IRVINE : Fun Park in Flight Path Is Approved

A new family amusement park in Irvine is planned for eight acres considered a potential crash zone because of the 200 military flights that pass overhead each day from nearby El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

Despite Marine Corps recommendations against the project, the Planning Commission unanimously approved construction of the Irvine Family Fun Center last week on land south of the Santa Ana Freeway in the Irvine Spectrum area.

A 1981 Marine Corps study identifies the site as an “accident potential zone,” an area where 70% of potential aircraft accidents around the El Toro Marine base are expected to occur. But the $8-million project complies with Marine Corps guidelines, according to Planning Commission Chairman Ken Bruner, because it limits the occupancy of amusement park buildings to 200 people.

“It meets the letter of the law,” said Bruner, a former Navy pilot. “There are few places for youth and families to go to recreate in the area and one would expect it to be successful.”

City Council approval is not needed for the project to go forward, but Councilman Greg Smith said he is reviewing letters written by Marine Corps officials listing their concerns. The council would be involved if an appeal is filed.

“It’s important for me to review this,” Smith said. “If there are some valid concerns, this should be appealed so we can take a look at it.”

Col. Dan Pender, an El Toro Marine base representative, told planning commissioners last week that the site is under the approach corridor for aircraft landings. The Marine base is expected to close in July, 1999, and Pender said the Marines will not appeal the commission decision.

The fun center, planned by the William Scott Golf Corp. of Aliso Viejo, will include miniature golf and a “virtual reality flight simulator.” It would be the second amusement park in Irvine. The seven-acre Palace Park, owned by the Irvine-based Camelot Park Family Entertainment Centers Inc., opened July 1 at Harvard and Michelson avenues.