News Summary
Newport Beach faces considerable community backlash regarding the proposed Snug Harbor Surf Park, intended to convert parts of the golf course. Local groups like Sons of the American Legion Post 291 express concerns over potential loss of funding and recreational access. A cease-and-desist letter was issued to the post amid fears of jeopardizing its tax-exempt status. With over 7,500 signatures against the project, public hearings reveal strong community support to preserve the golf course. The City Council will review the proposal on October 28, highlighting ongoing tensions between development and community interests.
Newport Beach is facing significant community opposition regarding a proposal to transform part of the Newport Beach Golf Course into a man-made surf park. This controversial project, known as the Snug Harbor Surf Park, has garnered substantial resistance from local groups, including the Sons of the American Legion Post 291, which raised concerns about the project’s implications for community fundraising and recreational access.
In response to the opposition, Newport Beach issued a cease-and-desist letter to Post 291 on September 16. The letter cited state law and federal nonprofit regulations that limit political activities by organizations like Post 291. City officials warned that the Post’s involvement in opposing the surf park could jeopardize its tax-exempt status. Cmdr. Brian Fleming reassured that the relationship between the city and Post 291 remains positive and clarified that the organization does not officially oppose the surf park.
Cmdr. Fleming emphasized the need for compliance with the city’s requests concerning the organization’s involvement in public opposition. This comes as Benny Hallock, a historian for Post 291 and chair of the grassroots “Save Newport Beach Golf Course” group, previously organized an online petition against the surf park, using his title in those efforts.
The proposed surf park aims to include multiple wave breaks, accommodating approximately 35 to 45 surfers per hour. Plans feature a surf academy, surf shop, and several amenities for visitors, but the plan would also involve the removal of several holes from the existing golf course.
Public Involvement and Concerns
Community pushback has been robust, with many local residents arguing that Newport Beach already offers ample public surf beach access. Opponents view the surf park as unnecessary and elitist, leading to the gathering of roughly 7,500 signatures against the park through the Save Newport Beach Golf Course petition.
Public hearings and commentary periods held by city officials reflected this civic engagement, showcasing the community’s strong preference for preserving the golf course over the proposed surf park.
City Council Decision Ahead
The surf park proposal is scheduled for a critical review by the Newport Beach City Council on October 28. In this review, the council has indicated its intention to override some of the findings from the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission regarding the surf park’s proposed location.
Cmdr. Tim Sullivan of Post 291 previously invited community members to a rally opposing the surf park, highlighting concerns about the potential loss of fundraising opportunities for the post due to the golf course’s transformation.
As the proposal moves through the approval process, community members will continue to voice their opinions, facing the critical decision from the City Council that may determine the future of both the golf course and the proposed surf park.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Newport Beach Warns American Legion Post 291 Over Surf Park Opposition
- Wave Pool Magazine: Newport Beach Wave Pool Update
- OC Register: Proposed Wave Pool in Newport Beach Clears First Approval Hurdle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surf Parks
- The Inertia: Newport Beach Wave Pool
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
