Category: Community & Human Interest
Sweet Shade Universal Playground: Best Project of the Year
Sweet Shade Universal Playground has been named the Best Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association Southern California Chapter!
The project, which involved intentional design and comprehensive planning, was selected from more than 200 nominations submitted by 75 agencies throughout the region.
The universal playground is located within the 7.9-acre Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park. The park is also home to the Sweet Shade Ability Center, where the City’s Disability Services program offers activities for individuals with sensory, physical, or cognitive disabilities to enjoy alongside their families. The creation of the City’s first universal playground complements the Ability Center and expands inclusive recreational opportunities for all Irvine residents.
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Irvine is the Fourth Greenest City in America
Thanks to its abundance of parks, bikeways, open spaces and trees, Irvine is now ranked the fourth Greenest City in America and the greenest city in Southern California according to the finance website WalletHub.
Each year, WalletHub compares the nation’s 100 largest cities to compile its “Greenest Cities” list, using 28 key indicators — ranging from greenhouse gas emissions per capita to water quality and green jobs.
The City’s high percentage of green space and its environmental leadership has been part of Irvine’s foundation since its earliest planning. The City’s Master Plan called for parks, open space, walking trails, and bike paths to be woven throughout neighborhoods.
An impressive 28% of Irvine’s land is dedicated to parks and green spaces, which is nearly double the national average. And 96% of Irvine residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
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Irvine Opens Official Passport Office
Are you planning an international trip? If so, you can now apply for your passport right here in Irvine!
Over the past several months, the City of Irvine has been working in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Agency to establish an official passport acceptance facility at City Hall (1 Civic Center Plaza).
As part of this new program, residents can apply for a passport book or a passport card without leaving Irvine. The City is also offering on-site passport photos so that residents can complete a full passport application or simply have a passport photo taken.
Appointments are currently available on Mondays & Wednesdays between 9am and 3pm. (Expanded hours will be announced in early 2026.)
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Free Irvine CONNECT Shuttle Bus Has Expanded Routes
Last year, the City of Irvine launched a one-year pilot program for a free shuttle bus service to connect Irvine residents to parks, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.
Due to its popularity and increasing ridership, the shuttle service is now permanent and additional routes have been added to reach even more Irvine neighborhoods.
The program has proven to be especially helpful for students traveling to and from school and for seniors who need to get to medical appointments and shopping centers.
All of the buses are equipped with bike racks, and are fully accessible by wheelchair and other mobility aids. And riders have access to free wi-fi service.
Enter Mayor Agran’s Photo Contest
Mayor Larry Agran is a big fan of trees! In fact, years ago he worked alongside other early leaders to expand our City’s park system.
Today, Irvine’s parks are ranked No. 1 in California and No. 2 in America according to the Trust for Public Land. And 94% of our residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
The City is now working to implement Mayor Agran’s latest tree project — the Irvine Urban Forest Master Plan.
Mayor Agran’s office has announced a fun new community engagement project to attract fellow tree (and photo) enthusiasts.
Irvine’s New “Library of Things”
Over the years, libraries have evolved into spaces that offer far more than just books. There are reading programs for children and English conversational courses for second language learners. There are also book clubs, game nights, tech support services, crafting sessions, and family movie events.
Now, the Irvine Public Library has launched its “Library of Things” collection, which allows community members to check out a variety of items for free with their Irvine Public Library card.
Residents who need something for a one-time project or want to try a new hobby can borrow the item from the library rather than purchasing it. Items include musical instruments, tools, gadgets, games, electronics, and more.
For example, if your are interested in learning how to play the guitar, you can borrow one from the library to see if it’s something you want to pursue.
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