Big Improvements on the Way to OC's Great Park

Irvine's effort to turn the former 4,700-acre El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into the 21st Century's famed park just got a major boost. $65.5 million in construction projects were approved yesterday, paving the way for facilities to open in 2010 and 11.

Those projects include a sports park, an arts and culture exhibition space, a 100-acre working farm, an agricultural pavilion (described as an “upscale” roadside farm stand), a 1.5-acre Community Garden, a farm lab and a 14-acre play and picnic area.

Currently, the 27.5-acre Preview Park is open to the public where events are held and rides on the Orange County Great Balloon are free.