Irvine welcomed its 267th park on Saturday with the grand opening of Portola Springs Community Park.
The hilltop park offers commanding views of the city as well as 32 acres of lighted ball fields, sports courts, playgrounds, gardens and a 14,000-square foot community center.
“Portola Springs is a fantastic example of the collaborative master-planning process that has served this city so well,” Irvine Mayor Don Wagner said.
Eight-year-old Samantha Nunez put it slightly different.
“I want to play softball,” she said, eyeing two lighted softball fields anchoring an expansive sports complex that includes soccer, sand volleyball, tennis and pickleball.
The new park’s community center hosts programs for all ages, including Kids Club, an after-school recreation program for Portola Spring Elementary students.
It also includes a spacious outdoor terrace for special events, conference rooms, an exercise room, and a Native American wing that honors the Juaneño (Acjachemen) and Gabriella (Tongva) peoples that once occupied these hills.
Irvine Company planned and built the 32-acre community park as part of the Village of Portola Springs. The park, along with another 120 acres of nearby open space the company donated, have now been transferred to the city for public ownership and enjoyment. This adds to the city’s 16,000 acres of existing open space and parklands, which equals one-third of the city.
At a glance
The new 32-acre Portola Springs Community Park, at Portola Parkway and Pearblossom, features:
- Two lighted softball fields
- Two lighted soccer fields
- Soccer training field
- Three lighted tennis courts
- Six lighted pickleball courts
- Sand volleyball court
- Tot lot playground
- Exercise court
- Outdoor garden
- Community center with terrace
- Walking trails
- Group picnic shelter
