Boaters and Water Enthusiasts Now Have Easy Public Access to Newport Beach’s Waterfront
Thanks to a waterfront recreational center that includes a multipurpose marina, park, playground, outdoor sports and fitness facilities and community center, individuals in Newport Beach, are able to experience the area in a whole new way.
Newport Beach, CA, USA – The City’s concept for its new community and sailing center on Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach was to create a public space that would provide a ‘window (and access) to the bay’.
The $35 million project, called Marina Park, was first conceived over 30 years ago. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that the City’s vision for the site was set into motion. The City broke ground on Marina Park in February of 2014 and celebrated the grand opening this last December.
The result of the City’s efforts is a one-of-a-kind waterfront recreational community center designed to cater to a wide variety of users. To accomplish this, the City had to create a space that was diverse in its offerings. A broad mix of upland and waterside spaces ensures there is something for everyone.
The marina at Marina Park reveals a focus on function, varied use and the City’s desire for quality. Bellingham Marine, world renowned marina builder, was hired to design and build the marina.
The marina is comprised of two distinct areas – one for transient and day use boaters and another for boating classes and storage of sailing dinghies. “We were able to tailor the design and construction of the docks to meet the unique use requirements and desired amenities in each specific area,” shared Eric Noegel, Manager of Project Development for Bellingham Marine.
The marina’s u-shaped basin includes 23 slips for visiting boats up to 55’ with dinghy storage on the docks and space for in-water moorage of small boats along the walkways. A 200’ long t-head provides side-tie moorage for up boats over 60’. Also on site is a 3-ton jib crane for launching and retrieving small trailered boats.
The west side of the marina is dedicated to instructional classes and launching of sailing dinghies and other small watercraft. This area is characterized by low freeboard docks, extra wide walkways and floating platforms to handle large groups and classes.
The design and vision for Marina Park reflects the City’s desire to create something unique that would be enjoyed by all and could become an iconic landmark for the city. Individuals can learn more about the facilities at Marina Park or make reservations at the marina via the City’s website – www.newportbeachca.gov/marinapark
As the world’s leading marina design-build construction company, Bellingham Marine specializes in floating dock, floating platform and floating wave attenuation systems for marinas worldwide. The company also produces dry storage systems for the upland storage of boats.
