CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

“Pocket Park” Could Be Created Near Hobie Mural

People pass the Hobie Surf shop in Corona del Mar and notice the ever-changing mural on the wall in front.

But some Corona del Mar leaders notice the grassy, sloping slice of land — an area they think could become a perfect “pocket park” if the property’s owner agrees.

“It’s been something that’s been in the back of my mind,” said Newport Beach City Councilman Ed Selich at the October board meeting of the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District.

B.I.D. board member and Corona del Mar architect Ron Yeo has created preliminary sketches that depict an area with terraced walls, seating and perhaps a fountain.

“It’d be kind of like an amphitheater,” Yeo said.

The property’s owner seemed receptive to the idea, Selich said.

Hobie President Mark Christy said he too liked the mini park plan.

“I like pocket park and the renderings they sent me were great, so we’re fully supportive,” he said in an email. “We gave them the go-ahead and we’ll even pay the utilities as we think it would be a nice addition to town.”

Brandy Valdez, owner of B.Candy next door and a Corona del Mar Today advertiser, said she was thrilled with the idea of a mini park.

“It sounds fabulous,” she said. “The city needs more parks. It’s a good thing for families, for everyone.”

Erich Vogel, co-owner of the Vin Goat cheese shop two blocks away, said a park would be an ideal spot for picnickers and others.

“It’s a great idea,” he said, adding that it would attract pedestrians and shoppers to the non-ocean side of the street.

Selich did not know an exact cost of creating the park but said the city could see additional “unexpected” parks fund in the July budget that could pay for the project.

He added that he strongly believes that people would take advantage of a mini park in that location — even if they don’t currently see the need.

“When you provide places for people to sit, they come out,” he said. “If you provide the spaces, people will use it.”

Yeo and Selich will work together on the plans and agreements with the land’s property owner. They did not give a timeline of when construction of the park could begin.