City of Irvine Introduces Community to the Heart of the Park

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

On Tuesday, September 17, the City of Irvine hosted a Heart of the Park Showcase to share the next area of the Great Park, the Heart of the Park. This park area spans nearly 200 acres and includes world-class amenities like an amphitheater, Grand Promenade, Great Meadow, Full Circle Farm, North and South lakes, and Timeline Bridge. Take a closer look at what’s coming to the Heart of the Park here

Attendees heard from those behind the Heart of the Park vision, including Great Park Board Chair Mike Carroll, Mayor Farrah N. Khan, Vice Mayor Larry Agran, and City Manager Oliver C. Chi. The City’s landscape architect, SWA, also shared the inspiration behind the design of the coming amenities.   

“The Heart of the Park will transform this space that was once celebrated as one of the most productive farms in the country, and later renowned as the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, into a vibrant destination that blends history, nature, and community, offering a place where past, present, and future come together,” said Great Park Board Chair Mike Carroll. “It is, without a doubt, the pulse of the park — the center of it all.” 

Renderings and makers in the undeveloped area highlighted the seven zones of the Heart of the Park to provide a realistic vantage point of each feature. Attendees could view firsthand the scale, design, and details of the carefully curated elements of the Heart of the Park. 

“It’s just incredible to view the seven coming features of the Heart of the Park and see where they will be placed in the park,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “The masterminds behind this project spared no detail, and I can’t wait to see the park transform into a world-class destination.” 

View the Great Park Framework Plan to learn more about what is coming to the Great Park in this development phase.  

See a Heart of the Park Showcase recap and view and download pictures