Centennial committee plans dolphin statue

June Casagrande

A stunning sculpture of a majestic sea mammal, designed by a famous

artist and standing as a permanent tribute to the village’s 100th

birthday -- that’s how planners for the area’s centennial envision a

dolphin sculpture they want to erect at Inspiration Point.

But parks officials first want to make sure that neighbors see it

the same way. They also want to make sure that zoning codes and

height limits will allow the sculpture.

The Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission next month will

revisit whether to allow a roughly 12-foot dolphin sculpture by

artist Wyland to be installed at Corona del Mar’s Inspiration Point.

“It is a gorgeous project for a world-class city and its location

at Inspiration Point would be a benefit our city, our county and our

state,” Mayor Tod Ridgeway said. “But at the same time, I understand

[the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission’s] wanting to be

careful.”

Commissioners had several concerns about the proposal when they

first heard the matter earlier this month. For one thing, it’s

unclear whether zoning codes governing heights and other aspects of

development in Corona del Mar would apply to the statue. Zoning codes

for the area suggest that structures on the beach side of the street

can’t be higher than the curb, though it’s unclear whether that rule

would apply to the sculpture.

City Atty. Bob Burnham is analyzing the issue to determine whether

city zoning codes would apply.

Also, there’s a question whether the public has had a sufficient

chance to weigh in on the matter. City staff sent out notices to 300

neighbors of the site on two separate occasions and didn’t get back

any significant objections, said Recreation and Senior Services

Director Marie Knight. But parks commissioners want to be sure that

planners have done enough to make sure that neighbors are OK with the

idea.

“We’re going to look at what the actual zoning requirements are

and we need to see additional evidence of outreach to neighbors,”

Parks Commissioner Bill Garret said.

Corona del Mar is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Local volunteers are planning a series of events from Oct. 14 to 17,

including an expo at Big Corona state beach with historical

information booths, food and family activities.

Installation and dedication of the sculpture are planned as part

of the activities. If the Parks Commission approves the sculpture at

its Feb. 3 meeting, the matter could then go to the Planning

Commission or directly to the City Council, depending on the city

attorney’s rulings.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport. She

may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

june.casagrande@latimes.com.