The debate surrounding the Oak Creek Golf Course has, in true Irvine style, elicited a variety of unique perspectives from across the city. My journey began by participating in Irvine Company’s community planning workshops, where residents were asked to provide input on the future of the privately owned course, including a planned nature park.
It was impressive to see Irvine residents – teachers, students, grandparents, young families and doctors – participating in these workshops and sharing their dreams for a new park. One resident was passionate about the need to include botanical gardens. The planning team visited California’s largest botanical garden in Santa Barbara for inspiration and ideas. Those ideas are now in the vision crafted by the community.
I was captivated by the process, envisioning walking through this new vast nature park, knowing I played a small role. So it took me aback to hear some criticism of the plan. What was I missing? Was I being sold a bill of goods? I dug into the issues.
The 1988 Open Space Question
A main question to address is whether the vision for the nature park is consistent with the frequently mentioned 1988 Open Space Plan. It is clear that it is, and here’s why.
The ‘88 plan called for preserving Irvine’s hillsides and canyons (done). It also called for the Jeffrey Open Space Trail to run through the center of the city, connecting these open spaces (not done).
The nature park will finally fulfill this vision in two meaningful ways. First, the park would connect to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, providing a natural retreat within easy access for Irvine residents. Second, it would also address the “missing middle” of the Jeffrey Open Space Trail by adding new bridges over railroad tracks and Irvine Center Drive, allowing residents to safely bike, run, or walk through the heart of the city.
This vision would not be possible with the golf course. Its high fences and fees restrict public access.
Park Planning and Funding Question
The primary objectors to the park plan are a couple of former heavy hitters: Michael LeBlanc, a retired Irvine Company executive who lives in Newport Beach, and Christina Shea, a past Irvine councilmember first elected in 1992.
They take exception to the formula proposed to create the planned nature park, which would allow Irvine Company to meet open space obligations through both land dedication and funding to build the park. Ironically, this model was championed by LeBlanc and approved by Shea in 2003. To their credit, this policy led to the creation of the Jeffrey Open Space Trail that we know and love today. Here’s a line from what Shea and her colleagues unanimously approved:
“As a means of constructing the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, it is anticipated that the Trail may be improved by The Irvine Company with ‘[acreage] credit’ received from the actual cost of improvements.”
It was a good model then, and it is a good model now. World-class public parks don’t pay for themselves.
The Housing Question
The other question to address is housing. It is not a question of if, but where and what type of housing will be built in and around the Oak Creek Golf Course. Irvine’s General Plan allows high-density housing – up to 5,000 apartments – on Oak Creek’s parking lot, driving range and adjacent properties. This was required by state mandates.
What’s being proposed is an alternative to this high-density, state-driven plan. The nature park plan would become a core feature of a new low-density village designed in the traditional way.
The Irvine Way
I’ve been researching past Irvine planning debates and see a pattern: a plan is proposed, some residents support while others object, adjustments are made, and the proposal becomes the latest great addition to our city.
I’m confident Oak Creek Golf Course will be another example of this deliberate process working. I’m also looking forward to enjoying that day at the nature park, looking over a vast botanical garden, and appreciating that I played a small part in shaping it alongside so many wonderful Irvine neighbors and business owners.
Mike Nystrom – I am a 26-year resident and active user of Open Space Trail. I have been a long-time community leader serving as president of our HOA, ISL team, IUCPTA Executive Board for 10 years and leading our elementary, middle and high schools for 14 years. I am proudly also co-chair of IrvineNeighbors4Nature, which supports the plan to transform the current Oak Creek Golf Course development into a true Open Space highlighted by a public Nature Park and lower-density village.
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