Day in and day out, Irvine hums with the sight and sounds of residents taking full advantage of their city's rich recreational menu: A pickup basketball game at Windrow Community Park in Woodbridge. The sharp crack of a bat hitting a baseball at Hicks Canyon Community Park in North Park. The cheer that

most important is the city's open spaces and accompanying recreational opportunities - and the outdoor lifestyle they make possible.    Irvine residents can stroll to private parks in their neighborhoods and gather with friends while their children release energy in a tot lot or cool off in a pool. They

Park, next to the Irvine Civic Center, features a 750-seat softball complex, three softball/soccer fields and open play areas. Future plans include picnic, tennis, and basketball facilities and a community building.    Meanwhile, the city is earning a reputation as a haven for golfers thanks to the Rancho

greets a sunk putt at Oak Creek Golf Club. Turtle Rock residents, huffing and puffing their way along one of the trails near their homes. Flashes of color and wheels as the Bicycle Club of Irvine zips along a stretch of trail. Children discovering nature's wonders in oak-filled Bommer Canyon.    People move to - and then remain in - Irvine for many different reasons. One of the

can stop by one of two dozen larger city parks situated throughout Irvine, such as San Marco in the village of Westpark, which features a basketabll court, a group picnic area and two play areas. Or they can venture to one of several powerhouse community parks, which contribute to Irvine's strong youth-athletics program. For example, 48-acre Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial

San Joaquin Golf Course, Oak Creek Golf Club, Strawberry Farms Golf Club, and the soon-to-open private Shady Canyon Golf Club.