Irvine breaks ground on $1-billion Great Park projects

California Construction News staff writer

A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week to launch the next phase of construction at Great Park‘s ARDA site — the Great Park Framework Plan.

The park will be home to amenities including the Veteran’s Memorial Park and Gardens, botanical gardens and a 14,000-seat amphitheater in partnership with Live Nation.

“As Mayor of Irvine, it is very fulfilling to see a long-time promise come to fruition through today’s groundbreaking ceremony,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “The community has helped guide the park’s development since 2005, and I am pleased to be able to bring that vision to life.”

Demolition of the ARDA site – a total of 77 structures – is set to continue until 2025 with construction starting for the Heart of the Park amenities, including the amphitheater, in December 2024 .

The Great Park Framework Plan brings over 300 acres of innovative and unique public space to the park, including lakes, gardens, live music, museums, wide open meadows, and space to honor those who served. The new phase of the Great Park will bring an expanding array of recreational and cultural opportunities to Irvine and the region as a park for all.

At 1,300 acres, the site will be one of the biggest municipal parks in the world.