Before construction begins on a new water park development inside the Orange County Great Park, the city will need to agree on a new location. During its April 28 meeting, the Great Park Board cited an “unforeseen delay” in the land transfer of the planned construction site and has recommended the City Council approve a new 20-acre site for Wild Rivers.  

Great Park Map (City of Irvine)

The unforeseen delay can be linked to the land lease in which the city of Irvine and Wild Rivers obtained the property chosen for the development. In 2017, when plans to bring Wild Rivers to the Great Park materialized the city leased land from the Department of Navy, through a Lease in Furtherance of Conveyance (LIFOC).

Originally, the portion of Navy-owned land was slated for transfer to Irvine in October 2019. However, the LIFOC land “required further studies prior to transfer,” according to the Request for Board Action — a process the Navy estimates could take a minimum of 18-24 months.

In the meantime, The Great Park Board and Wild Rivers have selected a 20-acre parcel of city-owned land located “southeast of Skyhawk and Great Park Boulevard,” according to the request. In approving this request, the City Council must also agree to new lease terms. The board’s request also states that the newly selected plot would “require additional studies and review under the city’s zoning code and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),” in order for the $50 million project to move forward.   

Wild Rivers Water Park Rendering (City of Irvine)

The request also places responsibility on the city for a portion of Wild River’s construction, specifically the parking lot. Due to the seasonal functionality of the water park, the city will be allowed to use the parking lot during Wild Rivers’ off season, but will be responsible in the form of rent credit, if the parking lot is not completed by Wild River’s opening date.   

Prior to the Great Park Board’s request for relocation consideration, Wild Rivers was scheduled to open in Summer 2021. But, those plans could dry up if the City Council fails to meet the Board’s recommendation. 

Irvine Great Park (City of Irvine)

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