Community Link: May 21, 2026

City of Irvine Parks Rank No. 2 in the Nation for Second Consecutive Year

For the second consecutive year, the City of Irvine’s park system has been ranked No. 2 in the nation in the annual ParkScore Index released by the Trust for Public Land. Irvine also remained the top-ranked park system in California, underscoring the City’s longstanding commitment to parks, recreation, and open space.

This marks the 11th year Irvine has ranked among the top 10 park systems nationwide. The index evaluates the 100 most populated U.S. cities based on park access, acreage, investment, equity, and amenities.

According to the report, 94% of Irvine residents live within a half-mile of a park. Irvine also earned a perfect score for investment, spending $697 per capita annually on publicly accessible parks and recreation.

The City continues to invest in its park system through projects including the Great Park, new pickleball courts at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge, the Jeffrey Open Space Trail extension, and Irvine’s first municipal fieldhouse, expected to open in early 2027.

View the full ParkScore Index at tpl.org/parkscore and learn more about Irvine parks at cityofirvine.gov/parks.

Memorial Day Ceremonies

Honor and remember the nation’s fallen service members at two Memorial Day ceremonies in Irvine.

• The Northwood Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony takes place Sunday, May 24, at 4 p.m. at Northwood Community Park, featuring guided reflection honoring fallen U.S. military, with a special focus on those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  
  
• The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park and includes remarks from a Commanding Officer of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. Community members are invited to gather in remembrance and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

Pride In Irvine

In honor of Harvey Milk Day and June Pride Month, the City of Irvine will host the fifth annual Pride in Irvine event Friday, May 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Irvine Civic Center Piazza. Community members are invited to join the City as the Progress Flag is raised in front of City Hall in recognition and support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The event will feature refreshments, family-friendly activities, educational opportunities, and resources provided by local advocacy and support organizations. Connect with community groups, learn about available services, and celebrate Pride in Irvine.

The Progress Flag will fly at the Irvine Civic Center from May 22 through June 30 in recognition of Pride Month and significant milestones in LGBTQ+ history and civil rights.

Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp Event Reservation

Host your next special event at Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp. Nestled in the heart of Irvine’s wildlands, this newly renovated venue offers rustic charm paired with modern amenities, including a covered stage, banquet-style picnic seating, a staging kitchen, and ADA-accessible pathways. The scenic 15-acre space is ideal for weddings, family reunions, company retreats, parties, and more. Learn more and book your event at cityofirvine.gov/bommer.

Early Voting Underway

Vote Centers open Saturday, May 23, at the Irvine Civic Center and Los Olivos Community Center as early voting continues for the 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election.

Please note that the Orange County Registrar of Voters has modified Vote Centers hours. From May 23 through June 1, Vote Centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, June 2.

A pop-up Vote Center will also be available Thursday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Sweet Shade Ability Center — offering an additional option to vote early. Additional Vote Centers will open Saturday, May 30.

Registered voters can also bring their completed ballot to one of 11 secure Ballot Drop Box locations in Irvine.

For more information, including a full list of Vote Centers, hours, and Drop Box locations, visit cityofirvine.gov/election or ocvote.gov.

Connect with the Community at the Healthy Living Expo

Apply today to host an exhibitor booth at the Healthy Living Expo — a free community resource fair geared towards adults 50 and older.

This annual event will be held Friday, September 25, 9 a.m. to noon at Lakeview Senior Center, and features health screenings, flu shots, educational lectures, fitness demonstrations, and more.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to reach active older adults in the Irvine community! If you are interested in hosting a booth at this year’s event, please submit your application by Monday, July 13.

Summer Adventures are Just Around the Corner

City of Irvine summer camps begin June 8, with programs available for kids, middle schoolers, and teens. Campers can discover hands-on experiences across visual arts, theater, STEM, sports, and outdoor recreation.

Drawing & Painting Camp

Ages 4–12 | Starts June 8
Young artists will explore their creativity in a fun, hands-on environment designed just for kids. Campers will experiment with drawing and painting techniques while learning how to bring their ideas to life through color, texture, and composition.

Portal Languages Enrichment Camp

Ages 4–10 | Starts June 8
Campers will build vocabulary and basic conversation skills through games, songs, storytelling, and hands-on practice.

Each session encourages participation and curiosity, helping children gain confidence while exploring sounds, words, and cultural elements connected to the language.

Skatedogs Skateboarding Camp

Ages 5–13 | Starts June 8
Learn skateboarding fundamentals in a supportive, high-energy environment designed for beginners and developing riders. Instruction focuses on balance, board control, safety, and basic tricks, with skill-building that progresses at a comfortable pace. With an emphasis on encouragement and fun, this camp gives kids a safe place to learn, grow, and enjoy the ride.

Queen Nation

Friday, June 5, doors open at 6 p.m.

Sing along to Queen’s greatest hits as Queen Nation brings its high-energy tribute show to Great Park Live. The all-ages concert will feature favorites like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love.” Free parking is available.

Tickets are available at greatparklive.com. VIP, reserved seating, and general admission options are available. Children ages 3 and older require a ticket. Wristbands for the Kids Zone, featuring inflatables and mini golf, are available for purchase. Chair and locker rentals are also available.

Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge — Raised on Radio Tour

Sunday, July 12, doors open at 6 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning artists Wynonna Judd and Melissa Etheridge bring their co-headlining Raised on Radio Tour to Great Park Live for an evening of country and rock hits. This all-ages concert features performances from both music icons as part of their national tour.

For every ticket sold, $1 will be donated to The Etheridge Foundation and $1 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Tickets are available at greatparklive.com. VIP, reserved seating, and general admission options are available.

May is Older Americans Month

Celebrate Older Americans Month this May with programs and activities that recognize the contributions, experiences, and vitality of older adults in the community. This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, encourages communities to challenge stereotypes and embrace diverse aging experiences through opportunities for connection, wellness, learning, and engagement. Join the City of Irvine for fun activities, workshops, and social gatherings that support healthy and active aging. Earn tickets for participating and you will be entered into an opportunity drawing. Learn more.