Irvine’s Award-Winning Parks

by ICNV Staff

In 1971, Irvine officially became a city. Three years later, Irvine’s first residents passed a major park bond issue to begin building community parks, a crucial step in establishing the Irvine Master Plan. This foundational bond supported the development of the City’s park system, which now includes 22 community parks and more than 40 neighborhood parks.

In its latest Park Score Index, the Trust for Public Land ranked Irvine’s park system as the best in California and the second best park system in the entire nation. (The No. 1 park system is in Washington, D.C., which is technically a federal district rather than a traditional American city.)

An impressive 28% of Irvine’s land is dedicated to parks and green spaces — nearly double the national average. And 96% of Irvine residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

“Being ranked first in California and second in the nation is a tremendous honor that reflects Irvine’s long-standing commitment to parks and public spaces,” said Mayor Larry Agran. “This recognition is not a happy accident. It is the result of intentional planning, community vision, and a deep-rooted commitment to preserving the land around us. Our parks are more than just green spaces — they’re essential to community health, connection, and quality of life.”

During a recent Earth Day event, Mayor Agran revealed his five favorite parks:

Harvard Community Park
This park encompasses 26.9 acres and has become a hub for sports enthusiasts, with lush green fields, bicycle trail access, four batting cages, a skate park, and world-class soccer, baseball, and softball facilities.

The Great Park
The 1,300-acre Great Park holds a special place for Mayor Agran because it could have been an international airport. Instead, this metropolitan park has become a place where friends and families gather for hiking and biking, water park activities, community gardening projects, sporting events, art exhibitions, playground activities, community festivals, and outdoor concerts.

Northwood Community Park
Recently remodeled, this park offers 17.7 acres of fun for the whole family. There are soccer fields, tennis courts, a handball wall, a baseball diamond, a fitness trail, 14 picnic tables, four barbecues, and a sprawling play area with a fortress structure affectionately referred to as “The Castle,” which kids love.

Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park
The 7.9-acre park features an adaptive playground, sensory gardens, and inclusive outdoor activities for all abilities, along with a variety of wheelchair-accessible sports.

Turtle Rock Nature Park
This 25-acre park offers ample shade from the magnificent tall trees that are now more than 50 years old. The park also includes a large grassy play area, four lighted tennis courts, and a lighted volleyball court. What sets it apart is its nature center, self-guided trails, and educational outdoor spaces focused on protecting local wildlife and habitat.

Mayor Agran noted that three of his favorite parks — Harvard Community Park, Northwood Community Park, and Turtle Rock Nature Park — were the result of visionary thinking by Irvine voters who approved the 1974 park bond issue, leading to their construction and enduring popularity among residents.

This weekend, we encourage you to explore one of Irvine’s 22 community parks or any of the City’s more than 40 neighborhood parks. For a full list of parks and recreational facilities, click here.