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Honor Memorial Day in Irvine
The City of Irvine invites the community to take part in two special ceremonies to honor U.S. military service members who gave their lives in service to our country. These annual events provide time for remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.
Northwood Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, May 25, 4 p.m. Northwood Community Park, 4531 Bryan Ave.
Join us at the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial to reflect on the sacrifices of fallen service members, with a focus on those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. The event includes a guided ceremony and is held in partnership with the Northwood Memorial Committee. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating.
Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 10 a.m. Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, 4 Civic Center Plaza (Parking via Harvard Avenue at San Juan)
This ceremony features remarks from a Commanding Officer of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. Attendees can also write messages of thanks to the Marines as a show of community support.
For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/specialevents or call 949-724-6606.
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Irvine Ranks No. 2 in the Nation for Parks
Irvine has once again been named one of the best cities in the country for parks — ranking No. 2 in the nation and No. 1 in California in the Trust for Public Land’s 2025 ParkScore Index. This is the 10th year in a row Irvine has placed in the top 10.
“Being ranked second in the nation and first in California is a tremendous honor,” said Mayor Larry Agran. “Our parks bring people together, support health and wellness, and protect open space for generations to come.”
The annual ParkScore Index looks at the 100 largest U.S. cities and scores them based on access, investment, equity, acreage, and amenities.
Irvine Highlights:
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94% of residents live within a half-mile walk of a park
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94% of people of color and 91% of low-income residents live within a 10-minute walk
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$681 per person invested annually in parks — among the highest in the nation
- Perfect scores for amenities like:
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459 basketball hoops
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220 playgrounds (28.53 per 10,000 children)
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25 senior and recreation centers
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184 public restrooms in parks
Continued Growth
Irvine is still growing its park system. The Great Park is currently the largest municipal park under development in the country. In late 2024, the City opened its first universal playground at Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park, offering inclusive play for all.
Coming soon:
- Two bocce ball courts at Sweet Shade (Summer 2025)
- Eight pickleball courts at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge (Spring 2026)
- Irvine’s first municipal fieldhouse (Summer 2026)
To learn more, visit cityofirvine.org/parks or view the full rankings at tpl.org/parkscore.
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Join the Community Bike Ride — June 6
As part of the Irvine Mobility Summit, the City of Irvine invites residents to take part in a Community Bike Ride Friday, June 6. This free ride is open to all ages and encourages residents to explore Irvine’s bike-friendly routes while promoting healthy, sustainable transportation.
The Community Bike Ride wraps up three days of events focused on improving mobility, reducing car dependency, and creating safer, more connected streets in Irvine.
Registration is required. Sign up at yourirvine.org.
For full event details, visit cityofirvine.org/mobilitysummit.
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Studio Arts Festival Returns June 7
Celebrate creativity at the Studio Arts Festival on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Community Park. This annual event features more than 100 local and regional artists showcasing original, handcrafted works in ceramics, painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, fiber art, glass, and more — all available for purchase.
Plan your visit and explore the full Vendor Map to see who’s participating in the 31st annual festival.
For details, visit cityofirvine.org/studioartsfestival.
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City of Irvine Promotes Water Safety with Floatie Exchange Program
To help keep young children safe around water, the City of Irvine is offering free U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in exchange for non-approved flotation devices for children age 6 and younger.
The Floatie Exchange Program supports California Assembly Bill 2146, which limits the use of flotation gear not approved by the Coast Guard. The goal is to promote safer water practices and encourage active supervision.
Where to Find the Floatie Exchange
Free life jackets will be available at the following City events:
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Studio Arts Festival — June 7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Heritage Community Park
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Irvine Nights: Swift Nation Concert — June 7, 6–10 p.m., Great Park Live
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Super Swim Lesson — June 27, 5:30 p.m., Woollett Aquatics Center
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Mid-Autumn Festival — September 26, 5–9:30 p.m., Great Park
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Irvine Global Village Festival — October 11, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Great Park
For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/aquatics or call 949-724-6717.
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 Learn More About the Whoosh Transportation System at the Great Park
Spanning nearly two miles in all directions, the Great Park will be one of the largest municipal parks in the country. As the park continues to grow, mobility connectors will help visitors navigate the expansive site using a blend of transportation options. A key feature of this system is the Whoosh system — a convenient, electric transportation service designed to connect people to key destinations throughout the park. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/whoosh.
Learn more about the Whoosh system and upcoming transportation plans by attending one of informational meetings:
Transportation Advocates Meeting
Wednesday, May 29, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Great Park Hangar 244
Town Hall Meeting
Monday, June 9, 6–7 p.m.
Great Park Hangar 244
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Summer in Irvine: What’s New and What’s Next
Irvine Libraries Are Getting a Refresh — Exciting changes are coming to the Irvine Public Library System, including updated spaces, new collections, and programs for all ages. While branches are temporarily closed for renovations, Summer with the Library kicks off in mid-May with Pajama Storytimes, Teen Study Hall, and more.
Explore More History at the Great Park — The Walkable Historical Timeline at Great Park now includes 44 new milestones from 1991 to 2019. Enjoy refreshed graphics and signs that bring Irvine’s story to life, with more digital features coming soon.
Mark Your Calendar for Summer Fun — Enjoy family favorites like Movies on the Lawn, Summer Concerts, and a new Fourth of July celebration at the Great Park. From music to outdoor movies, Irvine has events for all ages this summer.
Supporting Innovation and Business Growth — Irvine continues to support local businesses and attract new industries. The City’s new Property & Community Analytics Dashboard gives tools to help businesses succeed and grow here in Irvine.
Improving How We Move Around the City — With the Mobility Master Plan, Irvine is investing in safer ways to walk, bike, and use public transit. The goal is fewer cars, cleaner air, and easier travel options for all.
Stay Connected — Read the summer edition of Inside Irvine, now available online. Print copies will arrive in Irvine mailboxes soon. Preview classes and programs at yourirvine.org.
Summer registration begins May 15.
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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.
May 22: Harvey Milk Day — Harvey Milk was the first openly gay elected official in California, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He championed LGBTQ+ rights and remains a symbol of equality and progress. Harvey Milk Day is observed on his birthday to honor his legacy and advocacy.
May 23: Buddha Purnima (Vesak) — This Buddhist holiday honors the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. On this day, many visit temples, offer prayers, and perform acts of kindness. The spirit of giving, known as dana, is central to the celebration.
May 26: Buddha’s Birthday — Buddha’s Birthday, also called Hanamatsuri, is celebrated in many countries with prayers, floral decorations, and temple visits. It marks the birth of Gautama Buddha and highlights the peaceful and compassionate values of Buddhism.
May 28: Trail of Tears Remembrance — The Trail of Tears marks the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the 1800s, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee, Seminole, and Chickasaw. Nearly 60,000 people were displaced from their homelands in one of the most tragic chapters in U.S. history.
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Upcoming Meetings & Events
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Road Construction and Capital Improvement Projects
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