The Oso Creek Trail began in April 1997 as a community collaboration in Mission Viejo, where volunteers gather in late spring to celebrate the Earth and the arts. Nestled along the riparian corridor of the Oso Creek Valley, it connects residences to city facilities, the commercial core, and surrounding neighborhoods. The trail reflects proactive efforts by the community and the city to develop a backbone city trail system with long-term benefits for future generations. It includes numerous amenities and features that educate and honor the community, including the Peace Obelisk honoring victims of 9/11, the mosaic history walls in the Character Garden, vibrantly painted butterflies, the Celebration Garden, the Wave Wall on the Upper Oso Creek Trail, and the community murals surrounding the Village Green. As a walking garden, it is a place where the spirit of the community is alive and where people gather for a common cause to make a difference.