A New Vision for Oak Creek Golf Club
Help plan a new nature park and complete the Jeffrey Open Space Trail
For decades, Irvine has been master planned to be one of America’s greenest cities, resulting in the top-rated park system in California. Now we’re launching the next chapter of Irvine’s open space story, with an important new plan: Evolve expansive areas of a privately owned golf course into Irvine’s largest nature park.
Today, the Oak Creek Golf Club serves a limited number of individuals playing golf, most from outside Irvine. The Nature Park will transform much of the course into Irvine’s largest nature parks, open to everyone, as part of long-term village planning. The vision could include:
- Nature trails winding through woodlands, creeks and meadows
- Connections to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, linking neighborhoods across the city
- Bridges extending the trail through central Irvine
- A Nature Center as a place of relaxation, education and natural experiences
A Nature Park on a Privately-owned Golf Course
This area of the privately owned Oak Creek Golf Club would become one of Irvine’s largest publicly owned parks and resolve the “missing middle” in the Jeffrey Open Space Trail. Click on the icons to explore the potential opportunities for the new park and review the below survey to share your perspectives on potential amenities.
Be Part of the Planning
Over the coming months, community input will guide the Nature Park’s elements and amenities.
So let us know: Which amenities would you value the most at the new park?
Disclaimer: All images, maps and renderings are conceptual and for planning purposes only. Plans are subject to change and city review.
Questions & Answers
Background on the Nature Park Study
Where did the idea of a nature park come from?
The idea surfaced during recent conversations with city officials and neighbors about long-term planning and the need to address state housing mandates. A nature park could anchor a balanced lower-density village and serve as an alternative to 100% higher-density housing currently allowed in the area under the City’s approved general plan.
How can the nature park complete the Jeffrey Open Space Trail?
Jeffrey Open Space Trail is envisioned to provide safe and uninterrupted pathways through central Irvine, connecting the city’s northern and southern nature preserves. This vision is taking a major step forward with the construction of a new bridge spanning I-5. However, once over I-5, the trail will be constrained by SCE utility easements, railroad tracks and a six-lane roadway. In addition to city plans, the trail could be routed into the new nature park and new bridges could enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists through central Irvine.
Who are the planners?
The Nature Park Opportunity Study will be led by Irvine Company’s community planners, landscape architects and open space experts. The Company has also partnered with acclaimed park planners Jenny Rigby of The Acorn Group and Sean O’Malley of SWA, who will facilitate workshops, lead tours and conduct surveys to turn your ideas into a shared plan.
What is the timing?
The resident engagement program will continue through early 2026 and conclude with an Opportunity Plan Vision Report that will be shared with the city and community.
How can I provide feedback?
Please complete the survey on this website. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how together we could create one of Irvine’s largest nature parks and connect seamlessly to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail.
What’s the status of village planning on and around this site?
Park and trail planning will be completed prior to consideration of a future residential village.
About the Nature Park & Alternatives
The Nature Park is part of our dual-path vision for how to best respond to state housing mandates and how they relate to the Oak Creek Golf Course. One path is to plan a large new nature park that would anchor a low-density village. The alternative path is to implement the city’s General Plan, which identifies approximately 5,000 apartments on portions of the Oak Creek Golf Club and adjacent properties.
Freedom to Explore
The Nature Park is a continuation of Irvine Company’s commitment to partner with cities and residents to establish a remarkable legacy of open space on The Irvine Ranch. If you have never explored these lands, make plans to discover why so much time and passion were invested in ensuring they would be here for you to enjoy today and generations to come.