School beautifies gym to satisfy neighbors

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- Harbor Day School officials hope that new paint and

climbing vines on the new 40-foot-high gymnasium -- at first considered

an eyesore by neighboring residents -- will soften the view.

Last fall, the school proudly unveiled the gym, the result of a year’s

worth of student fund-raising. Unfortunately, the $2-million facility was

not a hit with surrounding residents, who vociferously complained that

they were uninformed about the new building that ruined their views.

Although school officials had received approval for the building, they

almost immediately began mending relations with their neighbors. The

school couldn’t lower or tear down the building, but a committee was

formed to find acceptable solutions.

Using a combination of paint, trees and vines, officials tried to soften

the look of the gym. Councilman Tom Thomson, who became involved in the

issue, says the school has been successful.

“I’ve gotten some real favorable responses from a lot of people in the

neighborhood,” he said. “I’m generally pleased and very impressed with

Harbor Day School.”

The finishing touches are still in progress. While school officials hoped

to have the work completed by the end of February, poor weather

conditions have pushed that date back a little.

“The school put planter boxes and lots of trees on the San Joaquin

hillside of the building and started doing Spy Glass Hill and Ridge for

several weeks, but have done no further work on the project,” said

resident H. Ross Miller. “It could be the weather or money.”

School officials said although the project cost a great deal of money,

there are enough funds to complete the work. Harbor Day spokesman Gary

McKitterick said the nine trees alone cost the school more than $90,000.

“This is one of those situations we’ve taken very seriously,” McKitterick

said. “I’m personally saddened by the controversy. We tried to do our

best to come up with a plan.”

The school, in a further display of goodwill toward the community, has

offered the gym to the city and Red Cross as an emergency shelter.

A dedication celebration is scheduled for March 22.