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DOVER W SHORES
C O M M U N I T Y • A S S O C I A T I O N
Mr. Don Webb, Director
Newport Beach Public Works Department
3300 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, Calif. 92658
Dear Don...
Item 1
AUG 2 61996
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August 24, 1996
As the representative of our Community, I have attended and had convey
cation with the City's Parks, Beach and Recreation Commission regarding development
at -the Castaways Property. There does not seem to be much controversy regarding the
Playground plans and development.
However' the reverse seems to be true regarding the Public Park portion of the Cast-
away property.
Our Board has polled our Community which is contiguous to the Castaway Property as
to their preferences. They definitely feel that the Park Development should be more
than a semi - private little used weed- covered preserve with little value to the
General Public of Newport Beach, even if money constraints makes it necessary to
develops the Park in 3 stages as mentioned in qr enclosed letter.
As part of the final stage of development a few ideas have been mentioned by members
of -our Community. One idea that seemed to have merit is the placement of a Gazebo in
EL view advantage location, similar somewhat to the one at the Ocean. Bide at Laguna
Beach: Gazebos can be purchased pre - fabricated in various sizes. Added to this would be
few Concrete Bunches in other locations with a few trees that when full grown would
provide shade for those needing Bun protection. To complement such items would be the
planting of appropriate shrubs and trees to complete the Park development.
We hope the City will take advantage of the possibilities and potential of the Castaways
View Park Bike.
�Z Sincerely... is. P. Beneon
101c Parks,Beach & Recreation Dover Shores Community Board Member
Commission
association-manager,-villageway management, Inc., past office box 4708, Irvine, california 92716 (714) 553 -1876
Edward^ Benson PARKS, BEACH AND RECREATION COMMISSION. 1
1028111,4ty ind `Ma1_I CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
A( ort'Beach, Ca. 92660 3300 NEWPORT BLVD.
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. 92658 - 8915
0 0 LADIES & GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMISSION...
As a initial statement to our following comments
we hope and urge the Commission to avoid approving a plan for developing the Public Park
area of the Castaways Property that would be 11 cast in concrete "with no ability or opport-
unity to make changes or improvements that would be desirable after a initial Public usage
period.
In accordance with the above statement it would be.our recommendation that the over —all
designing and development of the Park area be done in 3- stages..
The first stage would concentrate on the access roads, parking and the Public Promeriade
along the top edge of the bluffs. Considering the beautiful view available from the walk
this will prove to be one of the prime attractions of the development features of this
Public Park.
The second stage of development would implement recommended changes and additions that
. would be determined from the usage experience of the stage 1 improvements along with '
appropriate convential landscaping to add to the Public's benefit and enjoyment of the
Perk.
The final stage 3 should consider the additions of a few Public comfort items, such as
the placement of a few Concrete Benches at stategic locations as Rest Stops for the elderly
members of our Community along with a couple of shade, structure of an appropriate type.
Also included in this final stage would be any changes or improvements that would be
desirable or necessary as a result of the experiences derived from the first and second
stage usage period.
Such a plan would provide 2 major advantages. In a period of Budget Constraints it would
allow costs to be spread over 2 or 3 years along with the benefit of having a flexible
and changeable plan that would provide the Public with maximum benefits and enjoyment
• upon the ultimate completion of the Castaways Park.
A discussed "Passive Park Concept "should not be carried to a point where it is designed
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as a private preserve with very limited use and benefits for all of the Citizens of
Newport Beach. There is nothing attractive about a design concept that recommends fire
danger dried weeds and the retaining of dead and fallen diseased trees and a generally
poorly maintained and uncontrolled landscaping. Such a concept to satisfy a few would
provide very limited benefits and usage by the great majority of the Newport Beach Citizens.
As in life generally, you have to exercise and have some control, on nature for the benefit
of the Public.
We hope the Commission will approach the development of the Public's Castaways Park from
the standpoint of enjoyment and benefits for thV entire City. Considering its location
and physical attributes if properly designed the end results could prove to be the
11 show case It Public Park of Newport Beach.
July 1, 1996
Respectfully...
S. P. Benson
Dover,Shoree Board Member
P. S - The General Public's thinking on usage of the Castaways Property was strongly
'q
indicated when a proposition to purchase the entire Castaways Property by a
minority group by way of a 20 year property surcharge was soundly defeated by
a 2 to 1 vote of the Newport Beach Citizens.
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