The Oak Creek Golf Course—where Irvine residents have teed off for decades along Jeffrey Road—could disappear under a proposal now entering environmental review, replaced by up to 2,400 homes, a new elementary school, and a public nature park stretching across what is now fairways and a driving range.
The Irvine Company filed applications for a General Plan amendment, zone change, and Development Agreement to create Planning Area 52, a new 281-acre residential village. According to the project’s Notice of Preparation, the site is generally bounded by Jeffrey Road to the west, the I-5 freeway to the north, Valley Oak and Oak Canyon streets to the east, and Irvine Center Drive to the south—putting it squarely in the Oak Creek neighborhood of 92618.
What would get torn down
The existing Oak Creek Golf Course would be redeveloped entirely, along with four office buildings at 6400–6440 Oak Canyon within the Oak Creek Business Center.
Vacant land along the western portion of the Innovation Office Park—previously entitled for office development that was never built—would also fold into the new village.
What’s planned in its place
Beyond the 2,400 homes, the project includes a K–6 elementary school site, neighborhood parks, and a public nature park with trail improvements along Jeffrey Road connecting to the proposed Jeffrey Open Space Trail.
Two pedestrian and bicycle bridges are planned—one crossing the railroad tracks and one over Irvine Center Drive, with the latter designed to land in the northwest corner of Irvine Valley College’s parking lot, pending agreements with the college.
Oak Canyon street would also be extended north across the railroad tracks to connect with Progress Street via an above-grade crossing.
Separately, the Irvine Company is proposing to dedicate approximately 312 acres of open space in Orchard Hills and Portola Springs to the City—a land transfer that would matter for future open-space preservation and trail access in both neighborhoods.
What state agencies want studied
Three state agencies submitted formal comments on the environmental review, and each raised specific concerns the full report will need to address.
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control commented on hazardous materials and contamination issues to be evaluated in the environmental impact report. The DTSC comment letter is part of the public project record.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife raised wildlife and habitat concerns, while the California Native American Heritage Commission flagged potential tribal cultural resources on the site.
All three sets of concerns must be addressed in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report now being prepared by the City of Irvine before any approvals can move forward.
Still early in the process
No approvals have been granted. The city must complete the environmental report, open it for public review, and bring it to a City Council vote before anything can be built.
Jonathan Bjorndahl, Vice President at the Irvine Company, is listed as the project applicant. City Senior Planner Eric Martin is the lead contact for the environmental review and can be reached at ermartin@cityofirvine.org.
For Oak Creek homeowners and anyone who plays golf there, the full Planning Area 52 Initial Study is the most detailed look available at what the Irvine Company is proposing—and what still needs to be resolved before ground could ever break.
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