Panel recommends benches, tables for park

Picnic tables, restrooms, and more benches — but no city hall — were among the amenities Newport Beach parks commissioners want to see added at the planned Newport Center Park. The 12-acre parcel by the city’s central library has been at the center of a debate over where a new city hall should go, but the City Council has decided several times to go ahead with park plans.

The commission revisited park plans Tuesday at the City Council’s behest after the council learned in March that parks commissioner Debra Allen might have a conflict of interest. Allen recused herself from Tuesday’s discussion, and another commissioner was out of town.

The remaining five commissioners voted to suggest to the City Council that it keep the park passive — no sports fields — but add other amenities.

A council vote is not yet scheduled on the suggestions.

— Alicia Robinson