As Irvine residents, we love our network of over 300 parks and vast nature preserves. These green spaces are where families play, kids practice sports, older generations can walk, and all of us can breathe a little easier. They are proven to improve mental health, reduce heat in neighborhoods, strengthen community bonds, and protect local ecosystems.

​

However, few people realize that nearly half of Irvine’s PUBLIC PARKS are currently zoned for development.

​

This zoning means high-rise apartments could be developed at a park NEAR YOU. See full list here.

 

Even our nature preserves that define Irvine’s quality of life, like Bommer Canyon and Quail Hill, are not permanently protected from development. These spaces are critical to everyone’s physical and mental health by reducing risk of depression and anxiety. And offering a space for deeper connection to our land and broader communities.

 

The bottom line: The status quo puts our public lands at risk. As the State of California mandates more high-density housing, we must work to safeguard access to parks and trails that make Irvine a healthy, inclusive, and livable city.

 

Let’s turn restricted-access land into thriving parks, trails and recreation spaces that everyone can enjoy. Because open space isn’t open if only a few can use it.