Park Closed for the 4th

For many years on the 4th of July, around 8:30 PM our family has walked to the empty dirt lot at the corner of Jamboree and PCH to watch the spectacular fire works show over the Back Bay. We were always in good company as countless other people strolled down to this ideal vantage point with lawn chairs and blankets, plopped down on the sidewalk up and down PCH and on the immediate hillside in the dirt and the weeds for the thirty minute display. From this vantage point, you can not only see the main Back Bay display, but along the rim of the bay you can see spectacular displays from all over the County including Huntington Harbor, Disneyland, Anaheim Stadium and Big Canyon.

Over the past year, we curiously watched as this lot was landscaped with a cement walkway and hardy California natives and named an official public “park.” We were disappointed as this cliff is an ideal spot to watch the sunset and we had been hoping for a few trees, a couple of benches and grass. But nevertheless it was nice that the land became a city park. This year when we arrived at the unofficial but well known fire works gazing corner, our family and others were greeted by chain link fence and “park closed” signs. Apparently the City of Newport Beach must have been concerned that the couple of hundred fireworks watchers would stray from the cement path and trample the hardy plant material. The actual only practical use for this public park (viewing of annual fireworks) was effectively prevented.

Only in the O.C. would a public park be closed for the 4th of July.