ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : Park Angels

As recessionary pressures increase on Orange County government, officials are casting about for creative ways of doing more with less.

Things are likely to get worse before they get better. Last month, Gov. Pete Wilson’s proposed 1993-94 state budget foretold yet another painful round of cutbacks. It contains $170 million in cuts for local governments in Orange County on top of those absorbed after last summer’s bruising budget battle.

Now, in a laudable effort to keep county parks and buildings well-maintained in this oppressive fiscal environment, officials have announced plans to adapt for parks the Adopt-a-Highway program successfully used by Caltrans. What a good idea.

Instead of raising fees, the county Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department will ask residents to lend a hand. They can help collect trash at parks, paint over graffiti-marked public buildings and maintain nature trails.

This fledgling Adopt-a-Facility program was approved last week by the Board of Supervisors. It is a useful way of mobilizing the public to take responsibility, and individuals and organizations should be encouraged to participate. Already, several groups have adopted riding trails at several parks.

It’s good, too, that the county promises to train volunteers and provide them with equipment. And some recognition--perhaps the listing of names at kiosks in parks--can acknowledge a job well done.

When times are tough, this is one way everybody can pitch in to help.