Irvine gets funding to finish open space trail that will connect coastline to mountains
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Irvine received $14.5 million this week to complete the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, which will connect the coastline to the Santa Ana Mountains and the Cleveland National Forest.
The trail is currently 3.5 miles long, spanning east to west along Jeffrey Road from Portola Parkway to the 5 Freeway. That portion of the trail cost $30 million and was formally dedicated in 2015. With the new funding, the last 1.5 miles can now be developed.
State Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine) presented city leaders with the check on Wednesday during a press conference. Work is expected to begin next summer on the trail.
“I’m thrilled this year’s state budget designates $14.5 million to fund the completion of JOST,” Min said in a statement. “Open space preservation is smart policy, which not only supports our sustainability efforts but also improves the quality of life for our residents and brings our community together. Thank you to my hometown, the city of Irvine, for being a fantastic partner in this endeavor! I’m excited about the possibilities for hikers, bikers and other outdoors enthusiasts once the Jeffrey Trail is completed.”
The Jeffrey Open Space Trail is used by hikers, bikers, runners and families. The trail pays homage to 500 years of local history, with displays along the trail providing a timeline back to 1510, when the first Spanish explorers arrived — though native tribes were already here.
“Continuing to enhance our great city’s open space areas is something I couldn’t be more proud of accomplishing,” Mayor Farrah Khan said. “Our community thrives on being healthy and enjoying our master-planned community, and I’m so grateful for the partnership with Sen. Min.”
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