Newport Center Park

Tonight (May 22, 2007) at the Newport Beach City Council meeting the Council is going to consider whether or not to fund the initial phase of development for the Newport Center Park. Newport Center has been designated as a passive (view) park. As most people are aware, there are some in town that would like to see joint use the the property and relocate the City Hall on this site as well.

The Council asked the Parks Beaches and Recreation Commission to reconsider our previous decision as to whether Newport Center Park should remain a passive park and what other park elements should be added. The P,B&R Commission heard public testimony most supporting the continued designation of a passive park with some added amenities to "encourage people to use the park."

I found that particular suggestion a bit ironic. Should the City should spend millions of dollars on a park and be concerned with adding amenities to encourage people to use it? Some say that the city already has too many passive parks that go largley unused. I wonder if the City were to fund the construction of an active (sports) park in West Newport Beach it would need to consider what amenities could be added to encourage people to use it.