This timeline documents the persistent efforts of the community and resident volunteers to establish dedicated badminton facilities in the City of Irvine. We represent Irvine residents only. No non-commercial, organizational, or association background.
The Chronicle of Badminton in Irvine
- December 14, 2021: Presentation to the Great Park Commission outlining the need for the city to address the sport of badminton in Irvine.
- January 11, 2022: The Irvine City Council voted 5-0 to direct the city manager and city staff to identify locations that would be suitable for a dedicated badminton gym.
- June 24, 2022: The city created 2 new outdoor badminton courts at Los Olivos Community Park; over 150 residents attended the celebration.
- August 29, 2022: Launch of inaugural indoor badminton program at Irvine High School Gym with 5 courts (later expanded to 10 courts).
- January 24, 2023: City Council voted 5-0 to discuss construction of a gym at Bill Barber Memorial Park instead of the Great Park.
- September 12, 2023: City Council voted 5-0 in favor of a 2-story gym design at Bill Barber Memorial Park with one floor dedicated to badminton.
- August 2, 2024: The city decided to shelve the Bill Barber plan and proposed a new gym at Red Hill Ave and McGaw (Red Hill Gym) with a target opening in mid-2026.
- August 13, 2024: City Council voted 5-0 for the proposed Red Hill Gym design, comprising 10 dedicated modern badminton courts and 8 flex badminton courts, with a $100 Million budget.
- September 4, 2024: The city completed the purchase of the 17300 Red Hill Ave property for $97M to be converted into a state-of-the-art indoor gymnasium.
- May 15, 2025: The gym on Red Hill Avenue officially named the Irvine Fieldhouse.
- June 10, 2025: Ground breaking ceremony for the Irvine Fieldhouse. Target opening: Summer 2026.
- January 20, 2026: Resident volunteers laid out eight badminton courts in the Portola High School Gym.
- March 1, 2026: Portola High School Badminton Team officially entered the CIF South Section League, a historic feat for an Irvine-based high school.
- March 12, 2026: Portola High School Badminton Team historic first practice at 7am.
Join the Discussion
Stay connected and participate in our ongoing community discussions via our Google Group: Irvine Badminton Google Group.