Tonight’s City Council meeting was a powerful demonstration of our community’s commitment to keeping the Oak Creek Community Park Improvement Project—and the promised dog park—on track.

By our count, around 30 supporters showed up throughout the evening—some came late, others had to leave early—but our presence was undeniable. In fact, Mayor Agran referred to us as an “army.” We were respectful, attentive, and organized. At least 12 of us spoke, delivering a unified and heartfelt message: KEEP TO THE PROMISED PLAN!

In response, the Mayor arranged for the Director of Community Services to meet with us separately during the meeting to hear our concerns in more detail. It was a productive conversation and a clear sign that our voices are being heard.

The practical arguments we presented are difficult to ignore. While city staff may only be equipped with words, we brought passion, facts, and a genuine civic spirit, which of course they appreciated. The City Council saw the support for the approved Oak Creek Community Improvement Project—and that has a lot of impact.

A brief conversation also followed with Councilmember Mike Carroll’s chief of staff, continuing a dialogue that began via email earlier the day before. It’s worth noting that the “ambush” event Councilmember Carroll attended at the Orangetree community center painted a one-sided, curated opposition message. That did not reflect the views of the majority of Orangetree residents, nor did it involve them in the process. Titles like “HOA President” or “Board Member” do not necessarily speak for the broader community—and that is becoming increasingly clear.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to be there. Showing up, especially when we’re not driven by anger but by a vision for our neighborhood, and our community, takes effort—and it matters. The City Council is aware of how hard it is. While Irvine may not yet see us the way we wish to be seen—as a collection of vibrant, engaged communities—we’re making progress.

I will continue to post updates on this petition and through the IrvineDogParks.com email newsletter. If you have yet to join it, please do.  Thank you also to all those who are signing and sharing our petition.  It helps to communicate the level of need and support to those that can move Irvine’s dop parks from forgotten in the industrial zone into a crown jewel of an example to how amazing dog parks can be, lead by Irvine.  Our message is being heard—and tomorrow, our community and our project will be part of the conversation once again, hopefully leading to the already researched, funded, designed, and approved Oak Creek Community Improvement Project getting back on track.

With much gratitude and appreciation, see you at the Dog Park!

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