News Summary
Newport Beach is evaluating the Snug Harbor Surf Park proposal, set to be developed on the Newport Beach Golf Course property. This surf park will feature a 5-acre lagoon utilizing Wavegarden Cove technology, capable of generating 1,000 waves per hour. The project also includes a clubhouse with various amenities and athlete accommodations. Community concerns have emerged regarding its impact on local golfing opportunities, and public hearings are planned for further discussions before a final decision by the City Council.
Newport Beach is currently considering a proposal for the Snug Harbor Surf Park, which is intended to be developed on the Newport Beach Golf Course property, located near Back Bay and a few miles from the ocean. The Planning Commission recently reviewed the project through a presentation by the developers, Back Bay Barrells LLC.
The centerpiece of the proposed park is a 5-acre lagoon that will utilize Wavegarden Cove technology, allowing for the generation of up to 1,000 waves per hour. This development also includes a three-story clubhouse that spans approximately 50,341 square feet and will house various amenities such as a surf academy, a fitness facility, a restaurant, and a surf shop.
In addition to the clubhouse, the project outlines plans for a two-story athlete accommodations building that will contain 20 rooms. The site will feature two parking lots with a combined total of 351 spaces, which can be expanded to accommodate 411 vehicles through valet service. The operational plan for the surf park aims to host a maximum of 72 surfers in the water at one time, with an average of 42 surfers expected.
Surfers will have the flexibility to select their desired experience level and wave direction, while coaching services will also be available. In terms of safety, the proposal includes provisions for a lifeguard tower staffed with eight lifeguards who will ensure a 25-second response time to any incidents. To manage attendance, an online reservation system will be implemented, allowing for both surfing and public viewing based on hourly slots.
A video presentation provided an overview of the promised facilities, showcasing areas for socializing, including coffee shops, restaurants, and designated viewing spots for spectators. An environmental impact report has been released ahead of the project meetings, with public comments accepted until July 7. The developers hope to achieve project approvals by late summer, with aspirations for the surf park to be operational by spring 2028.
Notably, parts of the existing golf course will remain intact, specifically holes 10-18 and holes 3-8, allowing for continued golfing opportunities. A golf cart path will connect the retained sections of the course with the surf park.
During the Planning Commission meeting, Commissioner Jon Langford recused himself from discussions due to potential conflicts related to land owned by his employer. Chair Mark Rosene, meanwhile, requested additional details regarding the wave characteristics produced by the Wavegarden technology.
Community residents expressed concerns surrounding the proposed development, particularly regarding the potential impact on golf prices and the possibility of losing the driving range. There were also worries about noise levels related to events held at the surf park and the feasibility of establishing a wave pool in proximity to the ocean, which already provides ample surfing opportunities.
Some residents have initiated a campaign to “Save Newport Beach Golf Course,” voicing fears that community access to affordable golfing will be compromised as a result of the surf park’s establishment.
Public hearings regarding the Snug Harbor Surf Park proposal are set to continue, with scheduled meetings at the Airport Land Use Commission in July and the Planning Commission in August. The final decision on the development will be made by the City Council in September.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Snug Harbor Surf Park Proposal Overview
- Surfer: Snug Harbor Wave Pool Details
- Surf Park Central: New Surf Destination in Newport Beach
- LA Times: Public Input on Surf Park Construction
- Patch: Public Feedback on Proposed Surf Park
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California
- Google Search: Snug Harbor Surf Park
- Google Scholar: Surf Parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing
- Google News: Snug Harbor Surf Park
