HUNTINGTON BEACH : Council OKs Most of Plan for Central Park

The City Council has approved a blueprint for development of Huntington Central Park that includes a nine-hole golf course, a 15-acre fishing and boating lake, a 40-acre “urban forest” and additional picnicking areas and walking trails.

The approval of the master plan for the 370-acre park also will allow Huntington Beach police officers to continue operating a public gun range that has stirred some concern about noise and safety.

There also will be a therapeutic riding facility for disabled people in a corner of the equestrian park.

Deleted from the master plan last week was a youth sports center complex that had been recommended for the park, south of Talbert Avenue, across from Central Library.

Officials said the land, a former dump site, has been found to be unstable and unsuitable for the sports center, which includes a swimming pool, a gymnasium and ball fields.

Officials said they are seeking an alternative site for the complex on Ocean View School District property adjacent to Murdy Park.

Community Services Director Ron Hagan said the park improvements, excluding the sports complex, will cost about $20 million.

However, concessionaires are expected to develop the golf course and lake facilities at their expense. State bond revenue will finance some projects, Hagan said.

The developments, because they will occur on parkland and cost more than $100,000, will have to be put to a citywide vote, probably in November, 1995, Hagan said.

The golf course would feature chaparral and other native plants in the fairways to offer a natural setting, while turf would be planted at the tee boxes, landing areas and greens.

The urban forest would be located on a hilly area near Ellis Avenue and Edwards Street.

Separate sycamore, oak, eucalyptus and pine groves are planned to make up for asphalt areas in a growing city, Hagan said.

Council members Ralph Bauer, Grace Winchell and David Sullivan voted against the master plan.

Sullivan said later that the golf course would take up “too big a chunk of land,” about 20 acres, and could only be used by golfers.