Rooted in Connection: EVALCORP’s Spring Picnic
At EVALCORP’s Spring Picnic, employees from near and far gathered to connect and recharge together. We stepped away from our desks and into the open air, trading screens for sunshine and schedules for shared moments in nature. Set against the backdrop of vibrant green trees, Irvine Regional Park—the oldest regional park in California—provided the perfect setting for a fun-filled, meaningful day.
Staff split into smaller groups for a scavenger hunt, exploring the expansive park as they searched for beautiful botanicals, colorful wildlife, and historical monuments. Along the way, teammates paused to take in the scenery, sunlight filtering through the trees and the sounds of nature all around, creating shared moments that felt both energizing and grounding.
Celina and Kristen find the water wheel on the scavenger hunt
Gabby finds the statue of John Irvine, who donated the land to the county in the late 1800’s.
Anthony takes a peacock’s portrait
After the scavenger hunt, colleagues gathered under wide, shady coast live oak trees, where laughter carried easily and conversations flowed without the usual time constraints of the workday. Seated together, we shared stories and enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch, taking time to connect and deepen relationships beyond our day-to-day work together.
Time for lunch!
Finishing up a gourmet picnic lunch
After lunch, staff visited the OC Zoo, stopping to admire the majestic mountain lions, jaguar, and bear. Other favorites included the Channel Island fox, long-tailed coatis, and three-legged ocelot. As we discussed each creature, we learned more than just animal facts; it created space to learn more about each other, sparking conversations, curiosity, and connection in unexpected ways.
Reighan, Stella, Anthony and Luis
A quick break from animal watching at the OC Zoo
Throughout the day, the natural beauty of the park served as a unifying thread, bringing everyone together in a shared experience that felt both refreshing and meaningful. Whether hunting for hidden treasures, gathering for group photos, or simply enjoying a quiet moment outdoors, the time spent together strengthened bonds and reinforced the sense of community that defines EVALCORP.