IRVINE, Calif., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Come celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Orange County Great Park at Growing the Park, a day-long family fun festival. The event will mark the past, present and future of the Great Park at three themed areas: the Back Forty, the Runway and Sky's the Limit. The day may include a special "fly-in" by two rare and historically significant aircraft that will become part of the Great Park Aviation Heritage Museum. Wing walkers will perform daring acrobatic feats. Modern military equipment and vintage artifacts will be on display. The Anaheim Ducks and the LA Galaxy will host interactive sporting activities. The Discovery Science Center will feature hands-on children's science activities and challenges. Families will enjoy a petting zoo, music, kite flying and balloon rides.

The Back Forty will feature the Anaheim Ducks Street Team, a farm and food lab, food booths and petting zoo. The Runway will showcase the wing walker show, the vintage aircraft and fire truck displays, and radio control airplane demonstrations. Sky's the Limit will present the LA Galaxy Street Team, kite flying and kite-making demonstrations.

At a display sponsored by the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, Marines will simulate loading and firing a "155" cannon and display artillery and military vehicles. Children can try on Marine Corps gear and get the feel of being a Marine.

"We are excited about our 4th anniversary celebration," said Larry Agran, Chair, Orange County Great Park Corporation board. "Every year the event grows larger along with the Great Park. We anticipate that thousands of visitors from throughout Orange County will enjoy the many activities being featured."

"The Great Park is truly a park for everyone," said Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang. "The City of Irvine is proud to be home of the Orange County Great Park and invites everyone to join us for our celebration."

"Later this summer, the Great Park will begin the next phase of park development," said Mike Ellzey, Chief Executive Officer, Orange County Great Park. "In September, our board and staff will be considering a 500-acre development plan, which includes soccer fields in the sports park, the completion of the 27.5-acre Preview Park surrounding the Great Park Balloon, and a 125-acre agricultural area. The plan includes event lawns, picnic meadows, a cultural terrace site, a performance bowl, a 20-acre lake and 7.3 miles of walking and bicycle paths."

Growing the Park will take place Saturday, July 11th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

For more information and directions, please go to www.ocgp.org.

SOURCE Orange County Great Park Corporation