Irvine’s Great Park construction continues to move forward. With a $1 billion investment, the park is expected to evolve into one of the most dynamic and expansive urban destinations in Southern California. Rooted in the rich history of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, the visionary 1,300-acre development is setting a new benchmark for urban parks nationwide.
To put the immense scale of the project into perspective, by 2029, the Great Park should be larger than San Diego’s Balboa Park and nearly twice the size as New York City’s Central Park. Once completed, it is estimated to draw over 7.5 million visitors annually.
The Great Park Framework Plan
With over 500 acres of the park already built and operating, the city is charging ahead with the Great Park Framework Plan, approved in 2022 to guide the next phase of development. Designed using extensive community input, the plan’s next stage introduces 300 acres of exciting new amenities.
With key phases opening between mid-2026 and 2029, priority projects across the park include:
- A botanic garden and a dedicated veterans memorial park.
- Rehabilitated spaces for cultural uses, including a music and dance center, a children’s museum, and an aviation museum.
- Major improvements to the existing Sports Complex.
- The Canopy: Great Park’s future 90,000 + square feet shopping, food, and lifestyle center.
- 2 lakes surrounded by open space.
The Amphitheater
Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated addition to the Great Park is theAmp, a spectacular permanent live music amphitheater seamlessly integrated into the park’s natural environment. Expected to open in 2030, this $200 million, 10,000 seat open-air stage will become one of the biggest outdoor venues in SoCal.
How you can see the developments
While the park looks toward its incredible future, it continues to celebrate its current icons. The Great Park Balloon remains a premier Orange County attraction, soaring 400 feet above the landscape. Acting as a public observation deck, it offers unmatched 360° views that span up to 40 miles on a clear day — offering you a front-row seat to watch the incredible $1 billion transformation unfold right beneath your feet.
🔎If you want to find more information on current and upcoming projects, you can visit the Great Park Framework Plan’s website.
