Construction Under Way at Great Park Sports Park

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders of Orange County youth and adult sports organizations joined the Orange County Great Park Board of Directors today to kick off construction of the Great Park North Lawn.  The project marks the first phase of the Sports Park and the beginning of large-scale construction under the 200-acre, $70 million Western Sector Park Development Plan.  The Sports Park North Lawn is a 19.5-acre multi-purpose sports lawn and recreation field that will feature space for a variety of sports activities including soccer, football, T-ball and lacrosse.

"The North Lawn brings added open play area for a variety of sports and recreational uses," said Great Park Chief Executive Officer Mike Ellzey.  "The completion of the North Lawn next spring will be followed by construction of our first tournament-quality, lighted soccer fields on the South Lawn."

When complete, the Sports Park North Lawn will include additional parking, drinking fountains, restrooms and bike racks in addition to the multi-purpose sports lawn.  The 7 acres of contiguous lawn will be framed by 275 trees.

The lawn area is large enough for three youth soccer fields and the flexible space can be used for pick-up games or practices.

"The Orange County Great Park is easily accessible by freeway or public transportation for all to enjoy," said Rob Ferguson, former North Irvine American Youth Soccer Organization official and past Chair of the Irvine Sports Committee.   "We are excited that young soccer enthusiasts will have a new place to practice."

Children can already enjoy the Great Park Kids Rock, an interactive play area that opened last July, and the Great Park Carousel will open in late October.   The Palm Court and Squadron Complex will be the next project under construction, and is already open for public bid through the City of Irvine.  

The Orange County Great Park, with its 1,347-acre master plan, is the focal point of the redevelopment of the 4,700-acre former Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro. The Great Park is currently 27.5 acres and includes an iconic tethered helium balloon that rises 400 feet in the air, providing an aerial view of Park development. A $70 million development plan to expand the Park to 200 acres is currently underway. The plan will build out a core section of the Park for the most immediate and wide-ranging public benefit, including a sports park, agricultural area and an art and culture exhibition space.

For more information, go to www.ocgp.org.

SOURCE Orange County Great Park