Irvine Directs $42 Million in COVID-Relief Funds Toward Park Repairs
The city of Irvine is considering spending 80 percent of its federal COVID-19 relief funds on improvements to a local park.
It received $53 million from the American Rescue Plan, a pandemic stimulus package, and will discuss during an April 27 meeting whether to put $42 million of that money toward Heritage Community Park upgrades.
According to a staff report, improvements to the park would include rebuilding the community center, expanding the fine arts center, adding parking and shade structures, expanding sports courts, and reconfiguring the pond with water features.
Councilman Anthony Kuo said he was surprised and disappointed that Heritage Park was on the staff report, adding that he directed staff that the money should be spent on one-time expenses, since it’s a one-time grant.