Originally Posted By Darkbeer <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/news/park-camp-irvine-1810448-wild-rivers" target="_blank">http://www.ocregister.com/news /park-camp-irvine-1810448-wild-rivers</a> >>The City Council has opened the door for a water park, amphitheater and day camp to become part of the future Great Park. They could be operated by Wild Rivers, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater and Camp James when their leases, on Irvine Co. land near the Irvine Spectrum, expire. "Somehow, some way we need to keep (these three groups) around," Councilwoman Christina Shea said. The council voted unanimously Tuesday to ask city staff to study the possibilities of the water park, amphitheater and camp in the park while inviting all three entities to submit plans for their attractions for the Great Park Corp. News that Wild Rivers would close for good Sept. 30 sparked a "Save Wild Rivers" Web site and a Facebook.com group dedicated to keeping the water park open. Also, a pen-and-paper petition sprang up for Camp James, a summer camp that serves about 2,000 children, including about 75 with special needs, each year. The camp's lease, like Wild Rivers', was set to expire this year. But both leases were extended for one year at the request of Mayor Beth Krom, the Irvine Co. announced Aug. 2. The "final" extension is meant to give the venues more time "to work on a relocation and exit plan," Irvine Co. senior vice president Mike Le Blanc said in a statement.<<
Originally Posted By schnebs And while you're at it, save Lion Country Safari! Oh, wait. Never mind...
Originally Posted By knightnfrees It's a wonderful thing that the city council wants to find a location for these places. Besides Buena Park, Irvine is the only other location (in the OC) that I know of that has a water park. I went a couple of months ago. It was my first time going and I was pleasantly surprised. I think the location added to its uniqueness. It seems like it's off the beaten path even though it's adjacent to the 405. I also went for the 1st time to the Verizon Amphitheatre. It is in a prime location. There is an amazing view of the city which is unobstructed. I for one, will miss this. I know, the Irvine Company is in the business of making money, but come on. These are treasures to the OC that are still popular and unique and shouldn't be abandoned to make room for homes and condos. If the City Council succeeds at finding another location, then great. But, I don't think it will be as special as where they are now.
