Trust names city parks in California city among best in the nation in annual index

Irvine received a perfect score for investment, with an impressive $643 per capita.Photo byNerea Martí SesarinoonUnsplash

For the ninth consecutive year, the City of Irvine's park system has secured its position among the top 10 in the nation, according to the Trust for Public Land. Irvine, renowned for its commitment to green spaces and recreational amenities, clinched the fourth spot nationally and maintained its status as California's premier city for parks, as per the Trust for Public Land's esteemed ParkScore Index.

The annual ParkScore Index, considered the gold standard in evaluating park systems across the 100 most populous cities in the United States, assesses various factors, including park access, acreage, investment, and amenities. This year, Irvine's score saw a notable increase of 0.1 points, reaffirming its coveted position among the nation's park leaders.

Mayor Farrah N. Khan expressed her elation at Irvine's continued success, stating, "We're thrilled to be ranked No. 1 in California for our parks for the second consecutive year. This achievement underscores our ongoing investment in the park system, surpassing the national average, and our unwavering commitment to equity and accessibility for all residents. Together, we're enhancing Irvine's reputation as a premier destination to live, work, and play."

The ParkScore Index highlighted Irvine's exemplary performance in park access and equity, revealing that 93% of Irvine residents reside within a half-mile walk of a park, with 93% of individuals from diverse communities also enjoying proximity to green spaces. Moreover, Irvine received a perfect score for investment, with an impressive $643 per capita allocated annually to publicly accessible parks and recreation.

In addition to overall performance, Irvine excelled in specific amenities, earning perfect scores for the abundance of basketball hoops and public restrooms available within its parks. Notably, the city boasts 480 basketball hoops across City-owned facilities and joint-use agreements with local school districts, along with 166 public restrooms strategically located throughout its parklands.

Looking towards the future, Irvine is set to enhance its park offerings with the establishment of the Gateway Preserve, a transformative project slated to introduce hundreds of acres of open space to North Irvine. The Gateway Preserve will feature thematic parks and expanded trails for hiking and biking, further enriching Irvine's outdoor recreational landscape.