What Makes This Garden Special

From the video and the Great Park Garden Coalition, key highlights paint a vibrant picture of what’s to come:

• Multigenerational Wonder
  The garden is designed for all ages—children, grandparents, families—offering a playful yet educational environment where even adults rediscover the marvels of nature, like observing a snail on a leaf.

• Thoughtful Design by SWA
  At its heart will flow a California Arroyo—a seasonal creek with native trees, rocks, and plants. Around it, themed areas will include:

  • A Children’s Garden: hands-on, fun, and educational

  • A Celebration Garden: ideal for weddings and community events

  • A “Walk Through the World” Garden: showcasing thriving plants from across the globe, representing Irvine’s diverse community

• Community & Culture
  It’s more than a green space—it’s a hub for gatherings, social events, research, and horticultural learning. It promises to be a living classroom and a cultural centerpiece.

Progress Update

• Phase 1 (≈19.3 acres) will include the Arroyo, Children’s, Celebration, and Global gardens

• Site prep: demolition of old Marine Corps buildings is underway, expected to continue through 2025

• Next milestones:

  • Infrastructure laid out during 2026–2027

  • Garden construction to follow

  • Target opening: Phase 1 in 2029

Why It Matters

• Educational & Environmental Value: Designed as a living laboratory, the garden will foster research and hands-on learning about Southern California’s native flora

• Community Connection: It offers a beautiful setting for family outings, community celebrations, and shared experiences across generations.

Get Involved

The Great Park Garden Coalition invites the community to participate! Attend open houses, donate, volunteer, and champion this project as it grows from vision to vibrant reality.

Join Us in Cultivating a Greener Tomorrow

This botanical garden isn’t just about plants—it’s about bringing people together, nurturing curiosity, and enriching lives. Watch the vision unfold in the video above, and help shape a living legacy at the Great Park.

• Video highlights the garden’s vision, design, and community focus

• Garden will span 59 acres, with Phase 1 opening around 2029

• Features themed gardens centered on education, celebration, and multicultural representation

• Site preparation is in progress—get ready for Irvine’s next great green space!