Dunes to get new digs

All is golden this year, including the giant whale mascot that resides in the middle of its lagoon, as Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort celebrates 50 years as a premiere California beachfront locale.

And a clean one, at that.

Vice president and general manager Andrew Theodorou said the resort also made the list as the 50th marina to be certified by the Clean Marinas California Program, a partnership of private marina owners, government marina operators and yacht clubs in California.

Theodorou took over as general manager in 1999, and said in his nine years at the helm, he’s always been proud of the fact that the resort has stayed on top of the “beautification process,” making sure renovations and upgrades were constantly being made.

In 1958, what is now known as Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort opened under its original name, the Harry Welsh Memorial Aquatic Park.

Soon after opening, the 15-acre lagoon added a 230-slip marina and boat launching platforms.

Two giant, 20-foot fiberglass whales were created. One sat in the lagoon during the summer months and the other remained on the shore year-round.

Over the years, designated areas for sailing and boating, a wading pool, playground, picnic area and souvenir shops were added.

Today, Newport Dunes is a state-of-the art, 386-site RV park with amenities that include individually fenced, double-wide spaces and outlets for cable TV.

In 2002, the Dunes added 24 private mobile cottages featuring hardwood floors, dining areas, spacious bedrooms, screened porches, full-service kitchens and bathrooms with showers and tubs. Those rental cottages are currently being remodeled and given a face lift.

A $500,000 renovation of the resort’s boat launch ramp was completed in 2006, and 2008 will see an even larger project in this year as the resort’s Back Bay Cafe undergoes an extensive renovation.

The new and improved Back Bay Bistro will be more of an upscale waterfront dining establishment, Theodorou said, featuring a retractable roof on the patio that will allow the restaurant to stay open every day, all year.

Special golden anniversary events will include an expanded version of its annual Fourth of July celebration, ending with the spectacular fireworks show guests have come to expect.

“There will be more of a carnival atmosphere with more games and more things for families to do, not to mention the fireworks extravaganza,” Theodorou said.

In December, guests can expect a special anniversary-themed “Lighting of the Bay” tree-lighting ceremony and Christmas celebration that will feature live musical performances.

Theodorou said the resort has already received calls from guests across the country who want to help the Dunes celebrate.

The resort offers recreational activities that include water aerobics, sailing lessons, kayak rentals, windsurfers, pedal boats, bicycles, 18-foot electric boats and, during the summer months, an aquatic park filled with giant, inflatable recreation equipment. Activities include volleyball, movies on the beach, sand castle building contests, and campfires.

And guests don’t have to leave the premises unless they want to. There’s access to a grocery store, pool and spa, game room, fitness center and a 450-slip marina, six-lane boat launch ramp, dry boat storage and conference facilities.

SUE THOENSEN may be reached at (714) 966-4627 or at sue.thoensen@latimes.com.