The City of Irvine and UCI Health announced an agreement for the healthcare provider to become the presenting partner of world-class sports complex that exists at Irvine’s Great Park. In addition to annual funding, UCI Health will provide public health and wellness events, education, strategic guidance to the City on health-related initiatives, and public engagement events such as blood drives and vaccinations.
As a result of the agreement, the 300-acre sports complex will now be Great Park Presented by UCI Health. The long-term partnership will see UCI Health, the only academic health system in Orange County, expand its community partnership. Unique elements of the agreement will include opportunities to expand services and offerings to Irvine residents and City staff through events and other community-based initiatives at the park.
The partnership was approved by the City Council in September 2021, and UCI Health has been active in supporting events at the park since that time.
“We are proud to partner with UCI Health,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “This partnership serves our residents, the community, and those who visit and benefit from all Great Park has to offer through expanded services – from wellness classes to communitywide healthcare screenings and events.”
UCI Health will assist in providing strategic guidance to the City on healthcare initiatives, offer seminars on best health and wellness practices, facilitate health screenings, and utilize Great Park for public health events such as blood drives. The agreement provides an initial annual compensation to the City of $500,000 with an annual 3% escalator. The term of the agreement is for an initial 10 years, with two five-year extension options.
“Partnering with the City of Irvine and Great Park was an easy decision,” said UCI Health CEO Chad Lefteris. “Great Park is well-known for its ample outdoor and fitness spaces and, as UCI Health expands it’s services, including a new medical center campus in Irvine, this partnership reflects our commitment to improving the health and wellness of Orange County in new and innovative ways.”
The partnership with UCI Health also aligns with the City of Irvine’s dedication toward sustainable practices. Their new 800,000-square-foot medical campus, currently being built off Jamboree Road, will serve as a model for sustainable design. Great Park was based on a visionary plan for 1,300 acres of amenities and park space; more than 300 acres of park space has been completed and more than 300 additional acres are in progress. Great Park is owned and operated by the City of Irvine and is an innovative public space offering activities for families, individuals, children, and outdoor enthusiasts. Information about park amenities – from athletic fields and sporting events to playgrounds and a carousel to art exhibitions and walking trails – can be found at yourgreatpark.org.
About UCI Health
UCI Health is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine, and the only academic health system in Orange County. Patients can access UCI Health at primary and specialty care offices across Orange County and at its main campus, UCI Medical Center in Orange, Calif. The 459-bed acute care hospital, listed among America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 22 consecutive years, provides tertiary and quaternary care, ambulatory and specialty medical clinics, behavioral health and rehabilitation services. UCI Medical Center is home to Orange County’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center and regional burn center. UCI Health serves a region of nearly four million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.