NEWPORT BEACH : Regional Park Plan Needs Public’s Input

A special meeting to select an advisory committee and begin planning for a new 114-acre regional park in Upper Newport Bay will be held tonight at the Newport Dunes Clubhouse.

Most of the land for the proposed Upper Newport Bay Regional Park was acquired last summer by the county from the Irvine Co. in exchange for approval of nearby residential and commercial developments in the 1980s. The county park will not include any wetlands, which are managed by the state Department of Fish and Game.

County officials plan to build a nature interpretive center at the park as well as expand the existing system of hiking trails.

“Our goal is to maintain and enhance existing areas and add passive recreational uses,” said Denton Turner, design manager for the county’s regional parks. “What the committee will help us determine is what recreational uses are appropriate, where they are appropriate and at what level or intensity of use.”

County planners are seeking applicants to serve on a special advisory panel that will help shape development of the proposed park. Those interested can apply at tonight’s 7 p.m. meeting at the Newport Dunes Clubhouse, 1131 Back Bay Drive in Newport Beach.