Community Link Newsletter: August 22-29, 2024

Take a Ride on Irvine CONNECT

Travel smarter with Irvine CONNECT. This shuttle service is free for all riders and travels between the northern end of Irvine to Irvine Station, with stops at parks, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.

Run errands throughout town, travel to the beach, and more, while helping to protect the environment. Shuttles run on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Shuttle frequency is every 20 minutes. 

Please note that there will not be service on Labor Day. Learn more and plan your trip at irvineconnect.org. 

Learn the Benefits of Going Solar

Thinking about going solar? Learn about the benefits of making the switch to solar at the next Solarize Irvine workshop Tuesday, September 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Las Lomas Community Center. 

During this free workshop, you will meet with experts who will share information on topics such as:

• A federal tax credit for solar and batteries
• Group discounts for solar, battery storage, and EV chargers
• Improvements to home value and savings on energy bills

Learn more and register at ocgoessolar.org. 

See the Future Heart of the Park

Join City of Irvine officials and the Great Park Board of Directors to learn about the next phase of development at the Great Park, the Heart of the Park. Come to the Heart of The Park Showcase Tuesday, September 17, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 

The project area spans nearly 200 acres and includes world-class amenities like the amphitheater, Grand Promenade, Great Meadow, Full Circle Farm, north and south lakes, and Timeline Bridge.

The Heart of the Park is a critical component of the Great Park Framework Plan and is instrumental in securing the park’s place as one of the greatest metropolitan parks in the world.

The showcase event will take place near Lot 8 at the Great Park. For more information, view our video and visit greatparkframework.org. 

Splash In Movie & Recreation Swim 

Make a splash this weekend and join us at the Splash-in Movie and Recreation Swim! Swim and float at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center while The Super Mario Bros. Movie plays on the big screen. The event takes place Saturday, August 24, at 6:30 p.m. 

Lifeguards will be on duty. Pool opens at 6:30 p.m., and the movie starts at dusk. The swim fee is $2 for children and $4 for adults. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/aquatics.

Mid-Autumn Festival 

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 13, at 5 p.m. as the City of Irvine celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival at the Great Park.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, is also known as Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. Held under the full moon, it is an annual festival traditionally celebrated by many East and Southeast Asian cultures as a way to give thanks for the year’s bountiful harvest. 

In partnership with South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, this celebration features educational displays, live entertainment, crafts, specialty food trucks, artistic demonstrations, and more. 

View our video from last year's event to see the family-friendly festival in action. 

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.

August 21: Senior Citizens Day
On August 21, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services. At the City of Irvine, Irvine Senior Services provides resources, services, and activities for those ages 50 and older at three dedicated centers. To learn more about Irvine's services for older adults, visit cityofirvine.org/seniors. 

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Great Park's New Eatery: The Layover