ease

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO â€”  Six year-old Christopher Sommers boasted Saturday about seeing three deer, nimble squirrels and a graceful hawk soaring over Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park.

He was among the first children to visit the park since restrictions on minors were fully lifted.

“This is my favorite park,� the Laguna Hills boy bashfully admitted while climbing on tree stumps lining the park playground.

Five years ago, anyone under age 18 was barred from the 7,600-acre park after the county lost a lawsuit on behalf of one of two children who were attacked by mountain lions in separate incidents in 1986.

But county supervisors voted to lift those restrictions last week, siding with park volunteers and environmentalists who argued that Caspers has always been home to mountain lions, and the animals are no more of a threat to children at this park than at any other.

“A lot of families were very upset by the restrictions,� said Jane Miller, 86, who has volunteered at the park for 16 years. “This is a wonderful place for children and families.�

Jogger Bob Messersmith, 65, who has frequented the park for the last 15 years, added: “This is God’s country. To place restrictions on his land is to put ourselves above him.�

Imposed in 1992, the ban completely barred children from entering the park, even if their parents accompanied them. Minors could not even visit the park museum.

Those rules were later relaxed, allowing children with chaperons to be in the playground area, or on trails if they were on a tour led by a park ranger or docent. Still, park officials said, the restrictions caused a noticeable decline in visitors.

But park attendance is expected to resurge after the decision to lift the restrictions on children.

Even on Saturday, the weekend before Christmas, some families gathered at the park to take leisurely hikes, enjoy an afternoon picnic and make the most of the open policy.

Gary Miller and his 12-year-old son hiked along a creek and through lush, green hills and encountered deer and birds along the way.

“I like the outdoors,� said the boy, Gary Miller II. “It’s better than zoning out in front of the TV.�

The pair routinely visit other parks, but Caspers is among the best because it is less crowded and is rich with flora and fauna, the elder Miller said.

Pleased that there no longer are age regulations at the park, Miller added that he hopes visitors will be responsible when entering the grounds.

“People who enter the park have to be accountable,� said the Mission Viejo father, who came equipped with a first-aid kit. “This is a wilderness. If you enter it, you have to expect to find wild animals.�

Spending time in a wilderness park requires preparation and alertness, park rangers advised. Hikers must be aware of not only mountain lions but also snakes, ticks and poison ivy--as fliers posted at the entrance of hiking trails warned.

Generally, there was overwhelming support of lifting the restrictions. But park officials urged parents to closely supervise their children when visiting the park.

“Letting a child get even 20 feet away can mean trouble,� park volunteer Roger Ciampa warned.

Concerns about mountain lions began to escalate in March 1986 when Laura Small, then 5 years old, was mauled by a mountain lion as she was kneeling beside a creek looking for tadpoles.

A few months later, a 6-year-old child, Justin Mellon, was attacked by a lion at the park and suffered bite wounds. Both eventually recovered.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Kids Allowed

Restrictions on the use of Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park were lifted this weekend. Minors’ access to the park had been limited because of mountain lion attacks. What to do at the park, safety concerns and prohibitions:

Park Particulars

Area: 7,600 acres

Elevation: 400-1,500 feet

Day use hours: 7 a.m. to sunset

Parking: Off Ortega Highway

Interpretive center: At entrance; features dioramas, programs and guided nature walks

Restrooms: At entrance and throughout park and campsites

Hiking, biking and equestrian trails: More than 25 miles; maps available at entrance

Name: Named after former Supervisor Ronald W. Caspers, who was instrumental in getting the county to acquire the land

Safety Tips

Any wilderness area has inherent dangers, including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poison oak and rugged terrain. Minimize risk by following these park guidelines:

* Mountain lions have attacked children; stay alert at all times in campsites and on trails

* Minors should be under adult supervision at all times

* Throw away trash in designated receptacles

* Observe all restrictions for vehicles on trails and designated parking areas

What’s Prohibited

* Hunting, firearms and fireworks

* Alcohol

* Pets, except horses

* Removal of wildlife, natural vegetation and geological features

* Wood, ground or open fires

For More Information

* To learn more about programs at Caspers park or to reserve a campsite, call (714) 728-0235

* Visit the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Web site at https://www.co.orange.ca.us/pfrd/hbp; click on wilderness parks and scroll down to the Caspers area

Source: County of Orange Harbors Beaches and Parks