Each summer, Irvine residents are reminded how lucky they are to live within one of America’s best citywide park systems when the Trust for Public Land (TPL) releases its rankings of parks in 100 big cities. Irvine did better than ever this year, jumping from fourth to second place, right behind Washington, D.C., according to the national nonprofit. Will Klein, TPL’s director of parks research, talks about what makes Irvine’s parks so special.
What accounts for Irvine’s surge in the rankings?
Financial investments were key, particularly with the continued progress on Great Park. A city’s budget reflects its values, so when you consider that Irvine’s per capita annual investment in parks is now up to $681, among the highest in the nation, that says something.
Where else is Irvine strongest?
Access. More than 9 of 10 residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. I think everyone in Irvine probably already knows this, but this was part of how the city was planned. Irvine is an exception in Southern California, and it shows.
TPL accompanied its ratings this year with a survey that found that parks help strengthen communities. How’s that?
We found that almost everybody has visited a local park in the past year, and 2 out of 3 Americans reported meeting a neighbor for the first time in a park. That’s something to celebrate.
Can Irvine get to No. 1 in the next 12 months?
One area where Irvine could grow is in park amenities, where it scored 85 out of 100. If it added more dog parks and splash pads, in particular, it could move up.
