Irvine council introduces zoning text amendment to consider Oak Creek nature park after marathon public hearing

The Irvine City Council on Tuesday moved to introduce a zoning text amendment that would create an option for the city to consider a public nature park in Planning Area 12 — the Oak Creek property — after a marathon public hearing that drew more than 100 speakers both for and against the plan.

Planning Manager Alyssa Matthews told the council the amendment would give the city a process to evaluate whether a nature park and trail system could satisfy the open‑space obligations now tied to the Oak Creek golf course. “This zone text amendment allows the city to consider a public nature park and trail system on a portion of the golf course subject to a future park plan,” Matthews said, and stressed it “does not authorize any development or modify the general plan or zoning designations.”

The Irvine Company, which filed the amendment, presented its outreach and design work. Jeff Davis, representing the company, said the proposal would create “up to 360 acres of publicly dedicated open space, including 50 acres to be dedicated and built as a future nature park,” while noting the change being considered at this…