News Summary

The Costa Mesa City Council has approved a $2.46 million rehabilitation plan for the lakes at Tewinkle Park, addressing ongoing water feature issues. This initiative focuses on vital repairs to enhance local wildlife habitats and community enjoyment, following recent budget negotiations. The decision passed amid discussions on the future maintenance of the lakes, emphasizing their role as essential community resources. With funding primarily from a state grant, the project aims to restore and improve the park’s aquatic features over the next nine months.

Costa Mesa City Council Approves $2.46 Million Rehabilitation Plan for Tewinkle Park Lakes Amid Debate on Water Feature’s Future

The Costa Mesa City Council has approved a $2.46 million rehabilitation plan for the lakes at Tewinkle Park, following a split vote. This initiative aims to address ongoing issues affecting the park’s water features, which serve as vital habitats for local wildlife and popular attractions for community members.

Tewinkle Park spans 49 acres and boasts nearly 2 acres of lakes, ponds, and stream systems, along with 3,250 feet of shoreline. These water bodies are frequented by various waterfowl and turtles, drawing visitors who enjoy observing the diverse ecosystem. However, since the last major renovation in 2004, the lakes have faced significant challenges, including high nitrite levels attributed to excessive bird droppings and a substantial annual water leak estimated at 1 million gallons, costing the city approximately $100,000 each year.

The city council’s decision follows two years of planning by city staff and consultants, who initially estimated that the necessary rehabilitation would cost around $2 million. In February 2024, the city put out a request for proposals, resulting in only one bid from Houalla Enterprises Ltd., based in Newport Beach, at $3,981,657. Due to the high cost, the city sought additional bids, leading to a second proposal of $3,455,657 from the same company, after removing the community workforce agreement stipulation from the bidding process.

Further negotiations led to a scaled-back plan focusing on crucial repairs, which include fixing the lake liner, reshaping and deepening the lakes to improve water circulation, and installing landscaping designed to direct waterfowl away from public walkways and shorelines. The council then discussed a public works agreement set at $2,459,777, which includes a 10% contingency.

Funding for the project consists mostly of a $2 million state grant, complemented by $500,000 from the city’s capital improvement fund. The implementation of the rehabilitation plan will require draining and repairing one lake at a time, which also involves relocating fish populations currently inhabiting the lakes. The entire project is expected to last around nine months, with preliminary work potentially starting in the fall.

During the council meeting, some members raised concerns about the future of the lakes and the wisdom of the investment. These members explored alternatives that would necessitate less maintenance. District 2 Councilmember Loren Gameros expressed a viewpoint that the proposed plan serves merely as a temporary fix, possibly leading to higher costs in the long term. He emphasized the need for further community input regarding this investment.

In defense of the lakes’ rehabilitation, Mayor John Stephens characterized the lakes as essential community resources worthy of preservation. He pointed to the popularity of the lakes for various public activities, including wedding photography, as evidence of their value to residents. Supporting the council’s decision, Councilmember Andrea Marr framed the repairs as a necessary course correction after two decades of inaction regarding the park’s maintenance.

The motion for the rehabilitation plan ultimately passed with a vote of 4-3, moving forward with the city’s commitment to restore and improve Tewinkle Park’s aquatic features, ensuring that they continue to be a cherished part of the community for years to come.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Costa Mesa City Council Approves Balanced Budget Amid Decline

Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: High Lake Repair Costs at Costa Mesa’s Tewinkle Park
• Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Tennis Center Users Slam Proposed Fee Hikes
• Orange County Register: Costa Mesa Set to Refurbish Lakes at Tewinkle Park
• Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Increases Its Pickleball Portfolio
• ABC7: Ducks Shot Dead at Tewinkle Park
• Wikipedia: Costa Mesa, California
• Google Search: Tewinkle Park Costa Mesa
• Google Scholar: Tewinkle Park Costa Mesa
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Mesa
• Google News: Costa Mesa Tewinkle 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.