News Summary
The Newport Beach City Council has unanimously backed plans for the Snug Harbor Surf Park at the Newport Beach Golf Course, despite safety concerns from the Airport Land Use Commission. The proposed surf park aims to replace parts of the golf course with a surf lagoon and clubhouse, promising community benefits and recreational opportunities. However, opposition remains strong, with residents worried about safety and the potential loss of the golf course. Further discussions are set for October 28, where the council may formalize its intentions regarding the commission’s objections.
Newport Beach councilmembers have unanimously supported a resolution to proceed with plans for a surf park at a portion of the Newport Beach Golf Course, which is situated near John Wayne Airport. The advancement of the Snug Harbor Surf Park project follows the city’s submission of development plans to the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission, laying the groundwork for potential construction despite safety concerns raised by the commission.
The surf park, proposed by Back Bay Barrels, aims to renovate parts of the golf course by replacing a driving range, three golf holes, a pro shop, and a restaurant with a surf lagoon and a three-story clubhouse. The city believes this development will enhance community recreation opportunities.
However, the project’s trajectory faced a significant hurdle when, on August 7, the Airport Land Use Commission voted 5-1 against the surf park, citing inconsistencies with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan due to safety zone concerns. The commission’s report indicated that, relative to standard conditions in areas near airplane paths, the surf park would attract a higher number of visitors per acre, which raised alarm over potential safety implications.
Notably, the commission highlighted that aircraft frequently pass over the proposed surf park at altitudes as low as 500 feet. This has potential safety ramifications for both the surfers and the planes, fostering apprehension among residents and councilmembers alike.
Despite these concerns, the Newport Beach City Council, in a recent public meeting, moved forward with a resolution indicating its intent to possibly counter the commission’s decision. Ensuing discussions have not assessed the project’s merits but emphasize the council’s disagreement with the safety concerns raised. This resolution passed unanimously, signaling a strong support from councilmembers to uphold the project.
During the public hearing, residents expressed apprehension regarding safety and the occupancy limits for events at the surf park. Several speakers voiced worries about the implications of the council potentially overriding the commission’s objections, with some noting that this could result in the city bearing liability for any incidents occurring at the surf park.
A subsequent recommendation was presented by the Planning Commission earlier this month, advocating for the approval of the project’s environmental impact report and conditional use permit. The surf park is projected to accommodate as many as 1,400 visitors daily, with a maximum of 388 individuals allowed on-site at one time. Proposed plans include a surf lagoon that can support 72 surfers at any given moment, complemented by energy-efficient solar panels.
The construction of the surf park is anticipated to take approximately 18 months, utilizing around 28 million gallons of water annually – a figure that is less than the current water usage for the golf course. In addition to recreational opportunities, the surf park aims to offer community benefits, including youth camps, first responder training programs, and facilities for high school surf teams.
Despite the perceived benefits, opposition to the surf park remains strong. Local advocates highlight concerns over the loss of the golf course, a valued community hub and recreational area. The opposition has garnered significant support, with over 7,500 community members signing a petition aimed at preserving the golf course.
The City Council is set to further discuss the Snug Harbor Surf Park project on October 28. At this meeting, it is expected that the council will formalize its intentions regarding the potential override of the Airport Commission’s objections, setting the stage for the future of this ambitious project in Newport Beach.
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Additional Resources
- LA Times: Newport Beach Airport Commission Surf Park
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach
- OC Register: Newport Beach Planning Commission Wave Park Proposal
- Google Search: Surf Park Newport Beach
- Surfer: Newport Beach Snug Harbor Wave Pool
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wave Pools
- The Inertia: Newport Beach Wave Pool Opposition
- Google News: Newport Beach Surf Park
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.
