top of page
Oak Creek: A Community Vision for a Nature Park & Village
Friends – Our group of neighbors has been working alongside planners and hundreds of local residents on a historic opportunity to reshape the Oak Creek Golf Course property. What began as a dialogue about the future of this land has evolved into a community-driven plan, shaped by over 40 workshops and the feedback of thousands of neighbors. We proudly support this comprehensive plan, balancing a vast new nature park with a low-density community providing essential for-sale homes.
Rendering of nature park. (Courtesy of Irvine Co.)
A Nature Park for All
We advocated for transforming a large portion of the property into a public nature park, larger than any other community park in Irvine.
​​
-
50+ acres of meadows, native woodlands, gardens, and trails.
​​
-
Completion of the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, bridging the "missing middle" with new crossings over train tracks and Irvine Center Dr.
​
-
A new nature center for education and community events.
​​​​​​​
A Thoughtful Village
​
Our input helped evolve the approved vision for this site from state-mandated high-density housing to a village that respects Irvine's character.
​​
-
A reduction in the number of homes allows for fewer apartments and a range of much-needed single-family homes.
​​
-
A new K-6 school would be provided to IUSD to meet the needs of the new community.
​
-
A comprehensive transportation plan to address traffic flow and pedestrian safety for the entire area.
​​​
What's Next?
Now that the proposal has been submitted, the city will complete an Environmental Impact Report – a study that will examine the entire plan: the nature park, village, school, transportation improvements, and more. Our hope is that everyone can take time to evaluate the proposal, roll up our collective sleeves, and look for ways to make it even better. This is a unique opportunity to help plan Irvine’s largest nature park and its newest village.
Testimonials
Jennifer King
“The opportunity to create a signature space like this for all to enjoy is so rare. I truly can't wait to experience this nature park both as I'm running Irvine's beautiful trails, and as a destination in itself for my family to explore nature right in our backyard."
Mike Nystrom
“I moved to Irvine for the unique sense of community and ample parks and green space. As we look to the future of our city, I am excited to support the Nature Park and the thoughtful development continuing our trail system and providing a much needed amenity for our families.”
Hope White
“I love the prospect of a peaceful respite sitting right in the middle of our city. It will be a welcome, meticulously designed habitat for all wildlife and especially for pollinators, like the endangered Monarch butterfly.”
Jon White
“The nature park includes an extension of the Jeffery Open Space Trail. It will be another “building block” that will one day allow cyclists and hikers to travel from the North of our city all the way to the Pacific Ocean without competing with automobiles.”
Laura Borda
“The expert park planners utilized by Irvine Company have decades of experience that will transform the current golf course to a natural extension of the Jeffrey Open Space Trail with meandering meadows and walking trails through trees and plants that are native to our region. I look forward to having the chance to explore this beautiful park extension when it is fully developed and open for public use."
Ryan Bates
“To be part of the creation of this now truly open space is a once in a generation opportunity and I couldn’t be more excited about it. The fact that my children and future grandchildren will have the chance to explore nature right in the heart of this incredible city we all have the privilege of living in fills me with joy. I enthusiastically support this plan and can’t wait to see it come to life.”
William Shultz
"I look forward to having convenient walking and bicycling access to the park via the JOST which from my home will mean not having to cross a single street at surface level. I plan regular walks in the nature park, enjoying the tranquility, the beauty and diversity of landscapes, the overlooks, the flowing creek, and the educational opportunities, all in the center of Irvine."
Tim Cheng
"Having lived in Irvine for 30 years, I fully support the plan for a new nature park in central Irvine as a vital return to the original master-planned vision of balancing development with preserved open space. I am most looking forward to having a peaceful escape for trail walks and the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world just minutes from home."
Community Planning Process
Nature planner Jenny Rigby leads a discussion
Groups present their ideas for the park
Groups present their ideas for the park
Site tour to see the expansive area dedicated for the park
Breakout groups on park concepts
Site tour to see the expansive area dedicated for the park
(Images Courtesy of Irvine Co.)
Neighbors 4 Nature Steering Committee
Ryan Bates, (Co-Chair), Oak Creek Village
Mike Nystrom (Co-Chair), Northwood
Jennifer King, Northwood
Bill Shultz, Orangetree
Laura Borda, Northwood
Ray Borda, Northwood
Ryan Borda, Northwood
Tim Cheng, Woodbridge (fmr. Community Services Commission Chair)
Kristy Chen, Woodbridge
Greg Costigan, Woodbury
Neil Estrada, Turtle Ridge
Jon White, Turtle Rock
Hope Sherwood, Turtle Rock
bottom of page