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Recreation Element Existing Conditions and
Background Analysis
City of Newport Beach
General Plan Update
MARCH 2024
Prepared for:
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
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27271 Las Ramblas
Mission Viejo, California 92691
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Table of Contents
SECTION PAGE NO.
Acronyms, Abbreviations, Key Terms .............................................................................................................................. iii
1 Executive Summary.............................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 Recreation Element Purpose and Process ........................................................................................... 2
3 General Plan and Regulatory Review .................................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Recreation Element ................................................................................................................................ 3
3.2 Natural Resources Element ................................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Land Use Element .................................................................................................................................. 4
3.4 Harbor and Bay Element ........................................................................................................................ 4
3.5 Arts and Cultural Element ...................................................................................................................... 4
3.6 Regulatory Framework ........................................................................................................................... 5
3.6.1 State .......................................................................................................................................... 5
3.6.2 Regional/Local .......................................................................................................................... 6
4 Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Planning Framework .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.1.1 Park Types ................................................................................................................................. 8
4.1.2 Planning Service Areas ............................................................................................................. 9
4.2 Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities ......................................................................................... 12
4.2.1 Public Parks and Recreational Facilities .............................................................................. 12
4.2.2 Park and Recreation Access ................................................................................................. 25
4.2.3 Recreation and Community Services.................................................................................... 29
4.2.4 Summary Park Conditions ..................................................................................................... 31
4.3 Private Parks and Recreational Facilities .......................................................................................... 32
4.4 Planned Park and Recreation Improvements .................................................................................... 34
4.5 Current and Future Population-Based Park and Open Space Needs .............................................. 36
4.5.1 Demographics Overview ........................................................................................................ 36
4.5.2 Current Utilization .................................................................................................................. 38
4.5.3 Needs Assessment ................................................................................................................ 40
5 Issues and Opportunities .................................................................................................................................. 42
6 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................ 43
6.1 Create a Methodology to Identify Park Needs by Service Area ........................................................ 43
6.2 Develop a Process for Strategic Planned Improvements.................................................................. 44
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6.3 Coordinate with School Districts......................................................................................................... 44
6.4 Engage the Community ....................................................................................................................... 45
TABLES
1 Parks and Recreation Areas by Type .................................................................................................................. 9
2 Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities............................................................................................ 12
3 City Park Walk Access ....................................................................................................................................... 26
4 Sport Offerings, Facilities, and Locations ........................................................................................................ 31
5 Parkland Acreage Needs .................................................................................................................................. 32
6 Private Parks by Facility Type ........................................................................................................................... 33
7 Planned Improvements by Service Area .......................................................................................................... 35
8 Newport Beach Population by Service Area .................................................................................................... 37
9 Newport Beach Population Age ........................................................................................................................ 37
10 Household Formation ....................................................................................................................................... 38
11 Age Cohort by Service Area............................................................................................................................... 40
12 Population Projections by Age .......................................................................................................................... 41
EXHIBIT
A Senior Transportation Services Participation. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report from fiscal
year 2005 to 2022 information on senior transportation services participation in absolute terms
and on a per capita basis. ................................................................................................................................ 39
FIGURES
Figure 1. Service Areas in Newport Beach .................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 2. Parks and Open Space in Newport Beach..................................................................................................... 23
Figure 3. City Pedestrian Park Access ........................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 4. Residential Pedestrian Park Access .............................................................................................................. 28
APPENDIX
A Newport Beach General Plan Update Recreation Element Economic Support Year 2023
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Acronyms, Abbreviations, Key Terms
Acronym/Abbreviation/Term Spelled Out Form
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
City City of Newport Beach (administrative body)
Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Land Use Plan of the City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Program
County Orange County
FY fiscal year
Newport Beach City of Newport Beach
OC Parks Orange County Parks Department
report existing conditions and background analysis
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1 Executive Summary
Recreational spaces create opportunities for people to take a break from work or walk out of their homes to enjoy
the sunshine, breathe fresh air, run or cycle along trails, enjoy the trees and nature, play sports, spend time with
family and pets, and get some exercise, while connecting to their community. These spaces are important land use
components in an urban environment, providing both visual relief from the built environment and contributing to
residents’ quality of life through recreation and aesthetic value. The primary purpose of the City of Newport Beach’s
(City) Recreation Element is to provide sufficient park and recreational facilities that are balanced with the
residential and business population.
This existing conditions and background analysis (report) provides an overview of recreation in Newport Beach,
including adopted recreation policies and the regulatory framework, and inventories existing and planned
recreational areas. Recreational areas assessed in this report include parks and recreation facilities, marine
protected areas adjacent to parks, and beaches. This report considers current and future recreational demands
based on population, demographic, and development trends. These trends are explored in detail in Appendix A:
Newport Beach General Plan Update Recreation Element Economic Support Year 2023, which includes information
on the City’s current and projected population growth and demographic information. The appendix also includes
information on the utilization of services and programming offered by the City’s Recreation and Senior Services
Department. Regulatory and programmatic requirements are also considered and include state, regional, and local
regulations such as the City of Newport Beach (City) Park Dedication Ordinance, which requires a parkland
dedication of 5 acres for every 1,000 persons.
The City divides Newport Beach into 12 service areas for the purposes of park planning and to administer parkland
dedications and fees provided by residential development. Newport Beach has a surplus of parkland to meet the
current and projected future population for the year 2045 based on the City’s parkland dedication requirement, but
most service areas experience a deficit. In addition to acreage disparities across service areas, park types are also
unequally distributed.
To plan for and manage the Newport Beach’s parkland land equitably, the City should engage the community to
revise the approach for identifying park needs. The methodology for identifying parkland needs should consider
access, physical geography, and developmental constraints and opportunities for each service area to identify
feasible parks types the environment supports, adequately identify resident’s needs, and capitalize on
Newport Beach’s vast and uniquely varying natural resources and landforms. Additional opportunities for
community engagement are included to understand the community’s recreation needs, as projected population
trends indicate a large aging population and a declining population of children, which may have a significant impact
on the City’s ability to adequately serve the needs of residents given that different age groups require different
programming, services, and recreational facilities. The City should develop a process to identify community needs
on an ongoing basis to strategically plan for improvements that address the rapidly changing environmental,
economic, and social conditions. The City should partner with local school districts to support the use of school
facilities’ recreational areas, because they play an important role in providing recreational opportunities in
Newport Beach.
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2 Introduction
Parks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, recreational facilities, and coastal resources such as beaches play an important
role in the physical, mental, social, and environmental health of Newport Beach residents. As the community
continues to grow, sufficient access to recreational facilities will be needed to maintain a high quality of life.
Planning for and implementing measures that ensure that existing and projected populations have access to
recreational opportunities will greatly enhance the way residents and visitors interact with the built environment.
2.1 Overview
This report provides an overview of the provisions of the Recreation Element from the adopted City General Plan.
This includes a description of the framework for consistency with State and Federal regulations, the existing parks
and recreation facilities within Newport Beach, and a high-level overview of service needs and key issues and
opportunities for providing adequate park and recreational opportunities to all residents.
The City’s adopted Recreation Element fulfills the requirements of an Open Space Element, in accordance with
Government Code 65302. The element specifically addresses the required recreational provisions of the Open
Space Element, which includes information on open spaces for outdoor recreation. Such open spaces include
spaces intended for recreational purposes such as parks and beaches and areas that serve as links between major
recreation and open-space reservations. The Open Space Element must also include information that pertains to
the preservation and conservation of a jurisdiction’s open-space resources, which are addressed by the City’s
adopted Natural Resources Element.
2.2 Recreation Element Purpose and Process
The purpose of the Recreation Element is to plan for recreational opportunities and address issues and policies
concerning parks and recreational facilities, recreation programs, shared facilities, coastal recreation and support
facilities, marine recreation and public access, and the provision of parklands and recreation programs for
Newport Beach’s residents. More specifically, the primary purpose of the Recreation Element is to ensure an
appropriate balance between the provisions of sufficient parks and recreation facilities and the current and future
residential and business population of Newport Beach.
As a city’s population grows and the demand for more recreational space increases, developable land typically
becomes scarcer, often limiting the amount of open space available for recreational opportunities. For this reason,
this analysis considers the adequacy of dedicated parkland and recreational opportunities through two perspectives:
the first analyzes the number of amenities and acres of land per person, and the second views the issue through the
lens of the quality of amenities, accessibility, and meeting the needs of existing and projected residents.
Newport Beach’s landscape is made up of coastal, beach, tideland, reserve, and urban areas, creating an
opportunity for a diverse range of parkland and recreation types. However, additional consideration of the other
General Plan elements is also required, because recreational amenities and facilities may overlap with uses and
land regulated by the Harbor and Bay Element, Natural Resources Element, Land Use Element, and the
Safety Element, as well as the Local Coastal Program.
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3 General Plan and Regulatory Review
Federal, State, regional, and local policies and programs influence recreation in Newport Beach and must be considered
in the General Plan Update process (see Section 2.2, Recreation Element Purpose and Process). This chapter identifies
where recreation is addressed in the adopted General Plan, relevant regulations, and local programs.
The City’s adopted General Plan is organized into 10 chapters, or “elements.” Each element of the General Plan
presents an overview of its scope, summary of conditions, and planning issues, goals, and policies. However, while
the General Plan consists of individual elements, each of which addresses a specific area of concern, it also
embodies a comprehensive and integrated planning approach for Newport Beach. As such, this chapter provides
an overview of the adopted Recreation Element and other elements of the adopted General Plan that have goals
or policies that overlap with those of the Recreation Element.
3.1 Recreation Element
California state law requires that recreational uses, including recreational needs and opportunities, be inventoried
and assessed in the General Plan to determine present and future demand based on population, demographic,
and development trends. Starting in 1973, the General Plan had a Recreation and Open Space Element, which was
amended in a 1998 update to the General Plan. However, with the most recent 2006 update of the General Plan,
the adopted 2006 Recreation Element was prepared as a separate element to reflect its importance. The adopted
Recreation Element, which under statute is a component of the Open Space Element, contains only policies related
to recreation, while open space policies were contained within the Natural Resources Element.
The nine goals contained in the adopted Recreation Element address the provision of facilities, maintenance and
preservation, accessibility of facilities, provision of recreation programs, joint use facilities, and the provision of coastal
recreational opportunities, adequate support facilities, marine recreation facilities, and public access. Specific
recreational issues and policies contained in the Recreation Element include parks and recreation facilities, recreation
programs, shared facilities, coastal recreation and support facilities, marine recreation, and public access.
3.2 Natural Resources Element
In the 2006 General Plan, only policies related to recreation were included in the Recreation Element, while
conservation and open space policies were contained within the adopted Natural Resources Element. However,
some policies in the Natural Resources Element provide some general guidance for parks and recreation as they
pertain to the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. These policies include designing and
siting recreation areas to avoid impacts to dune habitat areas (Policy NR 12.2); managing public access to the
Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve (Policy NR 16.4); maintaining public uses of the Upper Newport Bay
Ecological Reserve (Policy NR 16.5); promoting facilities within Upper Newport Bay for educational purposes
(Policy NR 16.6); and providing public trails, recreation areas, adjacent to public view corridors (Policy NR 20.5).
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3.3 Land Use Element
The Land Use Element guides land use and development in the City, which includes land use policies and strategies
related to the use of open space. The element focuses on balancing residential, commercial, and recreational
needs, maintaining Newport Beach’s coastal character, and promoting and preserving open space. It also
addresses issues related to sustainable development, transportation, and community aesthetics to guide
Newport Beach’s future growth and development. Some aspects of the adopted Land Use Element address
promoting and preserving open space and supplement policies in the Recreation Element. These policies include
implementing a conservative growth strategy that enhances the quality of life of residents and balances the needs
of all constituencies with the preservation of open space and natural resources (Policy LU 1.4); protecting and
enhancing significant scenic and visual resources, including open space, mountains, canyons, ridges, ocean, and
harbor, from public vantage points (Policy LU 1.6); accommodating uses that support the needs of Newport Beach’s
residents including recreation and civic engagement (Policy LU 2.1); providing uses that serve visitors to
Newport Beach’s ocean, harbor, open spaces, and other recreational assets, while protecting neighborhoods and
residents (Policy LU 2.6); and prioritizing the acquisition of Banning Ranch as an open space amenity for the
community and region (Policy LU 3.4).
3.4 Harbor and Bay Element
California State law permits a General Plan to incorporate other elements that pertain to a municipality’s unique
characteristics or visions outside of the seven mandated elements. Although optional by statute, once adopted they
hold equal weight under the law as the mandated elements. As such, the adopted General Plan also includes a
Harbor and Bay Element. The goals and policies of the adopted Harbor and Bay Element are intended to guide the
content of regulations related to development and activities conducted on the water, as well as land use decisions
related to waterfront property around Newport Harbor and a wide range of recreational boating activities, and a
diversity of commercial and recreational uses. Some aspects of the Harbor and Bay Element that address public
access and administration overlap with policies in the Recreation Element. These policies include encouraging the
provision of visitor facilities in Newport Harbor (Policy HB 6.3); enhancing guest and public facilities, including those
that provide beach recreation opportunities (Policy HB 6.4); and providing adequate public coastal access
(Policy HB 6.1). In addition, the Harbor and Bay Element shares a common goal with the Recreation Element aimed
to maintain public access to Newport Beach’s coastal resources for recreational purposes (Goal HB 6; Goal R 9).
3.5 Arts and Cultural Element
Another element that pertains to a municipality’s unique characteristics or visions outside of the seven mandated
elements is the Arts and Cultural Element. The goals and policies of the adopted Arts and Cultural Element are
intended to be a guide for meeting the future cultural needs of the community by providing improved and expanded
arts and cultural facilities and programs to the community. The Arts and Cultural Element and the Recreation
Element overlap through various programming aspects, including the City’s Department of Recreation and Senior
Services, which provides year-round educational programs for adults and children in music, dance, arts and crafts,
and drama, as well as various festivals and events that occur throughout the year in Newport Beach, such as
Concerts in the Parks hosted by the City Arts Commission and other events held at public beaches and facilities. In
addition, some policies of the Arts and Cultural Element that overlap with aspects of the policies in the Recreation
element include encouraging the incorporation of public art into major public projects (Policy CA 1.1); promoting
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public awareness of and participation in the City’s cultural arts (Policy CA 1.3); encouraging the continuation and
expansion of cultural arts events and programs, such as Concerts in the Parks (Policy CA 1.4); partnering with the
community to strengthen arts education for children, youths, adults, and seniors in the City (Policy CA 1.5); and
exploring opportunities to accommodate cultural arts programs within existing and new facilities and considering
the potential for new facilities (Policy CA 2.1).
3.6 Regulatory Framework
The regulatory setting for parks and recreation can be found in California State law, the adopted General Plan (as
noted previously in Section 3.1, Recreation), and various local ordinances, as summarized below.
3.6.1 State
SB 1425 (2022)
SB 1425 (2022) requires all local jurisdictions to update the open space element of their General Plan by January
1, 2026. Specifically, this bill requires the open space element to include plans and action programs that address
the following:
Access to open space for residents in a manner that considers social, economic, and racial equity, and
aligns with environmental justice policies
Climate resilience and other cobenefits of open space, that are to be coordinated with the safety element
Rewilding opportunities aligned with the land use element that aim to preserve, enhance, and expand
natural ecosystems.
Public Park Preservation Act
The primary instrument for protecting and preserving parkland is the State Public Park Preservation Act. Under the
California Public Resources Code, cities and counties may not acquire any real property that is in use as a public
park for any non-park use unless compensation or land, or both, are provided to replace the parkland acquired.
This provides no net loss of parkland and facilities.
State Street and Highway Code
The State Street and Highway Code includes provisions for equestrian and hiking trails within the rights-of-way of
county roads, streets, and highways.
Quimby Act (Parkland Provisions)
The Quimby Act (California Government Code Section 66477, as amended by Assembly Bill 1359) authorizes the
legislative body of a city or county to require the dedication of land or impose fees for park or recreational purposes
as a condition to the approval of a tentative or parcel subdivision map, if specified requirements are met. For
projects that do not involve a subdivision, impact fees may be collected to pay for a range of applicable uses,
including parkland, park improvements, community centers, recreation facilities, trails, or open space.
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Parkland dedication standards associated with the Quimby Act require the provision of 3 acres of park area per
1,000 persons residing within a subdivision, unless the amount of existing neighborhood and community park area
exceeds that limit, in which case the city may adopt a higher standard not to exceed 5 acres per 1,000 residents.
3.6.2 Regional/Local
City of Newport Beach Park Dedication Ordinance
Chapter 19.52, Park Dedication and Fees, of the Newport Beach Municipal Code requires the dedication of land or the
payment of in lieu fees, or a combination of both, for park or recreational purposes as a condition to the approval of
residential subdivisions. In accordance with the Newport Beach Municipal Code, the park dedication standard is 5 acres
per 1,000 persons. Where a fee is required to be paid in lieu of land dedication, the fee is calculated by multiplying the
acreage of land that would otherwise have been required to be dedicated times the fair market value per acre.
In lieu fees collected may only be used for park or recreational facilities that serve the residential subdivision, either
through the purchase of land for the purpose of developing new parks or facilities or, if the City Council determines
that there is sufficient land available, for the improvement or rehabilitation of existing neighborhood or community
park or recreational facilities. The park dedication ordinance also provides for credit to be given against the required
dedication of land or payment of fees, at the discretion of the City Council, for the provision of private recreation
facilities within a new residential development or for the provision of park and recreation improvements to
dedicated parkland. If allowed, the private facilities or public improvements are credited against the dedication of
land and/or the payment of in lieu fees.
City of Newport Beach Circulation and Improvement Open Space Agreement
Another important agreement that contributes to the City’s development and acquisition of parkland and open
space areas is the Circulation and Improvement Open Space Agreement in conjunction with the Irvine Company. In
exchange for various building entitlements, the City of Newport Beach receives pre-payment of required “fair-share”
road improvement fees, a commitment to construct road improvements adjacent to the proposed projects, an
interest-free loan, and land for recreation and open space areas and potential senior housing sites.
2018 Orange County Parks Strategic Plan
The Orange County Parks Department (OC Parks) Strategic Plan was adopted by the Orange County (County) Board
of Supervisors in 2018.1 The Strategic Plan is a regional planning document that defines goals and objectives to
guide the extensive regional park system in the County for the next 10 years. The Strategic Plan highlights OC Parks’
core identity and values: Community, Commitment to Excellence, Service, Stewardship; provides a clear set of
objectives to guide planning and decision-making processes; and better positions OC Parks to take on the
challenges and opportunities of the present and in the years to come. Similar to city parks departments, OC Parks
provides significant, dynamic, and diverse parklands listed in the Strategic Plan, two of which are located in
Newport Beach, including the 140-acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve (surrounding the Upper Newport Bay
Ecological Reserve), and Bayside Beach within Newport Harbor. These County-owned park and recreational areas
in Newport Beach provide opportunities to advance policies in the Recreation Element that are focused on utilizing
1 OC Parks, 2018, OC Parks Strategic Plan 2018, accessed at https://www.ocparks.com/sites/ocparks/files/import/data/
files/82682.pdf.
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non-City recreational facilities and open space to supplement the park and recreational needs of the community
and interagency coordination to protect, expand, and enhance opportunities for recreational activities at County
and State beaches and parks.
Coastal Land Use Plan of the City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Program
The Coastal Land Use Plan of the City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Program (Coastal Land Use Plan) sets forth
goals, objectives, and policies that govern the use of land and water in the coastal zone within Newport Beach and
its sphere of influence, with the exception of Newport Coast and Banning Ranch.2 The Coastal Land Use Plan
addresses the California Coastal Act of 1976 in three chapters: Land Use and Development, Public Access and
Recreation, and Coastal Resource Protection. The Coastal Land Use Plan was derived from the Land Use Element
of the General Plan and is intended to identify the distribution of land uses in the coastal zone. The
California Coastal Act Goals for the coastal zone include the following:
Protect, maintain and, where feasible, enhance and restore the overall quality of the coastal zone
environment and its natural and artificial resources.
Assure orderly, balanced utilization and conservation of coastal zone resources taking into account the
social and economic needs of the people of the state.
Maximize public access to and along the coast and maximize public recreational opportunities in the
coastal zone consistent with sound resources conservation principles and constitutionally protected rights
of private property owners.
Assure priority for coastal-dependent and coastal-related development over other development on the coast.
Encourage state and local initiatives and cooperation in preparing procedures to implement coordinated
planning and development for mutually beneficial uses, including educational uses, in the coastal zone.3
2 City of Newport Beach, 2018, City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Program Coastal Land Use Plan, accessed at
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/community-development/planning-division/general-plan-codes-and-regulations/local-coastal-program/coastal-land-use-plan.
3 California Coastal Act, 2023, California Public Resources Code, Division 10, Chapter 1: Findings and Declarations and General
Provisions, Section 30001.5: Legislative Findings and Declaration; Goals, accessed at https://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf.
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4 Existing Conditions
This chapter describes the existing conditions for the City’s parks and recreational facilities, including the park
planning framework, existing public and private parks and recreational facilities, planned park and recreational
improvements, and an overview of current and future park needs based on existing and projected population
and demographics.
4.1 Planning Framework
4.1.1 Park Types
The adopted Recreation Element defines seven park types classified by the type of amenities and facilities
available, and, in some cases, the population they are intended to serve. School park facilities are also included
in this discussion because they can serve the general public during weekends and after school. The park types
are as follows:
Community Park. Community parks serve the entire City of Newport Beach and are easily accessible via
arterial roads. Community parks typically include community buildings, parking, swimming, facilities for
picnicking, active sports, and other facilities that serve a larger population.
Mini Park. Mini parks are smaller parks and have two general purposes. Most mini parks typically less than
1 acre in size, serve a 0.25-mile radius, and are located within a neighborhood, separate from major
collector roads. Some mini parks serve the entire City of Newport Beach and are located as urban trail
heads along major trails or streets.
Neighborhood Park. Neighborhood parks serve all ages and are generally 1 to 8 acres in size. They are
located adjacent to public schools when possible. Neighborhood parks contain amenities such as turf
areas, active sport fields and courts, community buildings, play apparatus, and picnic facilities. Some
neighborhood parks may also include senior centers, youth centers, and aquatic facilities.
View Park. View parks are smaller passive parks at significant vistas or viewpoints. They are often located
on coastal bluffs and highlight ocean and bay views. Most view parks are between 0.5 and 3 acres in size
and serve the entire City of Newport Beach. View park amenities include improved landscaping, walkways,
and benches.
Greenbelt. Greenbelts are public or semi-public park types that include areas with limited recreational
facilities and primarily function as passive open space.
Open Space. Open space includes passive and active open space areas that do not function as public spaces
but do provide open space relief. Some open space areas are open to or accessible by the general public.
Public Beach. Public beaches serve a number of local and regional functions. In some neighborhoods,
beaches function as neighborhood or community parks. Easy accessibility, lack of entrance fees, and a lack
of other available parks has contributed to this function. Public beaches all include sandy beach areas
adjacent to the bay or ocean and may include active sports, snack bars, showers, drinking fountains,
restrooms, walkways, docks, benches, shade trees, and parking areas. Active beach area acreage is
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measured 100 feet from the observed water edge into the water area based on the standard for shoreline
swimming and previous observations from the Newport Beach Technical Report.4
School. Public schools are a part of the recreation system in the City of Newport Beach because field and
playground areas can serve the general public during weekends and after school.5
Table 1 summarizes the acreage and number of public facilities by park type. The most common park type is view
park, followed by community and neighborhood parks; and while open space and public beaches are less common
park types, combined they account for more than half of the total park and open space acreage in Newport Beach.
No data was available to identify the greenbelt park type; therefore, this park type is excluded from Table 1. See
Section 4.2 for a comprehensive list of parks and recreation facilities offering passive and recreational opportunities
in Newport Beach.
Table 1. Parks and Recreation Areas by Type
Parks and Recreation Type Number Acres
Community park 18 131.6
Mini park 14 5.84
Neighborhood park 18 71.1
View park 22 100.02
Open space 6 2,477.72
Public beach 6 250.53
School 10 66.1
Total 94 3,102.91
Source: City of Newport Beach 2004; Urban Footprint Parks and Open Space GIS data.6
4.1.2 Planning Service Areas
The Recreation Element divides Newport Beach into 12 service areas for the purposes of park planning and to
administer parkland dedications and fees provided by residential development. The 12 park planning service areas
are as described below, and Figure 1, Services Area in Newport Beach, illustrates the service area boundaries. A
description of park types and recreational facilities within the service areas is provided in Section 4.2, Existing Parks
and Recreational Facilities.
Service Area 1, West Newport. The area covered by West Newport Service Area is generally bounded by the
Santa Ana River to the west, West 19th Street to the north, State Route 55 to the east, and the Pacific Coast
to the south.
4 American Planning Association, 1965, Standards for Outdoor Recreational Areas, January 1965, accessed at https://www.
planning.org/pas/reports/report194.htm.
5 City of Newport Beach, 2004, “Technical Background Report,” Volume 3 in City of Newport Beach General Plan Update, June 2004, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/PLN/General_Plan/Technical_Background_Report/NB_Final_TBR_(2004-06-03).pdf.
GreenInfo Network, 2021, California Protected Areas Database, accessed September 7, 2021, at https://www.
calands.org/cpad/.
6 City of Newport Beach, 2004, “Technical Background Report,” Volume 3 in City of Newport Beach General Plan Update, June 2004, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/PLN/General_Plan/Technical_Background_Report/NB_Final_TBR_(2004-06-03).pdf.
Greeninfo Network, 2021, California Protected Areas Database, accessed September 7, 2021, at https://www.
calands.org/cpad/.
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Service Area 2, Balboa Peninsula. The area covered by Balboa Peninsula Service Area is generally bounded
by 19th Street to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the south, the harbor entrance to the east, and
Newport Channel to the north.
Service Area 3, Newport Heights/Upper Bay. The area covered by the Newport Heights/Upper Bay Service
Area is generally bounded by State Route 55 to the west, Lido Channel to the south, and Back Bay to the
east, and the northern boundary follows the city boundary to Monte Vista Avenue.
Service Area 4, Santa Ana Heights. The area covered by the Santa Ana Heights Service Area is generally
bounded by the city boundary to the west along Irvine Avenue, Upper Back Bay to the south, Jamboree Road
to the east, and Campus Drive to the north.
Service Area 5, Lower Bay. The area covered by the Lower Bay Service Area is generally bounded by the
West Lido Channel on the western boundary and northern boundary, along the southern edge of Lido Isle,
and Jamboree Road to the east.
Service Area 6, Balboa Island. The area covered by the Balboa Island Service Area is the entirety of
Balboa Island, with boundaries extending approximately 380 feet around the island into the surrounding
Newport Channel.
Service Area 7, Eastbluff/Newport North. The area covered by the Eastbluff/Newport North Service Area is
generally bounded by Back Bay Drive to the west, the southern boundary of Big Country Park to the south,
with Jamboree Road forming a portion of the eastern boundary south of Bison Avenue and along the city
boundary; the northern boundary of the service area generally extends to the intersection of Jamboree Road
and MacArthur Boulevard.
Service Area 8, Big Canyon/Belcourt. The area covered by the Big Canyon/Belcourt Service Area is generally
bounded by Jamboree Road to the west, San Joaquin Hills Road to the south, MacArthur Boulevard to the
east, and Sison Avenue to the north.
Service Area 9, Newport Center. The area covered by the Newport Center Service Area is bounded generally
by the eastern edge of Back Bay on the west, by Pacific Coast Highway on the south, by MacArthur Boulevard
on the east, and by San Joaquin Hills Road on the north.
Service Area 10, Corona del Mar. The area covered by the Corona del Mar Service Area is generally bounded
by Jamboree Road to the west, the coastline abutting the harbor entrance south of Pacific Coast Highway
to the south, the eastern boundary extends generally to Cameo Shores Road, and the northern boundary
is along Pacific Coast Highway west of MacArthur Boulevard and along 5th Avenue east of
MacArthur Boulevard.
Service Area 11, Harbor View. The area covered by the Habor View Service Area is generally bounded by
MacArthur Boulevard to the west, 5th Avenue to the south, Upper Buck Gully to the east, and the city
boundary to the north.
Service Area 12, Newport Coast. The area covered by the Newport Coast Service Area is generally bounded
by Buck Gully and San Joaquin Reservoir to the west, Pacific Coast Highway to the south, the city’s eastern
boundary, and San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor to the north.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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Figure 1. Service Areas in Newport Beach
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4.2 Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities
This section describes the existing parkland in Newport Beach offering recreational opportunities, access to parks
and recreation facilitates, services provided by the City Recreation and Senior Services Department, and an
overview of existing park conditions summarizing the deficit or excess parkland in each planning service area.
4.2.1 Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
The City has approximately 559 acres of existing parkland in Newport Beach, including 250 acres of beach
recreation acreage; approximately 66 acres of School District land under joint use agreements offering recreational
opportunities; and 2,478 acres of other recreational areas on open space and preserves. Table 2 lists public parks
and recreation facilities, including beach recreation, schools with joint use facilities, and other recreational areas
in Newport Beach by planning service area. The park/facility name, park types and facilities, acreage, Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) access, and general conditions and observations are provided in Table 2 and illustrated
in Figure 2, Parks and Open Space in Newport Beach.
Additional private recreational facilities that serve residents of Newport Beach, such as aquatic facilities, yacht
clubs, and golf courses are discussed in Section 4.3, Private Parks and Recreational Facilities.
Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions
Service Area 1: West Newport
Parks
38th Street Park Neighborhood park: active sports
facilities, basketball courts, play
area, picnic tables, restrooms
0.93 Yes No electricity: use
is limited to daylight hours;
street parking only
Channel Place Park Neighborhood park: 2 barbecue
areas, basketball court, 2 picnic
tables, play area; restrooms, view of
bay
1.28 Yes Street parking only
Gateway Park Mini park: limited to passive
recreation
0.28 Yes Street parking only
Lake Avenue Park Mini park: limited to passive
recreation
0.06 Yes Street parking only
Lido Park View park: view of bay 0.16 Yes Street parking only
Newport Island Park Neighborhood park: 1 barbecue,
basketball court, 2 picnic tables,
play area, view of bay
0.33 Yes Street parking only
Newport Shores Park Mini park: small play area 0.21 Yes Street parking only
Rhine Wharf Park View park: view of Newport Bay 0.01 Yes Street parking only; no
landscaping
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
Sunset Ridge Park Community park: 2 athletic fields,
1 ball diamond, 2 barbecue areas, 4 picnic tables, play area, restrooms, view of ocean
1.08 Yes Parking lot with
64 parking spaces.
Sunset Ridge View Park View park: view of bay and ocean 0.80 Yes Street parking only
West Newport Park Lower Neighborhood park with a barbecue
area; basketball court; handball
court; parking lot; picnic tables; play
area; 4 tennis courts
3.23 Yes —
West Newport Park Mid Neighborhood park: play area;
parking lot; and picnic tables
1.61 Yes —
West Newport Park Upper Neighborhood park: with a play
area; parking lot and picnic tables.
1.55 Yes —
Beach Recreation Site
Beaches Public beach: swimming; beach
recreation; volleyball; sunning;
benches (calculated from a 2+ mile
stretch and 200 feet width of
observed passive and active
recreation within shallow water
edge), and Newport Beach Pier
58.9 — —
School Recreation Site
Pacifica Christian
High School
Community center gym: basketball
court gym leased from school
0.4 — Open for public
recreation use in the evenings;
parking lot
Service Area Subtotal 70.83 — —
Service Area 2: Balboa Peninsula
Parks
L Street Park Mini park: limited to passive
recreation
0.29 Yes Street parking only
M Street Park Mini park: limited to passive
recreation
0.06 Yes Street parking only
Marina Park Community park: basketball court, community room, kitchen, picnic table, play area, restrooms, view
of bay
8.94 Yes Parking lot capacity for 145 vehicles;
minimal tree
coverage
Miramar Park Mini park: play area 0.12 Yes Street parking only
Peninsula Park Neighborhood park: athletic field;
3 barbecue areas, 5 picnic tables,
play area, restrooms, showers, view
of ocean
4.53 Yes Parking lot
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
Veterans Memorial Park Neighborhood park: 1 barbecue,
view of bay
1.46 Yes Street parking only
West Jetty View Park View park: 1 picnic table, view of bay
and ocean
0.85 Yes Street parking
only; maximum
capacity of 20 in
the grass area, and
20 in the picnic
area
Beach Recreation Sites
Beaches Public beaches: 3 basketball courts,
sports field, blacktop recreation
area, play area, volleyball courts,
swimming, beach play, sunning,
walking and biking trail, Balboa Pier,
restrooms (approximate 2.6-mile
stretch encompassing sandy area
and 100 feet from the water edge)
163.26 — Parking lots
accesses from
Palm Street and
Oceanfront and
from Mc Fadden
Place and W.
Oceanfront
School Recreation Sites
Newport Elementary School Active facilities include a turf area,
basketball court, and play area
(located on beachfront sand area
leased from City since 1950)
3.3 — —
Service Area Subtotal 182.81 — —
Service Area 3: Newport Heights/Upper Bay
Parks
Bob Henry Park Neighborhood park: active facilities
include an athletic field, 2 ball
diamonds, play area, and a parking
lot, 4 picnic tables
5.10 Yes Landscaping
around the park
perimeter; sparse shade due to the wide coverage of
the athletic field
Bolsa Park Mini park: passive facility with picnic
table and play area
0.19 Yes Picnic area
capacity of
20 people
Castaways Park View park: passive facility with
numerous trails, view of bay
and ocean
16.78 Yes Shared parking lot
with Newport
Harbor Lutheran
Church and
School.
Lower Castaways Park View park: passive parkland with
view of bay
5.53 — Parking lot; rough
terrain with access
to Castaways Park
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
Cliff Drive Park East View park: barbecue area,
basketball court, community room,
picnic table, play area, view of bay
3.02 Yes Street parking only
Cliff Drive Park West View Park: View of bay 1.20 No Street parking only
Galaxy View Park View park: view of bay 0.94 Yes Street parking
only; maintained
grass landscaping
John Wayne Park & Theatre
Arts Center
View park: passive facility adjacent to community center, picnic table,
view of bay and ocean
2.13 — Accessible from two parking lots;
maintained grass
landscaping
Kings Road Park View park: passive facility with a
view of bay, view of ocean
0.4 No Street parking only; minimal shade; maintained grass landscaping
Mariners Park & JV
Community Center
Community park: active sports
facilities including athletic field, ball
diamond, basketball court, handball court, 2 tennis courts, play area,
4 barbecues, community center,
kitchen, 4 picnic tables
7.15 Yes Adjacent to
Mariners Branch
Library and Mariners
Elementary School;
parking lot;
adequate tree
coverage
Westcliff Park View park: passive facility; view
of bay 2.99 No Maintained grass
landscaping; fence
around perimeter
as a buffer for
parking lot
Beach Recreation Sites
North Star Beach Public beach: swimming, beach
recreation, sunning, kayak and surf
equipment rentals at adjacent facility
11.25 No Parking lot;
adjacent to
Newport Aquatic
Center
School Recreation Sites
Mariners Elementary School Basketball and play areas to accommodate overflow from
Mariners Park
1.67 — —
Newport Heights
Elementary School
Play areas and open space 4.9 — —
Ensign Intermediate School
(formerly Horace Ensign Jr.
High School)
Active facilities including volleyball
nets, basketball courts, gymnasium,
and athletic field
7.6 — —
Newport Harbor High School Active facilities including tennis
courts, basketball courts, swimming
pool, and play area
19.9 — —
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
Service Area Subtotal 90.75 — —
Service Area 4: Santa Ana Heights
Bayview Park Neighborhood park: basketball court, play area, barbecue area, and
view of bay
2.00 Yes Street parking only; surrounded
by residential uses;
maintained grass
landscaping
Mesa Birch Park Mini park: passive recreation area
with a picnic table
0.69 Yes Street parking only; located on a
heavily trafficked
area; maintained
grass landscaping
Uptown Park Mini park: passive and active facilities including barbecues, picnic
table, play area, restrooms
0.98 Yes Small parking lot
Service Area Subtotal 3.67 — —
Service Area 5: Lower Bay
Myrtle Park Mini park: passive amenities 0.05 Yes Street parking only
Service Area Subtotal 0.05 — —
Service Area 6: Balboa Island
Balboa Island Park & Carroll
Beek Community Center
Neighborhood park: 1 basketball
court, play area, community center
with kitchen, and passive amenities
0.28 Yes Street parking
only; maintained
grass landscaping
Service Area Subtotal 0.28 — —
Service Area 7: Eastbluff/Newport North
Parks
Eastbluff Park & Boys and
Girls Club
Community park: active sports
facilities including athletic field, ball
diamond, play area, and barbecue
and picnic table
13.71 Yes Adjacent to
Eastbluff
Elementary; tree
coverage and
maintained grass
landscaping;
additional facilities
in Boys and Girls
Club; parking lot
Bonita Creek Park &
Community Center
Neighborhood park: athletic field,
2 ball diamonds, 1 basketball court,
play area, picnic tables, and
community center with kitchen
14.25 Yes Parking lot
capacity for
103 vehicles;
substantial tree coverage; maintained grass
landscaping
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
Big Canyon Park View park: view of Newport Bay with
walking trails in environmentally
sensitive area
39.10 No —
School Recreation Sites
Corona del Mar High School
& Marian Bergeson
Aquatic Center
Active facilities include basketball
courts, tennis courts, volleyball nets,
athletic field, and swimming pool
22.35 — —
Service Area Subtotal 89.41 — —
Service Area 8: Big Canyon/Belcourt
There are no public parks or recreation facilities located in the Big Canyon/Belcourt Service Area.
Service Area 9: Newport Center
Back Bay View Park View park: passive facility with trail
and a view of Newport Bay
10.64 Yes Street parking
only; open space
with limited tree
canopy
Civic Center Park Lower &
Civic Center Community
Room
Community park: passive facility
with picnic tables, parking lot, and
view of bay and ocean, walking trail,
and community center
6.26 Yes Landscaped grass
and features works
of public art;
parking for the
lower park located
in Civic Center
Civic Center Park Upper &
Dog Park
Community park: passive facility
with picnic tables, parking lot, and
view of bay and ocean, as well as a
dog park and walking trail
3.18 Yes Landscaped grass
and features works
of public art;
parking lot
capacity for
16 vehicles only
for park use
Service Area Subtotal 20.08 — —
Service Area 10: Corona del Mar
Parks
Bayside Park Lower Neighborhood park: passive facility
with a play area and walking path
1.51 Yes Street parking
only; park divided
by a street
Bayside Park Upper Neighborhood park: passive facility
with a play area and walking path 1.16 Yes Street parking
only; park divided
by a street
Begonia Park Neighborhood park: passive facility
with 2 barbecues, 2 picnic tables,
play area, view of bay, view of ocean
2.13 Yes Street parking
only; limited tree coverage; maintained grass
landscaping
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
CDM Pocket Park Mini park: passive facility with
benches
0.02 Yes Street parking
only; majority covered in concrete
Inspiration Point View park: passive facility with
benches and ocean view
1.39 Yes Street parking only
Irvine Terrace Park Neighborhood park: athletic field,
1 basketball court, play area, 2
tennis courts, 4 barbecues, 4 picnic
tables, view of bay and ocean
8.55 Yes Street parking
only; adequate tree
coverage outside
of active
recreational areas
Lookout Point View park: passive facility with
benches, a telescope, and views of
bay and ocean
0.84 Yes Street parking
only; maintained
grass landscaping
Old School Park Mini park: limited to passive
recreation
0.62 Yes Maintained grass
landscaping;
adequate tree
coverage
Beach Recreation Sites
Corona Del Mar
State Beach
Public beach: 3 barbecues, 5 picnic
tables, showers, volleyball courts
17.12 No Municipal parking
lot
Service Area Subtotal 33.34 — —
Service Area 11: Harbor View
Parks
Arroyo Park Community park: active facilities
including an athletic field, ball
diamond, basketball court, play
area, 8 picnic tables, and 2
barbecues
7.59 Yes Parking lot
capacity for
53 vehicles
Bonita Canyon Sports
Park East
Community park: active facilities
including 4 ball diamonds, play
area, barbecue area, and picnic
tables
13.72 Yes Parking lot,
maintained grass
and various plant
landscaping;
adequate tree
coverage
Bonita Canyon Sports
Park Mid
Community park: athletic field and
trails
4.77 Yes Parking lot,
maintained grass
and various plant
landscaping;
adequate tree
coverage
Bonita Canyon Sports
Park West
Community park: active facilities
including athletic fields, 1 basketball
court, play area, 2 tennis courts,
8.84 Yes Parking lot,
maintained grass
and various plant
landscaping;
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
4 pickleball courts, picnic tables,
and barbecue area
adequate tree
coverage
Buffalo Hills Park Lower Community park: active facilities
including a basketball court,
athletic field
6.39 Yes Parking lot
available in upper
portion of park;
street parking also
available
Buffalo Hills Park Upper Community park: play area, picnic
tables, and barbecue area
11.15 Yes Adjacent to
Andersen
Elementary School;
picnic area
capacity for
75 people
Grant Howald Park &
Community Youth Center
Community park: active facilities
including an athletic field,
basketball court, play area, tennis
court, barbecue, picnic tables, and
community youth center
9.01 Yes Several parking
lots
Harbor View Nature Park Neighborhood park: passive
recreation with trails
10.04 Yes Street parking
only; several
entrances around
the park’s
perimeter.
Jasmine Creek Park View park: passive recreation with
view of ocean
0.21 Yes Street parking
only; maintained
grass landscaping
Lincoln Athletic Center Community park: active facilities
including athletic field, ball
diamond, 1 basketball court,
gymnasium, 2 volleyball courts
11.87 Yes Parking lot
capacity for 55
vehicles; minimal
tree coverage;
landscaped turf on
fields; adjacent to
Lincoln Elementary
School
OASIS Senior Center Community center: passive and
active senior center with fitness
facility, recreation classes, and
public garden
5.6 — Parking lot
San Joaquin Hills Park &
Lawn Bowling Center
Community park: active facilities
including 4 tennis courts, barbecue
area, picnic table, and community
center with kitchen
4.06 Yes Parking lot;
minimal tree
coverage;
maintained grass
landscaping
San Miguel Park Community park with active facilities
including an athletic field; 1 ball
diamond; 2 basketball court;
7.32 Yes Parking lot; picnic
area capacity for
150 people
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
handball court; play area; 4
racquetball courts; and 2
barbecues; parking lot; 5 picnic
tables
Spyglass Hill Park Mini park: passive recreation facility
with 2 picnic tables and play area
1.31 Yes Street parking only
Spyglass Hill Reservoir Park Mini park: passive recreation facility
with a picnic table and play area
0.96 Yes Street parking
only; adequate tree
coverage;
maintained grass
landscaping
School Recreation Sites
Andersen Elementary
School
Active facilities including basketball courts; volleyball nets; and athletic field.
1.68 — —
Harbor View
Elementary School
Capacity for field sports 3.0 — —
Lincoln Elementary School Capacity for field sports 1.3 — —
Service Area Subtotal 108.82 — —
Service Area 12: Newport Coast
Canyon Watch Park View park: passive recreation facility
with trails and view of ocean
3.67 No Small parking;
maintained grass
landscaping; no
electricity; part of
the Buck Gully
Canyon
Coastal Peak Park Neighborhood park: active facilities
including an athletic field, ball
diamond, basketball court, play
area, and barbecue
11.16 Yes Parking lot
capacity for
39 vehicles; picnic
area capacity for
35 people;
maintained grass
landscaping
Harbor Watch Park View park: passive recreation facility
with trails and view of harbor and
ocean
1.53 No Street parking
only; no electricity;
part of the Buck
Gully Canyon
Los Trancos Canyon View
Park (Lower)
View park: passive recreation facility
with a picnic table and view of
ocean
4.06 No Parking lot
capacity for
30 vehicles.
Los Trancos Canyon View
Park (Middle)
View park: limited to passive
recreation 1.15 No Limited street
parking off
Newport Coast
Drive
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
Los Trancos Canyon View
Park (Upper)
View park: limited to passive
recreation
2.62 No Parking available
on Lower Los Trancos Canyon View Park
Newport Coast
Community Center
Community center: basketball court,
community room, gymnasium,
restrooms, and 2 volleyball courts
0.96 — Parking lot with
122 spaces
Service Area Subtotal 25.15 — —
Open Space and Preserves
Upper Newport Bay
Regional Park/Upper
Newport Bay Preserve
Nature preserve, passive recreation
on a nature preserves; offers
walking and biking trails, learning
center
140.56 — Managed by the
County; separate
parking lot for
trails and learning center; located
within several
service areas
including:
Santa Ana Heights,
Newport
Heights/Upper
Bay, and Eastbluff/
Newport North
Upper Newport Bay
Ecological Reserve
Wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking,
kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching,
tidepool viewing, biking (acreage
included from the State description)
752 — Managed by the
CAFW; located
within several
service areas
including:
Santa Ana Heights,
Newport Heights/Upper
Bay, and Eastbluff/
Newport North
Newport Dunes
Aquatic Park
Kayaking, canoeing rentals and-up
paddleboards, pedal boats, and
Duffy boats
66.6 — Private managed
on County-owned land; located
within the Newport
Center Service
Area
Upper Buck Gully/Buck
Gully Reserve
Nature reserve with walking trails 296.56 — Small parking lot associated with Canyon Watch
Park; located
within the Harbor
View/Newport
Coast Service
Areas
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Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
Park/Recreational
Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres
ADA
Access Conditions
Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park
Coastal Canyon offering more than
40 miles of trails through oak and sycamore woodlands; over 7,000 acres (approx. 982 falls
within the City)
982 — Managed and
owned by the County; located within the Newport
Coast Service Area
Crystal Cove State Park &
Marine Conservation Area
Backcountry and beach recreation
including mountain biking and
hiking trails, offshore underwater activities such as scuba and skin
divers and 3.2 miles of beach
access (State Park encompasses
2,400 acres of backcountry
wilderness and 240 acres of
Marine Conservation area that fall
within the City boundary)
240 — State owned and
managed; while a
portion of the Marine
Conservation Area
falls within City
boundary, it is not
within a service
area; abuts
Newport Coast and
Corona del Mar
Service Areas
Subtotal 2,477.72 — —
Subtotals per Park/Facility Type
Parks 308.56 — —
Beach Recreation 250.53 — —
Schools (Under Joint Use Agreements) 66.1 — —
Other Recreation Areas 2,477.72 — —
Total Parks and Recreational Facilities 3,102.91 — —
Source: City of Newport Beach.7 Notes: ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act. Open space and school acreages are not included in calculation of the population-to-parkland acreage needs. Refer to Table 5, Park
Acreage Needs, for a summary of park acreage calculated to meet the parkland dedication.
7 City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Service Area GIS data, accessed from https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/city-manager-s-office/information-technology-city-division/gis-mapping/data-catalog.
City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Facilities Dashboard, Urban Footprint Parks and Open Space GIS data, accessed from
https://nbgis.newportbeachca.gov/gispub/Dashboards/RecreationFacilitiesDash.htm.
MARCH 2024 23
Figure 2. Parks and Open Space in Newport Beach
Parks and Recreational Facilities
The City has approximately 308 acres of parks and recreational facilities. Parks in Newport Beach range in size
from the 0.01-acre Rhine Wharf View Park to the 39.1-acre Big Canyon View Park and contain a variety of
recreational facilities offering opportunities for active and passive recreation, including walking trails, benches,
picnic tables, and barbeques. Recreational facilities in parks available for active recreation and organized sports
include soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and basketball courts, as well as biking
trails and play areas for children. Other recreational resources in Newport Beach include seven community centers,
several multipurpose recreation centers, two gymnasium facilities, and a senior center.
Beach and Coastal Recreation Facilities
The City has approximately 250 acres of public beach recreation area, offering numerous opportunities for passive
and active beach and coastal recreation. There are more than 8 miles of sandy beaches in Newport Beach that
provide public facilities and opportunities for sunbathing, volleyball, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, and other
recreational activities. As discussed in Section 4.1.1, Park Types, public beaches include sandy beach areas
adjacent to the bay or ocean and may include active sports, snack bars, showers, drinking fountains, restrooms,
walkways, docks, benches, shade trees, and parking areas. Additionally, the City has two piers that provide coastal
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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recreation opportunities, the 800-foot-long Newport Pier located at the end of Newport Boulevard (McFadden Place)
in McFadden Square and the 950-foot-long Balboa Pier located at the end of Main Street in Balboa Village.
In addition to the public beach recreation areas included in Table 2, a wide variety of other marine recreational
activities are available in Newport Bay and Harbor, including 13 City-owned public docks, which can be used for
boat launching and fishing, and substantial private recreational and boating facilities, such as private residential
piers, commercial slips and side ties, and bay moorings. Other recreational activities in the bay and harbor include
boating, diving, excursions, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, rowing, sailing, and windsurfing. Private
bay and harbor facilities are discussed in Section 4.3.
School Facilities with Joint Use Agreements
School facilities also provide indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities in Newport Beach on approximately
66 acres of Newport–Mesa Unified School District land available to the public under joint use agreements. School
facilities are typically open to the public during non-school hours and provide recreational opportunities for youth and
adult residents. Typically, elementary schools provide adjunct recreation opportunities to surrounding neighborhoods,
while junior high and high schools provide adjunct community-wide facilities. Recreational facilities available on school
sites include basketball courts, volleyball nets, gymnasiums, tennis courts, turf areas and athletic fields, and children’s
play areas, as well as a swimming pool and aquatic sporting facilities at Newport Harbor High School and the
Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center at Corona del Mar High School. Additional swimming pool facilities and aquatic
sporting activities are available through private facilities, discussed in Section 4.3. The Newport–Mesa Unified School
District also currently leases “dormant” school sites to the City for recreational purposes.
Other Recreational Facilities
Open spaces and preserves offer outdoor recreational opportunities in Newport Beach on approximately
2,477.72 acres of City, State, and County land. These open spaces and preserved land are open to the public and
provide walking and hiking trails and water and marine activities such as kayaking and scuba diving. Upper Buck
Gully/Buck Gully Reserve is City-owned land preserved as a nature reserve with walking trails. State-owned open space
lands and reserves include Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, which offers wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking,
kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, tidepool viewing, and biking and is managed by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife.8 The Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area are managed by two State
agencies. Crystal Cove State Park, managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, encompasses
2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness,9 and Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area, managed by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife, includes 240 acres and 3.5 miles of beach that fall within the city boundary.10 Open
space and preserves owned by OC Parks include Upper Newport Bay Regional Park, which is a nature preserve with a
learning center and recreational areas.11 The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a coastal canyon over 7,000 acres,
982 acres of which falls within Newport Beach, and forms part of the South Coast Wilderness area, which
8 California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2023, “Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve,” web page, accessed at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Upper-Newport-Bay-ER.
9 California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2023, “Crystal Cove Marine Conservation Area,” web page, accessed at https://wildlife.
ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/Crystal-Cove.
10 California Department of Parks and Recreation, 2023, “Crystal Cove State Park,” web page, accessed at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=644.
11 OC Parks, 2023, “Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve,” web page, accessed at https://www.ocparks.com/parks-trails/upper-
newport-bay-nature-preserve.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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encompasses other parks and open spaces totaling almost 20,000 acres.12 The Newport Dunes Aquatic Park
encompasses 66 acres of private managed aquatic facilities and rentals on County-owned land.13
Summary of Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities by Service Area
No one park type dominates across the 12 service areas. The number of park types within a service area varies
based on the nature of the physical geographic area; for example, a service area with a canyon or bay may have
more view parks than a more urbanized and developed service area. The following list highlights the dominant park
types by service area, excluding open space and schools:
Service Area 1, West Newport: neighborhood parks
Service Area 2, Balboa Peninsula: mini parks and public beaches
Service Area 3, Newport Heights/Upper Bay: view parks
Service Area 4, Santa Ana Heights: no significant trend; 1 neighborhood and 1 mini park
Service Area 5, Lower Bay: no significant trend; 1 mini park
Service Area 6, Balboa Island: no significant trend; 1 neighborhood park
Service Area 7, Eastbluff/Newport North: no significant trend; 1 neighborhood park; 1 community park;
1 view park
Service Area 8, Big Canyon/Belcourt: none
Service Area 9, Newport Center: community park
Service Area 10, Corona del Mar: neighborhood park
Service Area 11, Harbor View: community park
Service Area 12, Newport Coast: view park
Service areas where schools offer a relatively significant acreage to total parkland and recreational facilities include
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Heights/Upper Bay, and Eastbluff/Newport North.
4.2.2 Park and Recreation Access
Parks are a great public amenity, and the ability for residents to access parks without driving provides an outlet for
exercise, reduces traffic and air pollution. Promoting equitable access to parks can improve quality of life for
residents. To further understand park accessibility, a walkability analysis was conducted that connected each parcel
in Newport Beach with the nearest park entrance using the roadway network. This provided the length of time it
would take to walk to the nearest public park for each parcel, assuming sidewalks are adequate and the person is
moving at a speed of 3 mph. This type of analysis provides a more accurate portrayal of walk times than an analysis
that looks at walkability based on how the crow flies, using a mileage buffer around parks to understand how close
residents are to the park.
Table 3 identifies the percentage of the population and residential land within walking distance of a City park based
on five different time brackets. As you can see, many residents are able to walk to a park in under 10 minutes and
12 OC Parks, 2023, “Laguna Coast Wilderness Park,” web page, accessed at https://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast.
13 Visit Newport Beach, 2023, “Back Bay: Newport Dunes Water Park,” web page, accessed at https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/
activities-and-attractions/newport-dunes-water-park/.
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almost 50% of residential land in Newport Beach is within a 10-minute walk to a park. While about 30% of
residential land in Newport Beach is 15 minutes’ walking distance or more from a park, less than 15% of residents
live within these areas.
Table 3. City Park Walk Access
Walking Time to a City Park
Percentage of
Population Citywide
Percentage of
Residential Areas
0–5 minutes 36.4% 26.2%
5–10 minutes 29.4% 23.6%
10–15 minutes 19.8% 19.5%
15–30 minutes 11.8% 20.9%
30+ minutes 2.6% 9.8%
Source: Urban Footprint Parcel data; Newport Beach Parks data.14
Figure 3, City Pedestrian Access, depicts park access across Newport Beach and Figure 4, Residential Pedestrian
Access, highlights park access from residential areas of Newport Beach. It should be noted that these figures are
not a perfect representation of park access, because private parks, schools with open recreation access, or parks
outside the city limits may provide additional access for some Newport Beach residents, and some land uses such
as open space, preserves, golf courses, or beaches may not count as a park for this assessment but can provide
overlapping benefits for residents.
The most pronounced pocket of reduced access is in the southeastern portion of Newport Beach; however, as
previously noted, this area is an example of access to parks that fall outside the city limits because it abuts
Crystal Cove State Park. There are other pockets throughout Newport Beach with less park access, generally falling
within the Newport Coast Service Area and in the Newport Heights/Upper Bay Service Area because those locations
include large swaths of conserved land and open space that may not be directly accessed by surrounding residents
and access points may fall within a farther walking distance. Overall, residents have very good city park access
within Newport Beach and as noted in Table 3, most of the residential land in Newport Beach is within 10 minutes’
walk of a park, as illustrated by Figure 4, and where park access is more limited according to the walkability analysis
there are generally nearby proxies that offer similar amenities to a park.
14 GreenInfo Network, 2021, “Urban Footprint Parks and Open Space,” California Protected Areas Database, GIS data, accessed at https://www.calands.org/cpad/.
City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Service Area GIS data, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/
government/departments/city-manager-s-office/information-technology-city-division/gis-mapping/data-catalog.
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Figure 3. City Pedestrian Park Access
Source: Dudek, Urban Foorprint Walkability based on Newport Beach Parks GIS data.
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Figure 4. Residential Pedestrian Park Access
Source: Dudek, Urban Foorprint Walkability based on Newport Beach Parks GIS data.
While access to nearby parks without driving has multiple benefits, consideration of parking availability is also an
important factor in analyzing accessibility to parks, given that some parks are intended to serve a larger population
(see Section 4.1.1), including tourists, who are likely not within walking distance. Parking availability is also
necessary to ensure equitable access for residents of Newport Beach who may want to visit park types that are not
within walking distance; for example, residents who live in a more urbanized service area and may want to access
a hiking trail at a view park.
This analysis considers parking adequacy for park types that are meant to serve a larger population or that are
specific to a geographic area; the specific criteria considered include community parks, neighborhood parks with
community facilities or access to trails, public beaches, and view parks with access to trails. Based on a review of
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Table 2 and the criteria described, most parks in Newport Beach have adequate parking access except for four
parks, three of which—Balboa Island Park, Harbor View Nature Park, and Harbor Watch Park—are limited to street
parking and one of which—Canyon Watch Park—has a small parking lot.
4.2.3 Recreation and Community Services
Programming at parks, community facilities, and schools offered within a city encourage a diversification of park
users; activate public spaces; and increase benefits, such as social interactions and other health benefits, for
residents. This section summarizes programming and services related to recreational activities by service groups,
including youth, seniors, and the general population based on the City’s Recreation and Senior Services Department
website.15 For more details related to other educational and arts and cultural programming, refer to the Arts and
Cultural Existing Conditions and Background Analysis.
The City’s Recreation and Senior Services Department provides a wide variety and substantial number of services
and programming to engage all residents both year-round and seasonally. The majority of the department’s
programming targets youth and senior populations, offering opportunities for recreational activities; educational
programming, such as music classes; and services such as tax assistance and transportation for the senior
population. However, there are also several programs available for all age groups. Programming and events are
also published seasonally through the Newport Navigator. The Newport Navigator also provides information on
programming offered outside of those listed by the City’s Recreation and Senior Services Department, such as
guided hikes and restoration efforts led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
Youth Centered Programming
After Class Enrichment. After Class Enrichment is a series of programs designed to enhance school curriculum by
providing instruction of recreational activities after school dismissal. This program runs during the school year, and
includes three seasons: fall, winter, and spring. After Class Enrichment occurs at elementary schools, including
Harbor View Elementary, Mariners Elementary, Newport Coast Elementary, Newport Heights Elementary,
Newport Elementary, Eastbluff Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary.16 The types of recreation programming vary by
school and include activities such as skating, volleyball, and tennis.
Aquatics and Water Sports. Summer swim lessons are offered at Newport Harbor High School and
Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center at Corona del Mar High School. This includes offerings for all ages, including
several levels for youth, preschool, and “parent and me” classes, as well as private lessons. There are also surf
lessons, stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals, and sailing. Surf lessons are held at 28th Street, and all other
offerings are at the Marina Park Sailing and Boating Center (Balboa Peninsula Service Area). 17
Camps. There are seasonal camps offered for youth covering several different topics, including art and theater,
beach and bay, general day camp, special interests, sports and fitness, and STEM (science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics). There are also camps offered for preschoolers. Camps are held at the Newport Coast Community
15 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Recreation and Senior Services Department,” web page accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.
gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services.
16 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “After Class Enrichment,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services/ace.
17 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Classes,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/
recreation-senior-services/classes.
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Center (Newport Coast Service Area), Community Youth Center (Harbor View Service Area), Corona del Mar State
Beach (Corona del Mar Service Area), and Marina Park Community Center (Balboa Peninsula Service Area).18
Senior Centered Programming
Senior Services/OASIS Senior Center. The City’s OASIS Senior Center offers many educational and recreational
classes, special events, and a variety of social services. Social services include health screenings, legal/tax
assistance, scam prevention, home assistance repair programs, and support groups. There is a fitness center
available with membership for people 50 and older. A transportation program is also available within
Newport Beach for people 60 and older who are no longer able to drive. Furthermore, a weekday lunch program is
provided at the OASIS Senior Center.19
General Population Programming
Classes. Each season there is a new slate of classes offered by City instructors. Classes are offered depending on
age levels and include preschool, youth and teens, adults, and older adults. The classes cover topics including arts
and theatre, dance, enrichment, gymnastics, health and fitness, and sports. Depending on the age group there are
also other offerings: youth and teens also have music classes; adults have dog training classes; and older adults
have foreign language, games, and technology classes.20
Classes for older adults all occur at the OASIS Senior Center, while the other age group classes have varied locations
depending on the particular class, including the Newport Coast Community Center (Newport Coast Service Area),
Marina Park Community Center (Balboa Peninsula Service Area), Community Youth Center (Harbor View Service
Area), Corona Del Mar State Beach (Corona del Mar Service Area), Newport Beach Golf Course, Cliff Drive Park and
Community Center (Newport Heights/Upper Bay Service Area), Westcliff Park (Newport Heights/Upper Bay Service
Area), Newport Elementary School, Lisa Albert Art Studio, Portal Languages School Costa Mesa, Odyssey Dance
Academy, and online.
Facility Rentals. The City picnic and grass areas within Newport Beach parks, as well as classrooms and banquet
facilities in various community centers, may be reserved. In addition, the City allows weddings at the beach on a
first-come, first-served basis with restrictions and also allows weddings at parks with reservations, certain
restrictions, and potentially a Special Event Permit.21
Youth and Adult Sports. The City offers several sports leagues for youth, adults, and participants with special needs.
For adults the sports include basketball, kickball, soccer, softball, volleyball, sand sports, pickleball, and tennis. For
youth, there is track and field, flag football, and specific classes like sailing, basketball, volleyball, cheer, tennis,
and more. For people with special needs, the City partners with Friendship Circle OC, which runs Basketball Buddies
and Soccer Stars. Locations for each sport vary depending on the facilities needed, and are provided in Table 4.
18 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Classes,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services/classes.
19 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “OASIS Senior Center,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/
departments/recreation-senior-services/senior-services-oasis-senior-center.
20 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Classes,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services/classes.
21 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Facility Rentals,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/
departments/recreation-senior-services/facility-rentals.
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Table 4. Sport Offerings, Facilities, and Locations
Sport Offered Locations Service Areas
Basketball Eastbluff Boys and Girls Club,
Newport Coast Community Center,
West Newport Community Center
Eastbluff/Newport North,
Newport Coast, West Newport
Basketball Buddies (via Friendship
Circle OC)
Newport Coast Community Center —
Pickleball Indoor at the Newport Coast
Community Center, or Outdoor at
Bonita Canyon Sports Park
Newport Coast, Harbor View
Sand Flag Football Sand north of Balboa Pier Balboa Peninsula
Soccer Arroyo Park, Bonita Creek Park, Grant Howald Park, Lincoln Park Eastbluff/Newport North, Harbor View (3×)
Soccer Stars (via Friendship
Circle OC)
Buffalo Hills Park Harbor View
Softball Arroyo Park, Bonita Creek Park Harbor View, Eastbluff/
Newport North
Tennis Bonita Canyon Sports Park, Grant
Howald Park, Irvine Terrace Park,
Mariners Park, San Joaquin Hills
Park, West Newport Park
Harbor View (2×),
Eastbluff/Newport North,
Newport Heights/Upper Bay,
West Newport
Volleyball Sand north of Balboa Pier Balboa Peninsula
Youth Track and Field Davidson Field at Newport Harbor
High School
—
Youth Flag Football Bonita Creek Park Eastbluff/Newport North
Source: City of Newport Beach.22
4.2.4 Summary Park Conditions
Newport Beach exceeds the State and City local parkland-to-population need based on a population total of
88,650 persons for the year 2045, as shown in Table 5, distributed by service area based on current population
percentages. The parkland excess of 115.84 acres considers the City’s current parkland dedication requirement of
5 acres per 1,000 persons, which is beyond the State requirement of 3 acres per 1,000 persons. Newport Beach
has an abundance of recreational opportunities, as shown by the totals identified below, which do not consider
other recreational opportunities such as school facilities, open space and preserves, and private parks and
facilities. Although eight of the service areas indicate a deficit in parkland acreage needs, the data does not reflect
the physical constraints based on the nature of the land the service areas cover. For example, the Lower Bay Service
Area has a significant deficit, with only 0.5 acres of parkland; however, land to expand parks is limited because it
is a built-out island surrounded by the harbor, with many boating and other private recreational facilities, and is
within close proximity to other service areas with a greater number of parks and recreational facilities. As noted in
Section 4.2.2, Park and Recreation Access, most parks serving the larger population have adequate parking access
and most residential areas are within walking distance of parks.
22 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Recreation and Senior Services Department,” web page accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.
gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services.
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Table 5. Parkland Acreage Needs
Service Area
Park Acres
Needed:
2045
Existing Parkland Acreage: 2023
Deficit (−) or
Excess (+)
Acreage Park Beach
Combined
Park and
Beach
1. West Newport 64.6 11.53 58.9 70.43 5.85
2. Balboa Peninsula 20.5 16.25 163.26 179.51 159.05
3. Newport Heights/
Upper Bay
69.6 45.43 11.25 56.68 -12.90
4. Santa Ana Heights 9.0 3.67 — 3.67 -5.34
5. Lower Bay 17.0 0.05 — 0.05 -16.96
6. Balboa Island 13.4 0.28 — 0.28 -13.11
7. Eastbluff/
Newport North
36.4 67.06 — 67.06 30.65
8. Big Canyon Belcourt 17.9 — — — -17.85
9. Newport Center 26.1 20.08 — 20.08 -6.06
10. Corona del Mar 42.2 16.22 17.12 33.34 -8.89
11. Harbor View 67.1 102.84 — 102.84 35.77
12. Newport Coast 59.5 25.15 — 25.15 -34.36
Total 443.25 308.56 250.53 559.09 +115.84
Source: Urban Footprint and Newport Beach Parks data23; Proforma Advisors population estimates (Appendix A).
4.3 Private Parks and Recreational Facilities
There are several private facilities within the city limits, as detailed in Table 6. These facilities are important
because, while they do not contribute to the City’s public parkland inventory, they generally offer additional services
to the public for a fee. For example, while Table 2 identifies that are no public parks in the Big Canyon/Belcourt
Service Area, the service area is the location of a country club. Table 6 lists a variety of recreational facilities
available in Newport Beach, including yacht clubs, golf courses, and country clubs. While some of these facilities
are for members only, others are open to the public for general use of amenities or for specific City-sponsored or
City-organized events that may not be possible in other facilities owned by the City. One notable example of this is
the Newport Aquatic Center, which has certain aquatic activities available to the public.
The Newport Coast Service Area has several private parks that function as semi-public parks open to the public.
The greatest number of private clubs and recreation facilities open to the public are available for youth and
family-oriented clubs such as gyms, community rooms, and active sports fields.
23 City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Facilities Dashboard, Urban Footprint Parks and Open Space GIS data, accessed from https://nbgis.newportbeachca.gov/gispub/Dashboards/RecreationFacilitiesDash.htm.
City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Service Area GIS data, accessed from https://www.newportbeachca.gov/
government/departments/city-manager-s-office/information-technology-city-division/gis-mapping/data-catalog.
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Table 6. Private Parks by Facility Type
Name Description
Open to
Public? Service Area
Private Parks within Annexed Area
Crestridge Park Passive Neighborhood Park: Ornamental landscaping, tot lot, walkway connection to Crestridge Road and Newport Coast Drive West
Yes Newport Coast
Newport Coast
Local Park
Active Neighborhood Park: softball fields,
soccer field, tot lot, basketball court, volleyball
court, jogging trail, pavilions, drinking
fountains, restroom, adjacent to Newport
Coast Community Center
Yes Newport Coast
Newport Ridge
Community Park
Community Park: athletic fields, basketball
courts, sand volleyball court, tot lot, pavilions,
entry court, gazebo, picnic area, restrooms,
parking lot
Yes Newport Coast
Private Recreation Facilities – Yacht Clubs
Bahia Corinthian Y/C Marina, sailing docks, moorage, boat launch, clubhouse Corona Del Mar
Balboa Y/C Sailing lessons, sailing docks, moorage, boat launch, clubhouse
Balboa Bay Club Volleyball, gym, swimming pool, scuba lessons, sailing docks,
moorage, clubhouse, showers, beach area
Newport Heights/
Upper Bay
Lido Isle Y/C Sailing docks, moorage, launching, clubhouse Lower Bay
Newport Beach Y/C Sailing docks, clubhouse, showers
South Shore Y/C Races, parent/child class, volleyball, sailing docks, boat launch,
clubhouse, showers
Newport Harbor Y/C Sailing lessons, sailing docks, moorage, boat launch,
clubhouse, showers, beach area
Balboa Peninsula
American Legion Y/C Boating, sailing, racing, diving, snorkeling
Voyagers Rentals Electric boat rentals Balboa Island
Private Recreation Facilities – Golf Courses & Country Clubs
Big Canyon Country Club 18-hole course, par 72, 6919 yards — Big Canyon/
Belcourt
Back Bay Golf Course (at
Hyatt Newporter)
9-hole executive course, par 27, 645 yards Yes Newport Center
Newport Beach Country
Club
18-hole course, par 71, 6601 yards —
Pelican Hill Golf Course Two 18-hole courses, par 70 and 71,
6580 yards and 6945 yards
Yes Newport Coast
Newport Beach Golf
Course
18-hole course, par 59, 3180 yards Yes Santa Ana
Heights
Tennis Clubs
Peninsula Point
Racquet Club
2 tennis courts — Balboa Peninsula
Newport Beach
Tennis Club
19 tennis courts, 1 junior Olympic-size pool — Eastbluff/
Newport North
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Table 6. Private Parks by Facility Type
Name Description
Open to
Public? Service Area
Palisades Tennis Club 16 tennis courts — Newport Center
The Tennis Club at
Newport Beach
15 tennis courts, 31 pickleball courts —
Youth, Family, and Other Clubs
American Legion Hall (at
Veterans Memorial Park)
Clubhouse/activity center with multipurpose
room (leased from City)
— Balboa Peninsula
Argyros Girl Scout Leadership Center (at
Marina Park)
Clubhouse/activity center with two large multi-purpose program areas, kitchen, bathroom,
shower, and s’mores patio/outdoor area
(leased from City)
Yes
Boys & Girls Club (at
Eastbluff Park)
Gym, activity center, community room, and
classrooms (leased from City)
Yes Eastbluff/
Newport North
Newport Harbor Lawn
Bowling Club
Clubhouse and greens — Harbor View
Balboa Bay Club 1 tennis court, 1 racquetball court, 1 gym,
1 25-meter lap pool, 1 20-yard children’s pool,
1 exercise room, sailing docks, moorage,
clubhouse
— Newport Heights/
Upper Bay
Orange Coast College School of Sailing and
Seamanship
Hand-carried boat launching; crew rowing;
restrooms
Yes
Newport Scout Sea Base Multipurpose rooms, Aquatic Camp and
Summer day camp, classes in sailing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, science and skills,
etc.
Yes
Newport Aquatic Center
(at North Star Beach)
Classrooms, weight room, locker rooms,
hand-carried boat launching, outrigger
canoeing (leased from City)
Yes
Newport–Mesa Family
YMCA
Weight and cardio equipment, outdoor soccer
field, playground, multipurpose courts,
multipurpose rooms, 1 25-yard pool, 1 15-yard
children’s pool
Yes Santa Ana
Heights
Source: Dudek—facilities captured through a Google search of private clubs, facilities, and parks that are within the city’s boundary. Note: Y/C = Yacht Club.
4.4 Planned Park and Recreation Improvements
Planned improvements include improvements to active and passive open space areas, facilities upgrades, and park
expansions. Table 7 lists these improvements by service area and provides summaries of the project descriptions.
The service areas with the most significant improvements include Newport Coast, Balboa Peninsula, and
West Newport, because these service areas’ planned improvements are adding new recreational space and
facilities. This includes the development of pickleball courts at Newport Ridge Park; development of a new
Junior Lifeguard Building at the Newport Beach Junior Guard Building; and construction of a new pedestrian/bicycle
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bridge across Superior Avenue, landscaping, and infrastructure improvements to increase access to Sunset Ridge
Park, including a new 129-space parking lot. Other planned improvements included in Table 7 include maintenance,
replacement, and upgrades of existing facilities and recreational spaces.
Table 7. Planned Improvements by Service Area
Service Area
Park or
Facility Project Name Project Description
Eastbluff/Newport
North
Bonita Creek
Park
Bonita Creek
Community Center Improvements
This rehabilitation project consists of improvements to
the interior and exterior of the community center including LED lighting, automated entry door, new flooring, upgraded restrooms and new paint throughout.
Construction projected to start in Winter 2023.
Harbor View Arroyo Park Arroyo Park
Synthetic
Athletic Field
The proposed project will replace the natural grass
soccer field and softball infield with synthetic turf
and retrofit the existing lighting fixtures to energy efficient LED. The synthetic turf footprint will have
designated lines for a 195- × 330-foot soccer field
and a terracotta-colored infield to accommodate
60-foot softball/baseball basepaths. Construction
timeline TBD.
OASIS Senior
Center
LED Lighting
Improvements
Upgrade to interior and exterior LED lighting
throughout the facility. Installation timeline TBD.
Newport Coast Newport Ridge
Park
Newport Ridge
Pickleball Courts
This project consists of the development of
8 pickleball courts: 6 courts maintained and
operated for public use and 2 courts with dedicated use for Newport Ridge Community Association members. Courts will be designed to USA Pickleball
Association specifications and the site will be
furnished with shaded viewing areas, benches,
trash cans, a bike rack, and a bottle filling station.
The existing Newport Coast Community Center
parking lot (120 spots) and restrooms will be
utilized to support public use of the site.
Construction anticipated to start fall 2023.
Balboa Peninsula Peninsula Park Newport Beach
Junior Guard
Building
This project consists of the development of a new
Junior Lifeguard Building to support the 7-week
program operating annually from late June to early
August. With the continued growth of the
Junior Lifeguard program, the new facility resolves
existing program shortfalls by adding adequate
administrative and event space, expanded storage, a utilities space and running water, a secure
restroom area, and a proper locker room for
Junior Lifeguard staff. The 5,145 square feet of
usable interior space includes a 1,135-square-foot
meeting room and a 1,350-square-foot deck area.
The facility will also be available in non-summer
months for recreational programming, facility
rentals, and a community meeting space.
Construction to be complete summer 2023.
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Table 7. Planned Improvements by Service Area
Service Area
Park or
Facility Project Name Project Description
Peninsula Park Playground
Replacement
Removal of existing playground equipment and
replacement with new lifeguard-themed structure, swings, ground elements, and rubber surfacing. Construction projected to start fall 2023.
Newport
Elementary
School
Playground
Replacement
(Proposed)
Newport–Mesa Unified School District has proposed
removal of existing playground equipment and
replacement with a new shaded structure, swings,
ground elements, and rubber surfacing. A permit application for development on this site is pending
before the California Coastal Commission.
West Newport Sunset Ridge &
Lower Sunset
View Park
Superior Avenue
Pedestrian
Bridge
This project involves constructing a new
pedestrian/bicycle bridge across Superior Avenue, a
new 129-space parking lot, retaining walls, earthwork and grading, storm drain, electrical,
landscape, and irrigation improvements. The
primary goals of this project are to improve
pedestrian and bicyclist safety, improve access to
Sunset Ridge Park, and increase parking availability.
Source: City of Newport Beach.24
Notes: TBD = to be determined.
4.5 Current and Future Population-Based Park and
Open Space Needs
This section analyzes historical growth trends, current utilization, and projected growth based on demographic trends in
Newport Beach to identify current and future population-based park needs from the market perspective. While assessing
parkland needs through a parkland-to-population ratio is helpful in determining acreage of parks needed to serve the
population citywide, analyzing needs based on the demographic trends such as age cohorts and household formations
provides a holistic approach to understanding whether existing park types, recreational facilities, and programming are
meeting the needs of the current and projected demographic makeup of the community.
4.5.1 Demographics Overview
Newport Beach has experienced low growth, with a current population of 83,411, only increasing by approximately
2%, a total of 1,700 people (or less than 100 people) per year, since 2005 (Appendix A). Table 8 provides total
population by service area based on 2020 census data.
24 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Parks and Recreation Related Projects,” web page, accessed November 8, 2023, at https://nbgis.
newportbeachca.gov/gispub/Dashboards/RecreationProjectsDash.htm.
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Table 8. Newport Beach Population by Service Area
Service Area
Total Population (Year) Population Change
(2010 to 2020) 2010 2020
West Newport 12,914 12,411 −3.9%
Balboa Peninsula 4,361 3,933 −9.8%
Newport Heights/Upper Bay 13,729 13,372 −2.6%
Santa Ana Heights 1,483 1,732 16.8%
Lower Bay 3,091 3,269 5.8%
Balboa Island 2,848 2,573 −9.7%
Eastbluff/Newport North 6,870 6,998 1.9%
Big Canyon/Belcourt 3,552 3,431 −3.4%
Newport Center 3,390 5,024 48.2%
Corona del Mar 8,554 8,116 −5.1%
Harbor View 13,173 12,890 −2.1%
Newport Coast 11,220 11,437 1.9%
Total 85,185 85,186 —
Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A).
Age characteristics comparison of Newport Beach from 2010 to 2020 indicate the population is aging; see Table 9.
The most prominent age cohort is 55 to 64 years and the largest numeric growth from 2010 to 2020 occurred in
the 65- to 74-year age range. Based on the latest 2020 census data, approximately 40% of the population in
Newport Beach is 55 years or older. Conversely, age groups younger than 54 years experienced a population decline
from 2010 to 2020; the greatest decline occurred in the 45- to 54-year age cohort, as shown in Table 9.
Table 9. Newport Beach Population Age
Age Cohort 2010 2020
Population Change
(2010 to 2020)
0–4 4% 4% −197
5–9 5% 4% −712
10–14 5% 5% −125
15–24 11% 11% −162
25–34 14% 13% −808
35–44 13% 11% −1,494
45–54 16% 14% −1,895
55–64 14% 15% 1,087
65–74 10% 13% 2,294
75–84 6% 8% 1,574
85+ 3% 4% 558
Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A).
Newport Beach has historically consisted of households with fewer children. In 2020, households with children
made up about 19% of the total households, a 2% decrease from 2010, which is reflected in the average household
size of 2.21 people in 2020. The household formation type with the most children is married couple households;
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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MARCH 2024 38
however, only 14% of married couple households have children, which is low considering this household formation
makes up 45% of total households (see Table 10). The next most common household formation type after married
couple households, female households with no spouse or partner, makes up 28% of total households, with most of
these living alone.
Table 10. Household Formation
Household Formation Type Number Percent
Married Couple
With children 5,525 14%
Without children 11,847 31%
Subtotal 17,372 45%
Cohabiting Couple
With children 270 1%
Without children 2,041 5%
Subtotal 2,311 6%
Male Householder, No Spouse/Partner
Living alone 5,504 14%
With children 515 1%
Without children 818 2%
No relatives present 1,184 3%
Subtotal 8,021 21%
Female Householder, No Spouse/Partner
Living alone 7,101 19%
With children 1,052 3%
Without children 1,161 4%
No relatives present 929 2%
Subtotal 10,698 28%
Total Households 38,402 —
Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A).
4.5.2 Current Utilization
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report fiscal year (FY) 2005 through FY 2022 indicates that residents’
participation in co-sponsored youth organizations and senior transportation services are not reflective of the
population increases and decreases of the age groups they serve. The utilization trends for participation in youth
organizations have been rising even as the total number of people in the youth age cohort has declined; see
Appendix A, Newport Beach General Plan Update Recreation Element Economic Support. The trend suggests either
that there has historically been more demand than could be offered or that youth organization demand has
increased at a higher rate than population growth.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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MARCH 2024 39
Senior transportation services through OASIS Senior Center, which offers affordable rideshare transportation for
Newport Beach seniors over the age of 60 who are not able to drive, has also experienced a decline in services
even though the aging population is increasing. The largest visible dip in both per capita and absolute participation
numbers was in 2020 and 2021, with a slight increase in 2022; see Exhibit A, Senior Transportation Services
Participation. The data suggests the decline may be occurring for other reasons, such as the population over 60 still
being able to drive, decreased availability of shuttles, increased use of rideshare services, or other factors such as
an increase of online services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual doctor’s appointments and grocery
delivery services.
Exhibit A. Senior Transportation Services Participation. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report from fiscal year
2005 to 2022 information on senior transportation services participation in absolute terms and on a per capita basis.
Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A).
Table 11 provides the percentage of service area population by age cohort. The “Empty Nester” age cohort, ages
55 to 74, makes up the largest portion of the population in many service areas. However, in the Santa Ana Service
Area, there is an equal percentage of “Children and Young Adults,” under 24. In the Newport Heights/Upper Bay,
Eastbluff/Newport North, and Harbor View Service Areas, Children and Young Adults make up much of the
population, followed by the Empty Nesters and “Family Formation,” ages 35–54, as these age cohorts typically have
children or young adults living at home.
0.11
-
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.20
-
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
20,000
Pa
r
t
i
c
i
p
a
t
i
o
n
p
e
r
C
a
p
i
t
a
Pa
r
t
i
c
i
p
a
t
i
o
n
Senior Transportation Services Per Capita Participation
Linear (Per Capita Participation)
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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MARCH 2024 40
Table 11. Age Cohort by Service Area
Service Area
Name
Percentage of Service Area Population by Age Cohort (2020)
Children &
Young Adults
Under 24
Young
Workers
25–34
Family
Formation
35–54
Empty
Nesters
55–74
Seniors
75+
West Newport 23.0% 25.5% 22.1% 9.6% 23.0%
Balboa Peninsula 19.7% 17.9% 21.7% 28.6% 12.1%
Newport Heights/
Upper Bay
28.7% 13.2% 25.1% 24.6% 8.3%
Santa Ana Heights 25.9% 14.7% 24.8% 25.9% 8.7%
Lower Bay 15.6% 9.2% 19.2% 36.9% 19.1%
Balboa Island 15.3% 9.9% 16.6% 36.7% 21.5%
Eastbluff/Newport North 26.6% 12.1% 24.8% 25.3% 11.2%
Big Canyon/Belcourt 22.5% 5.5% 18.8% 33.7% 19.4%
Newport Center 13.8% 17.4% 27.1% 27.7% 14.0%
Corona del Mar 18.3% 10.7% 24.7% 33.5% 12.8%
Harbor View 27.5% 7.9% 24.0% 26.6% 14.0%
Newport Coast 28.7% 7.1% 26.0% 30.5% 7.7%
Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A).
Most service areas meet the recreational needs of the existing population, offering a balance of passive recreation
with ADA accessibility and youth and adult sports facilities and play areas. However, there are three service areas
where there is a gap between the existing makeup of the community and the types of recreational facilities and the
age groups they serve. In Newport Heights/Upper Bay, which is the most populated service area based on Table 8,
the Children and Young Adults, Young Workers, and Family Formation age cohort make up about 63% of the service
area’s population but there is only one community park and one neighborhood park that include amenities that are
typically utilized by those age groups, such as sports fields and tennis courts, play areas, and gymnasiums. The
remaining recreational facilities include the view parks, public beach, and school park types. Newport Coast also
experiences a recreational gap because it has a large percentage of the Children and Young Adults age cohort
compared to other service areas and within its service area; however, there is only one facility with a play area and
active recreational amenities. Lastly, Balboa Island has the second-highest percentage of seniors compared to
other service areas, but there is only one park with active recreational facilities and a small community center.
According to Section 4.4, Planned Park and Recreation Improvements, Newport Coast includes planned
improvements to increase recreational opportunities but there are no planned improvements for the
Newport Heights/Upper Bay and Balboa Island Service Areas.
4.5.3 Needs Assessment
Population projections from 2020 to 2045 indicate the population of Newport Beach will grow about 4%, to an
estimated total population of 88,650, which is slightly higher than the County’s estimated growth of about 3% (see
Appendix A for County comparison data). Table 12 shows the 2020 to 2045 population change in total population and
percentage change. All age cohorts under the age of 55 are expected to experience a decrease in population, with the
greatest decline in Children and Young Adults. The Empty Nesters population is projected to remain static, and the
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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MARCH 2024 41
starkest change is projected in the “Seniors” age cohort (75 years and over), which will double in size over the next
20 years. These estimates suggest that increased demand will occur for recreational activities for older individuals.
Table 12. Population Projections by Age
Age Cohort 2020 2045 Change Percent Change
Children & Young Adults
under 24
21,377 18,422 −2,955 −14%
Young Workers
25–34
11,698 10,557 −1,141 −10%
Family Formation
35–54 24,131 23,948 −183 −1%
Empty Nesters
55–74
20,210 20,170 −40 0%
Seniors (75+) 7,770 15,553 7,782 100%
Total 85,186 88,650 3,464 4%
Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A).
Based on the age projections in Table 12, all service areas except West Newport will experience a significant
increase in the Seniors age cohort because the Empty Nesters age cohort, which will transition to the Seniors age
cohort over the next 20 years, makes up a high percentage of the existing population. This is a significant
consideration for future planned improvements, because there is only one existing facility (OASIS Senior Center)
that primarily serves the Seniors cohort in the Harbor View Service Area. Additionally, many service areas’ existing
facilities will not serve the projected population. These service areas include Balboa Peninsula, because its existing
facilities are conducive for active recreation, including beach recreation, which may not be ADA accessible.
Balboa Island also has the largest percentage of Empty Nesters compared to other service areas, whereas it has
only one neighborhood park with a small community center. Additionally, Newport Coast’s existing passive
recreation parks and walking trails are not ADA accessible. Conversely, Harbor View has a high percentage of the
Children and Young Adults age cohort, which will experience the largest decline (14%) over the next 20 years;
however, most of the park types are geared toward youth and active facilities.
In addition to available population projection data, through the City’s adopted Housing Element, it is anticipated
that the City has an existing and projected need of 4,845 new housing units for the 2021-2029 timeframe. The City
has proposed 5 Housing Opportunity Overlay Zones to accommodate this housing need, which, if approved, will
accommodate up to 8,046 new units. The proposed Housing Opportunity Overlay Zones have the potential to impact
the City’s projected population beyond current projections.
MARCH 2024 42
5 Issues and Opportunities
This chapter lists the issues and opportunities based on the existing parks and recreational facilities analysis in
Chapter 4. While the City meets its parkland provisions under the Quimby Act and the local Park Dedication Ordinance,
the analysis identified seven key issues and opportunities generally related to equitable park access and gaps in existing
parks and recreational facilities compared to current and future population needs. A high-level overview is provided below
and Chapter 6, Recommendations, will serve to help guide the City in addressing these issues and opportunities.
Varying Distribution of Park Types and Quantity by Service Area. The number and types of parks and
recreational facilities vary significantly across the various service areas, highlighted by the parkland
acreage deficit in 8 of the 12 service areas. Although the service areas are important to distribute funds
and closely analyze parks through a localized lens, there is no existing context for the physical geography
and environment within each service area that constrains a certain park type to account for the variation
in the number and types of parks available.
School Facilities as Reliable Recreational Areas. School facilities contribute to park access across
Newport Beach but often significantly supplement recreational opportunities in several service areas by
providing additional, or in some cases the only, play areas, pool facilities, gymnasiums, and sports fields in
the service area. Therefore, the availability and maintenance of these facilities is an important opportunity.
Parking Access. Most residential areas are within walking distance of a park. However, as noted above, there is
an unequal distribution of park types throughout Newport Beach, some of which are not within walking distance
of residents, depending on what area they live in. While parking facilities for park types that serve the larger
community are adequate, there are several view parks (Balboa Island Park, Harbor View Nature Park,
Harbor Watch Park) with access to trails that are limited to street parking and may not be accessible to residents.
Planned Improvements Gap. Most parks and recreational facilities adequately serve the existing population
makeup of the service areas, except for the Newport Coast, Newport Heights/Upper Bay, and Balboa Island
Service Areas. While there are eight planned improvement projects listed on the City’s website, only one of
these projects addresses the need identified in the analysis for the Newport Coast Service Area.
Inconsistent Trends between Youth Population and Utilization Trends. The Children and Young Adults age
cohort population has experienced a decline, but utilization of youth programs in Newport Beach has
increased. Additionally, the analysis highlights the City’s recreation and community services, and
programming is geared toward the youth; however, this age cohort is projected to experience the largest
decline (14%) over the next 20 years. This population-versus-utilization trend inconsistency is misleading
and may create disparities or overfund youth programs.
Underutilized Seniors Services. The population of adults aged 55 or older experienced an increase while
the utilization in senior services, available to those age 60 or older, has decreased. Similarly to the youth
population and utilization trends, the inconsistency in correlation between the number of older adults and
utilization trends may create issues for appropriately funding or tailoring services for the aging population.
Increasing Aging Population. The most significant population trend that will impact the City’s ability to serve
residents’ park needs from a population-served perspective is the doubling of the Seniors age cohort from
7,770 persons to a projected 15,553 persons aged 75 and older in 2045. The City has only one recreational
facility dedicated for Seniors but as noted above, utilization of services for Seniors has declined. Therefore,
the existing data does not identify any trends that may help plan for adequately serving the aging population.
MARCH 2024 43
6 Recommendations
This chapter provides recommendations to address the issues and opportunities identified in Chapter 5, Issues and
Opportunities. Four recommendations are included, which generally provide a high-level policy or program
recommendation or recommend a process for additional community outreach and input.
6.1 Create a Methodology to Identify Park Needs by
Service Area
As the community continues to grow, more park and recreation facilities will be needed to maintain a high quality
of life. With decreases in the availability of vacant public land and increases in the need for local recreation facilities,
new methodologies for determining when recreational facilities are sufficient to meet the populations needs should
be considered. While Newport Beach currently has a Citywide surplus of park acreage based on the local standard
of 5 acres per 1,000 people, many service areas are considered to be park deficient. Opportunities to reassess
current standards may exist, given that the City’s standard is higher than the required 3 acres per 1,000 people.
Because the current approach to identifying park needs and deficits considers population size and acres of
parkland, as the population continues to grow with limited opportunities for new parklands the majority of service
areas will continue to experience a parkland deficit. Additionally, park types are unequally distributed across service
areas because the service area parks framework does not consider physical geographic constraints and existing
land uses that limit the park types available.
While there is value in understanding a community’s recreational needs based on an acreage per population
calculation, there may be other ways to measure the value and adequacy of parks by considering how parks are
used by the community, what amenities they offer, and how easily they may be accessed. The City should consider
a methodology to determine park needs and deficits by service area that takes into consideration factors beyond
the acreage of parks. Additional factors considered could include park types each service area supports based on
its physical geography, existing land uses, and opportunities to capitalize on Newport Beach’s vast and varying
natural resources and landforms. The City could work with the community to understand population needs,
accessibility of park facilities, and park types that offer unique recreational opportunities that are important to the
community. The City could also seek out opportunities to capitalize on existing recreational facilities through
connections such as trails that that could create a comprehensive recreational network. A connected network of
recreational facilities could greatly increase the value of existing resources and the way that residents interact with
their community. Identifying key community values, needs, accessibility, and opportunities for a network of
recreational facilities could help the City tailor park and recreational improvements to the community, which could
in turn provide sufficient recreational opportunities despite a park acreage deficit.
The methodology for identifying park needs should consider how key park destinations within each service area are
accessed by the larger community and analyze those in terms of connectivity to neighborhoods and other
recreational facilities, walking conditions, biking conditions, and parking accessibility. For example, Harbor Watch
Park offers a unique recreational opportunity with access to trails abutting Buck Gully Reserve. Because there is
limited off-street parking and street parking is not currently permitted at this location, there may be opportunity to
increase the value of these facilities and the populations it serves through increased access.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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MARCH 2024 44
6.2 Develop a Process for Strategic
Planned Improvements
There is a gap between parks and recreational needs identified in this report and ongoing planned park
improvement efforts. The current principles for Capital Improvement Program budgeting, which plans for the
provision of public improvements, special projects, ongoing maintenance programs, and implementation of the
City’s master plans, considers the following:
Keeping the community safe
Providing a quality mix of services that Newport Beach residents expect in a cost-effective manner
Keeping Newport Beach looking great
Maintaining a fiscally stable and sustainable City government
Providing government transparency to the citizenry.25
However, to guide decision making for strategically prioritizing planned recreational improvements, the City could
incorporate standardized project evaluation criteria into the capital improvement process to help provide planned
park improvements in a manner that aligns with policies and programs of the General Plan. Such criteria could
consider the following questions through the prioritization of funds:
Has the project been approved through a council approved plan?
Does the project conform to General Plan goals and policies?
How does the project implement one or more Council initiatives?
Was the project previously funded in a Capital Improvement Program budget?
Is the project needed to satisfy regulatory compliance?
Does this project connect to or build upon existing infrastructure to create exponential value in investment?
Are there restricted funds, such as grant funds, included?
The planning process for developing the project evaluation criteria should involve input from residents, community
groups, and relevant City departments to inform the approach. The City could further build upon this process to
remain flexible as unexpected needs arise. To do this, the City could work with the community to reevaluate
recreational needs every 5-years. This could be done through updated data analysis and citywide surveys. Although,
changes in how funds are prioritized, should ensure consistency with the vision and goals of the General Plan.
6.3 Coordinate with School Districts
School facilities contribute to park access across Newport Beach and supplement recreational opportunities in
several service areas by providing play areas, pool facilities, gymnasiums, and sports fields in the service areas.
Agreements between the City and schools to allow public access to facilities is an efficient method for sharing
resources in a manner that keeps costs down and can contribute significantly to the community. Joint use
25 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Capital Improvement Program,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/
government/departments/public-works/capital-improvement-program.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
BACKGROUND ANALYSIS
MARCH 2024 45
agreements provide public access to school recreational amenities. However, such agreements can expire. The City
should ensure that existing joint use agreements remain in effect, where possible. This can be done by maintaining
a database of existing joint use agreements that includes expiration dates. Where joint use agreements may expire
in the near-term, the City should work to secure extensions to joint use agreements. This can help ensure that
currently available facilities can continue to be accessible to the broader community. Further, the City could pursue
additional agreements to build upon existing facilities, this could be through joint development agreements where
the City and school district would partner to build recreational facilities such as new playgrounds on existing parks
or purchase land to build upon existing facilities.
6.4 Engage the Community
There are several key issues and opportunities identified in the analysis that require robust community outreach to
identify and understand the community’s needs. Understanding community needs and priorities can help to provide
clarity on data trends, specifically, as it relates to informing the allocation of funding and resources for programs
and services targeted for youth and seniors. While available data shows a low population of children, there is high
utilization of programs and services for children. Conversely, while there is a high population of older adults and
seniors eligible for the City’s seniors programming and services, there is low utilization of such programs. As noted
in Chapter 5, the Children and Young Adults age cohort will experience the largest population decline (14%) over
the next 20 years and the Seniors population will double in size in the same timeframe. As mentioned in the
analysis, parks and programming offer benefits such as social interactions and other health benefits for residents;
therefore, understanding the actual need is critical information as it will impact the City’s ability to serve residents’
park needs, such as better connecting older adults to existing services. The City should consider policies and
strategies to modify existing programming or develop new programming to retrofit parks and recreational areas to
accommodate the growing aging population. The City should engage the community to understand the need for and
adequately fund programs and services for youth and seniors. This outreach process should form part of this
General Plan Update because these population trends should be considered in the development of policies and
implementation programs established in the Recreation Element.
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MARCH 2024 46
INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Appendix A
Newport Beach General Plan Update
Recreation Element Economic Support Year 2023
memo
Pro Forma Advisors LLC Los Angeles Hartford Beijing www.ProFormaAdvisors.com
To: Janet Rodriguez - Dudek
From: Lance Harris - Pro Forma Advisors
Date: November 9, 2023
re: Newport Beach General Plan Update Economic Support – Recreation Element
Memo Organization
This memorandum includes three sections. The first section presents population growth and demographic information
that may impact the Recreational Element in the City of Newport Beach (Newport Beach). The second section uses
Newport Beach data to provide insights on the utilization and deliver of Newport Beach’s parks. Finally, the third section
projects future growth, by age cohort, to provide market information that might impact the future use of Newport Beach’s
recreational space.
Historic Demographics Trends
Population
Newport Beach experienced its greatest growth in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which preceded the adopted General
Plan. Since 2005, the year prior to the General Plan’s adoption, population in Newport Beach has increased by
approximately 1,700 people or less than 100 people per year.26 This historic growth is small, reflecting a compound
annual growth rate of approximately 0.1 percent. The following Figure 1 presents the Newport Beach population and
associated growth in comparison to Orange County (County). Total population increased by only two percent since 2005,
which is approximately a third of the growth rate of the larger County region.
Figure 1: Historic Population Growth (2005 – 2023)
Source: California Department of Finance (E-4)
Age Characteristics
26 Population estimates referenced are from the Department of Finance and reflect the Newport Beach population on as of January 1st of
each year.
81,678 83,411
102
106
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
100
102
104
106
108
110
Po
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
Gr
o
w
t
h
I
n
d
e
x
(2
0
0
5
=
1
0
0
)
Newport Beach Newport Beach Growth Index Orange County Growth Index
memo
Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 3 PFAID: 10-644.01
Comparing age data from the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census, an important trend is noticed. Newport Beach’s
population is aging. As shown below in Table 1 all population age groups younger than 54 experienced a population
decline from 2010 to 2020, while the population over 55 grew significantly. The largest numeric growth occurred in the 65
– 74-year-old age cohort. Conversely, the greatest decline occurred in the 45 – 54-year-old age cohort. In total, those
people over the age of 55 represented 33 and then 39 percent of the population in 2010 and 2020, respectively. A
consolidated breakdown of age by Recreational Service Area is provided in the Attachment.
Table 1: Age Cohort Analysis in Newport Beach (Census 2010 and 2020)
Age Cohort 2010 2020 Index (2020 / 2010) Population Change
(2010 to 2020)
0 - 4 4% 4% 93.8
(197)
5 - 9 5% 4% 82.8
(712)
10 - 14 5% 5% 97.1
(125)
15 - 24 11% 11% 98.2
(162)
25 - 34 14% 13% 93.0
(808)
35 - 44 13% 11% 85.9
(1,494)
45 - 54 16% 14% 85.8
(1,895)
55 - 64 14% 15% 109.0
1,087
65 - 74 10% 13% 127.2
2,294
75 - 84 6% 8% 129.7
1,574
85 + 3% 4% 122.2
558
Source: US Census
memo
Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 4 PFAID: 10-644.01
Household Formation
Newport Beach has historically consisted of households with less children. Examining decennial Census data, Newport
Beach had and estimated 21 percent of households with children in 2010, which declined to 19 percent in 2020. For
comparison, the County had an estimated 38 percent of households with children in 2010, which continued in 2020. The
smaller average household size in Newport Beach also reflects this dynamic (Table 2). A more detailed breakout of
household formation for Newport Beach is presented in Table 3.
Table 2: Household Formation Overview (2010 and 2020)
2010 2020
Newport
Beach
Orange
County
Newport
Beach
Orange
County
Households with Children 21% 38% 19% 38%
Average Household Size 2.19 2.99 2.21 2.92
Source: ESRI; US Census
In 2020, the city had 45.2 percent in married couple households, 6.0 percent in cohabitating couple households, 20.9
percent male householders with no spouse or partner, and 27.9 percent female householders with no spouse or partner.
The subsequent break out of those estimated to be living alone, with children under 18, without children under 18 (but
with relatives), and with no relatives present are provided. Census data also reports those 65 years or older that are living
alone as male or female householders with no spouse or partner. Based on 2020 data, 32 percent of male householders
with no spouse or partner (1,743) living alone are 65 years and over and 51 percent of female householders with no
spouse or partner (3,589) living alone are 65 years and over. Unique recreational activities for these households may
become more in demand as the population ages in the future.
memo
Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 5 PFAID: 10-644.01
Table 3: Household Formation in Newport Beach (2020)
Number Percent
Married Couple Households 17,372 45%
With Own Children <18 5,525 14%
Without Own Children <18 11,847 31%
Cohabitating Couple Households 2,311 6%
With Own Children <18 270 1%
Without Own Children <18 2,041 5%
Male Householder, No Spouse/Partner 8,021 21%
Living Alone 5,504 14%
With Own Children <18 515 1%
Without Own Children <18, With Relatives 818 2%
No Relatives Present 1,184 3%
Female Householder, No Spouse/Partner 10,698 28%
Living Alone 7,101 19%
With Own Children <18 1,052 3%
Without Own Children <18, With Relatives 1,616 4%
No Relatives Present 929 2%
Total Households 38,402 100%
Source: ESRI; US Census
memo
Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 6 PFAID: 10-644.01
Current Utilization and Park Space
Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services
The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report provides information on the utilization of Recreation and Senior Services.
The fiscal years (FY) of 2005 through 2022 were used to identify any trends associated with residents’ participation in co-
sponsored youth organizations and senior transportation services. Both were analyzed in absolute terms as well as their
use on a per capita basis. As shown in Figure 2, participation in youth organizations has been rising even as the total
number of people in the youth age cohort has declined. The trend suggests that either there has been historically more
demand than could be offered or that youth organization demand has increased at a higher rate than population growth.
Figure 2: Historic Co-Sponsored Youth Organization Attendance (FY2005 – FY2022)
Source: City of Newport Beach and Department of Finance (E-4)
Given the increase in the population over 55 between 2010 and 2020, it could be expected that senior transportation
services would have also increased. However, as shown in Figure 3, this has not been the case. OASIS Senior Center
offers affordable ride-share transportation for Newport Beach seniors over the age of 60 who are not able to drive. This
transportation service, which falls under the Recreation Department, is available for trips needed for medical
appointments, shopping, and OASIS Senior Center classes and events. Again, while the data suggest that the rate of
usage is declining, it could also be occurring for other reasons such as the population over 60 still being able to drive,
decreased availably of the shuttles, increased use of ride share services, or other factors. However, it is interesting that
the utilization of these services appears to be opposite to the previously discussed near-term aging trends.
392,605
4.7
-
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
-
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
At
t
e
n
d
a
n
c
e
p
e
r
C
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Co-Sponsored Youth Organization Attendance
Per Capita Attendance
Linear (Per Capita Attendance)
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Figure 3: Historic Senior Transportation Services Participation (FY2005 – FY2022)
Source: City of Newport Beach and Department of Finance (E-4)
Historic Park Delivery
Currently the General Plan uses a standard of five acres of parkland per 1,000 population. The Quimby Act provides for
the dedication of parkland, or the payment of fees in lieu of land, by developers as a requirement for residential
development. Using the Quimby Act standard, the service standard is three acres of parkland per 1,000 population.
Looking at the delivery of parks since the adoption of the General Plan, Newport Beach as added four new parks (Figure
4) and has continued to have one aquatic and 14 community centers (including leased properties).
Figure 4: Park Inventory (FY2005 – FY2022)
Source: City of Newport Beach and Department of Finance (E-4)
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0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
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4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
20,000
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Senior Transportation Services Per Capita Participation
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Projected Population Growth
The following data is taken from the Department of Finance’s Report P-3: Population Projections Race/Ethnicity and Sex
by Individual Years of Age, 2020 to 2060. The data, which was released in July of 2023, are the most recent population
projections at the County level. At the city level, the most recent long-term population projection is provided by the
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). However, their data was published in 2020 (developed prior to
the pandemic). As such, it is likely that the estimates will be revised downward upon the next release of their next
RTP/SCS growth forecast. For the purposes of this analysis, we have applied the SCAG projected growth rate to the
most recent population projected by the Department of Finance.
Orange County Population and Age Projections
Like the trends in Newport Beach between 2010 and 2020, the Department of Finance projects that population growth
will be driven by older individuals. Their data has been simplified into various life stages, which would impact the utilization
of recreational facilities. As shown in Table 4 the only segment projected to grow are those individuals in the Senior age
category (over 75 years of age).
Table 4: Population Projection by Age for Orange County (2020 - 2045)
2020 2030 2040 2045 Change Percent
Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24)
1,028,153
958,035
930,242
922,308
(105,845) -10%
Young Workers (25 - 34)
417,984
387,965
378,290
372,655
(45,329) -11%
Family Formation (35 - 54)
800,483
764,807
780,838
785,592
(14,891) -2%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74)
715,126
751,804
723,884
708,473
(6,653) -1%
Seniors (75+)
225,443
338,750
470,557
511,433
285,990 127%
Total
3,187,189
3,201,361
3,283,811
3,300,461
96,622 3%
Source: Department of Finance (P-3); US Census
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Newport Beach Population and Age Projections
For comparison purposes, the 2020 Census data on population and age is presented in Table 5 in a format comparable
to the County projections. As noted, Newport Beach is indexing (total percent of the population’s age groups divided by
total percent of the County) lower in Children and Young Adults (under 24 years of age). The Young Workers and Family
Formation groups are comparable to the County while Newport Beach is over indexing with Empty Nesters and Seniors.
While there is no long-term population forecast by age for Newport Beach, it can be assumed that it will continue to have
a population with older residents relative to the County.
Table 5: Population by Age Comparison (2020)
Newport Beach Orange County Index
Number Percent of
Total Number Percent of
Total
Children/Young Adults (Under 24)
21,377 25%
1,028,153 32% 77.8
Young Workers (25 - 34)
11,698 14%
417,984 13% 104.7
Family Formation (35 - 54)
24,131 28%
800,483 25% 112.8
Empty Nesters (55 - 74)
20,210 24%
715,126 22% 105.7
Seniors (75+)
7,770 9%
225,443 7% 129.0
Total
85,186 100%
3,187,189 100% 100.0
Source: Department of Finance (P-3); US Census
According to the SCAG forecast, Newport Beach is estimated to reach a population of 92,000 in 2045. As noted, given
unprecedented impacts of the global pandemic and changes in people’s behavior regarding where to live and work,
growth has slowed in areas throughout California. Using the January 1st 2023 population estimate for Newport Beach
and applying SCAG’s 2016 to 2045 CAGR suggests that the population will grow to approximately 88,650 in 2045.
Assuming Newport Beach follows the County’s change in population by age, the following Table 6 presents a breakdown
of the projected population growth by age group. These estimates suggest that increased demand will occur for
recreational activities for older individuals due to Seniors doubling in population over the next 20 plus years. On a
percentage basis, the greatest declines are for those under 24 with relatively modest change in the Family Formation and
Empty Nesters life stage categories.
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Table 6: Population Projection by Age for Newport Beach (2020 - 2045)
2020 2045 Change Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24)
21,377
18,422
(2,955) -14%
Young Workers (25 - 34)
11,698
10,557
(1,141) -10%
Family Formation (35 - 54)
24,131
23,948
(183) -1%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74)
20,210
20,170
(40) 0%
Seniors (75+)
7,770
15,553
7,782 100%
Total
85,186
88,650
3,464 4%
Source: SCAG; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
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Attachment
The following data is provided for reference to better understand the population and age changes in the Newport Beach
Recreational Service Areas.
Attachment Table 1: Population Change in Balboa Island (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 15.2% 15.3% 0.1%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 10.7% 9.9% -7.7%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 21.4% 16.6% -22.3%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 36.6% 36.7% 0.5%
Seniors (75+) 16.1% 21.5% 33.7%
Total 2,848 2,573 -9.7%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
Attachment Table 2: Population Change in Corona del Mar (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 19.2% 18.3% -4.7%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 14.5% 10.7% -25.7%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 29.9% 24.7% -17.4%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 27.1% 33.5% 23.7%
Seniors (75+) 9.4% 12.8% 36.2%
Total
8,554
8,116 -5.1%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
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Attachment Table 3: Population Change in West Newport (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 25.3% 23.0% -9.0%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 26.3% 25.5% -3.2%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 16.0% 22.1% 37.8%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 8.2% 9.6% 16.9%
Seniors (75+)
12,914
12,411 -3.9%
Total 25.3% 23.0% -9.0%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
Attachment Table 4: Population Change in Santa Ana Heights (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 26.8% 25.9% -3.2%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 9.9% 14.7% 48.3%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 32.3% 24.8% -23.2%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 23.2% 25.9% 11.6%
Seniors (75+) 7.8% 8.7% 11.6%
Total
1,483
1,732 16.8%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
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Attachment Table 5: Population Change in Lower Bay (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 13.6% 15.6% 14.3%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 8.4% 9.2% 9.6%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 24.1% 19.2% -20.5%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 38.1% 36.9% -3.4%
Seniors (75+) 15.6% 19.1% 22.2%
Total
3,091
3,269 5.8%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
Attachment Table 6: Population Change in Newport Heights/Upper Bay (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 29.2% 28.7% -1.7%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 13.4% 13.2% -1.3%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 29.1% 25.1% -13.7%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 20.2% 24.6% 21.8%
Seniors (75+) 8.1% 8.3% 3.3%
Total
13,729
13,372 -2.6%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
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Attachment Table 7: Population Change in Newport Center (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 14.4% 13.8% -4.6%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 23.0% 17.4% -24.0%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 23.2% 27.1% 16.8%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 24.5% 27.7% 13.0%
Seniors (75+) 14.9% 14.0% -6.0%
Total
3,390
5,024 48.2%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
Attachment Table 8: Population Change in Balboa Peninsula (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 20.5% 19.7% -4.2%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 19.0% 17.9% -5.5%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 25.8% 21.7% -16.0%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 23.7% 28.6% 20.6%
Seniors (75+) 11.0% 12.1% 10.4%
Total
4,361
3,933 -9.8%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
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Attachment Table 9: Population Change in Big Canyon/Belcourt (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 24.5% 22.5% -8.0%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 4.0% 5.5% 35.5%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 25.9% 18.8% -27.2%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 33.8% 33.7% -0.1%
Seniors (75+) 11.8% 19.4% 64.5%
Total
3,552
3,431 -3.4%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
Attachment Table 10: Population Change in Newport Coast (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 29.5% 28.7% -2.7%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 7.8% 7.1% -9.6%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 35.7% 26.0% -27.2%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 23.7% 30.5% 28.9%
Seniors (75+) 3.3% 7.7% 133.4%
Total
11,220
11,437 1.9%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
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Attachment Table 11: Population Change in East Bluff/Newport North (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 29.2% 26.6% -9.0%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 11.7% 12.1% 3.9%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 25.9% 24.8% -4.1%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 22.9% 25.3% 10.1%
Seniors (75+) 10.3% 11.2% 8.9%
Total
6,870
6,998 1.9%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census
Attachment Table 12: Population Change in Harbor View (2010 - 2020)
2010 2020 Percent Change
Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 28.5% 27.5% -3.3%
Young Workers (25 - 34) 8.5% 7.9% -7.2%
Family Formation (35 - 54) 27.9% 24.0% -14.2%
Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 25.2% 26.6% 5.7%
Seniors (75+) 9.9% 14.0% 41.0%
Total
13,173
12,890 -2.1%
Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census