Community Link Newsletter: November 14–21, 2024

City of Irvine sent this bulletin at 11/14/2024 03:00 PM PST

Fun for All Abilities: Sweet Shade Universal Playground Now Open

Community members celebrated the opening of Irvine’s first universal playground Thursday, November 14 at Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park.

Sweet Shade is a 7.9-acre public neighborhood park and home to Sweet Shade Ability Center, where the City's Disability Services program provides activities for individuals with sensory, physical, or cognitive disabilities, and their family members. The creation of the City's first universal playground complements the Ability Center and will expand inclusive recreational opportunities for all Irvine residents.

Wheelchair accessible with multigenerational play components to support usage by those with disabilities, as well as their parents and caregivers, the universal playground truly embodies its theme — “A Space for Everyone.”

The City conducted extensive public outreach to help shape the design of the playground, which features an outer space theme and includes adaptive swings; Bankshot Basketball, a court with creatively angled, curved, and uniquely configured basketball backboards; a sensory garden; and an adjacent restroom with an adult changing area.

To learn more about Sweet Shade Universal Playground, visit cityofirvine.org/universalplayground.

Join us at the intersection of Cadence and Benchmark Tuesday, November 19, from 4 to 5 p.m. to celebrate the launch of Irvine's first Class IV protected bikeway. This new bikeway will provide a physical barrier separating cyclists and drivers, enhancing the City’s commitment to ensuring it is safe and easy to bike in Irvine.

The event will also include a demonstration of the City’s new electric street sweeper— Evie — an innovative addition that will help keep bikeways clean and well-maintained, while preserving the environment.

Learn more at cityofirvine.org/protectedbikeway.

City of Irvine Electric Lawn Equipment Rebate

To offset costs of new electric lawn and garden equipment, the City of Irvine has partnered with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to offer rebates for Irvine residents who switch from gas-powered to electric equipment.

Read the flier for more information.

Solarize Irvine Community Workshops

Meet with experts and community-screened solar installers to learn about the benefits and basics of going solar for your home. Workshops are free and open to all Orange County residents. Learn more and sign up at ocgoessolar.org/workshops.

Solarize Irvine Virtual Workshop
Monday, November 18, 7 p.m.
View the flier and register for the workshop.

Inside Irvine

Read the winter edition of Inside Irvine for the latest information on City news and activities.

Discover the Irvine Animal Care Center's commitment to providing compassionate and intentional care to animals in need as construction on the center’s long-awaited expansion and renovation has officially begun.

Explore programs, camps, and events available for kids and adults this season in the winter Activity Guide.

The digital edition is online now, and Irvine residents will see Inside Irvine in their mailboxes by November 15. You can also preview all upcoming classes now at yourirvine.org. Registration for all winter activities opens November 15.

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.

International Day for Tolerance: November 16
The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance day declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance.

Dutch-American Heritage Day: November 16
On November 16, the Netherlands and America celebrate Dutch-American Heritage Day to commemorate the longstanding relationship we share. The Netherlands was one of the first countries to recognize the nascent United States as a sovereign state.

International Men’s Day: November 19
International Men's Day is a global holiday celebrated annually in November to recognize and celebrate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of men.

Universal Children’s Day: November 20
World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide, and to improve children's welfare.

Transgender Day of Remembrance: November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance that honors the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

November 16, 1 p.m.
Opening Reception: End as Beginning and For Me and You

November 18, 5:30 p.m.
Finance Commission Meeting

November 20, 5:30pm
Community Services Commission Meeting

November 21, 9 a.m.
Senior Citizens Council Meeting

November 21, 5 p.m.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Meeting

November 21, 5:30pm
Planning Commission Meeting

Ending November 18
Budget Survey

November
Clean California Survey

November
School Route Survey

View the City Calendar

Road Construction and Capital Improvement Projects

View the Road Construction Map

View the Capital Improvement Projects Map

View the latest Inside Irvine	Stay Connected


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