Irvine Great Park: Before It Was a Park, It Was MCAS El Toro 🛩️🪖

Long before soccer fields, walking trails, and the iconic Great Park Balloon, this land served a very different purpose.

From 1943 to 1999, it was home to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, one of the nation’s most significant Marine Corps air bases. It trained pilots, supported military operations, and served as a major departure point for Marines deploying overseas. After the base closed, the site underwent years of environmental cleanup before being transformed into the Great Park.

In 2002, Orange County voters approved Measure W, paving the way for today’s 1,300-acre Orange County Great Park. It now features sports complexes, playgrounds, walking and biking trails, the Great Park Balloon, arts and cultural spaces, and preserved military landmarks like Hangar 244. More than 500 acres are complete, with another 300+ acres under development.

In 2026, the park served as the U.S. Men’s National Team Base Camp during the FIFA World Cup—a reflection of the world-class athletic facilities that now stand where military aircraft once operated.

It’s a remarkable transformation in Irvine, a city consistently recognized for its top-rated schools, parks, safety, and quality of life—qualities that continue to make it one of the country’s most desirable places to call home.

📩📲 Comment or DM “GREAT” and I’ll send you the latest Great Park updates. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply exploring Irvine, I’m happy to help.

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Realtor: Christian Gomez

Phone: (949) 521-9423

Web: re-cg.com

DRE: 02242748

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