Community Link Newsletter: May 23-30, 2024

Irvine's Park System Ranked #1 in California and #4 in the Country

For the ninth consecutive year, the City of Irvine park system has been ranked among the top 10 in the nation by the Trust for Public Land. 

Irvine ranked first in California and fourth in the country in the national nonprofit’s annual ParkScore Index, which is recognized as the national gold-standard comparison of park systems across the 100 most populated cities in the United States. The index is based on factors including park access, acreage, investment, and amenities. 

You can learn more about the ParkScore ranking at tpl.org/parkscore.

Learn more about our 22 community parks, 40 neighborhood parks, and the expansive Great Park, all of which feature premier programming and top-notch facilities at cityofirvine.org/parks. 

Take the Public Arts Master Plan Survey

You are invited to share your ideas on the future of public art in Irvine. The Public Arts Committee is developing a Public Arts Master Plan, a roadmap to guide the selection, placement, and overall vision for public art projects over the next decade. 

Your input is crucial in shaping the artistic landscape of Irvine's neighborhoods. Take a quick survey and share your thoughts on the types of art you'd like to see and how it can enrich your community experience. 

Let your voice help paint Irvine's artistic future. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/pamp. 

Great Park Framework Plan, One Year in the Making

One year ago the City of Irvine embarked on an exciting new chapter at the Great Park with a groundbreaking ceremony to commence construction on the next phase of development — the Great Park Framework Plan. 

Since then, the Framework Plan has been realized through the construction and demolition of 69 buildings and structures, abatement activity, ground grading, a groundbreaking for the Cultural Terrace, and the beginning of construction on Great Park Live. A development open house also gave visitors the chance to meet the partners who will help make the first phase of the Great Park Framework Plan a reality. 

Over 300 acres of innovative and unique public space will come to the park, including lakes, gardens, live music, museums, wide, open meadows, and space to honor those who served. Grounded in history and driven by community, the new phase of the Great Park will bring an expanding array of recreational and cultural opportunities to Irvine and the region as a park for all. See all of the progress in the past year in our video. 

Great Park Maintenance 

The Great Park Carousel will be closed for maintenance from Tuesday, May 28 through Friday, June 14. Normal operations are set to resume Saturday, June 15.

Additionally, Lot 2 at the Great Park (in front of Great Park Ice) will be closed Monday, June 3 through Wednesday, June 5 for slurry seal and restriping of the lot. Please park in an adjacent lot during this time. 

Attend the Studio Arts Festival

What are you doing June 1? Join us for the 30th annual Studio Arts Festival! This event, held June 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Park, will showcase more than 100 local artists and their handmade original works of art for purchase.

Artwork includes hand-blown glass, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, woodworking, clothing, and more. 

Admission and parking are free. View more information on the City's website. 

Play it Safe Around Water

Ten people die each day from unintentional drowning, and on average, two of them are
less than age 14. The City of Irvine and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) would like to change that statistic by teaching water safety methods. 

Join OCFA Friday, May 31, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Fire Station 26, as they open Fire Station 26 to the community to learn important information about how people of all ages can keep safe around the water. The event allows visitors to meet firefighters and see a fire engine. Kids can take a water safety pledge, receive giveaways, and enjoy a frozen treat. 

Fire Station 26 is located at Yale Avenue and Walnut. 

Explore California Art

What inspires an artist? Since the beginning of the 20th century, Southern California has been a rich subject matter for artists across the state. In collaboration with the Irvine Museum, California Landscapes: Then and Now features a selection of historical California Impressionist reproductions from the Irvine Museum collection, exhibited together with a survey of contemporary artists who have chosen the diverse cityscapes and landscapes of California as subjects to explore in a variety of media. 

Attend the opening reception of this exhibition at the Great Park Gallery, Sunday, May 26, 1-3 p.m. The Great Park Gallery is open for art viewing Thursdays and Fridays, noon-4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with free admission. Learn more on the yourgreatpark.org/arts. 

This Week in DE&I

There are many cultural and religious holidays celebrated and recognized throughout our community this month. Learn about some of the significant dates being observed in Irvine below and on our DE&I calendar.

Memorial Day: May 27

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.

Memorial Day has its roots in the aftermath of the American Civil War, when communities began holding ceremonies to honor the soldiers who had died in battle. The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day, and it was marked by the decoration of the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Over time, Memorial Day became a national holiday and expanded to include all U.S. military personnel who have died in the line of duty.

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