Sweet Shade Universal Playground

Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park is an approximately 7.9-acre public neighborhood park located at 15 Sweet Shade in Irvine. Opened in 2009, the park consists of a tot lot/play area, a community building, basketball courts, a large open turf area with walking trails, and parking. The existing tot lot/play area includes play equipment for ages 2–5 and ages 5–12, as well as shade structures, benches, picnic tables, and barbecues.

Universal Playground Project 

In July 2019, the City’s Disability Services program relocated its offices from City Hall to Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park. As a renovated facility, the Sweet Shade Ability Center provides a larger, more accessible, and inviting hub for the delivery of Disability Services activities to Irvine residents. To complement this use, the City began efforts to develop its first Universal Playground that would meet the needs of all residents regardless of ability. In 2022, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris presented City officials with $2.8 million in state funding to renovate the playground. View photos from the event. 

On November 14, 2024, the City will celebrate the opening of the playground, which is wheelchair accessible and includes multigenerational play components to support usage by those with disabilities, as well as their parents and caregivers. View the invitation to the event and learn more about Sweet Shade Universal Playground. 

Public Outreach

The City conducted extensive public outreach to help shape the design of the playground.

The first public outreach opportunity was held at Sweet Shade Ability Center, and included a staff-led tour of the existing playground and potential locations for integrating universal play elements or developing an adjacent universal playground. Planning staff were present to answer questions about the project, and participants were able to sign up and receive project updates. Input helped guide planning and design for the project.

On January 6, 2021, City staff shared the project at the Irvine Residents with Disability Advisory Board (IRDAB) meeting. At a Public Hearing on April 7, 2021, the Community Services Commission approved new rubberized safety surfacing and inclusive play equipment. On May 3, 2022, the City presented revised plans to IRDAB which included a new restroom building, adult sports court, and additional landscaping. At a Public Hearing on June 1, 2022, the Community Services Commission approved the latest concept plan.