CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Parks Commissioners to Discuss Expiration Dates for Donated Benches at Tuesday Meeting

The Newport Beach Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission will meet Tuesday evening and will discuss plans to establish expiration dates on all benches donated to the city.

At the group’s May meeting, city staff presented a plan to create a five-year expiration date on all new donated benches, but the commissioners asked staff to create a new plan that included all donated benches, as well as a sliding scale for fees based on actual costs for benches made from different materials.

Currently, anyone who wishes to donate a bench to the city — typically with a plaque to honor a loved one — pays up to $2,000 or more, and the Parks commissioners must approve the request. The benches were expected to be dedicated in perpetuity, with the city covering all maintenance costs. Most benches require maintenance every five years.

If the commissioners vote on a time limit, they would forward the suggestion to the City Council for final approval, and if approved, all benches would require $200 in fees to renew after the five years.

The commissioners first began to consider a time limit when they realized that popular parks, many with ocean views, had no room for additional donated benches. If the new system is approved, benches in popular locations that aren’t renewed could become available to others.

The Tuesday meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall at 3300 Newport Blvd. The public may attend and make comments.

The bench issue will begin with a staff oral presentation followed by a discussion.

Read our earlier stories here and here.