Fairview Park Bluffs Restoration Plan Moves Forward

Costa Mesa awards $533,189 contract to Psomas for environmental planning and cultural resource management of the west bluffs project.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:38pm

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A grid of brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen images depicting the Fairview Park bluffs, rendered in a bold, abstract pop art style using flat neon hues and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the revitalization of this natural landscape.A vibrant pop art interpretation of the iconic Fairview Park bluffs, a beloved natural landmark in Costa Mesa undergoing critical restoration efforts.Costa Mesa Today

The Costa Mesa City Council has awarded a two-year, $533,189 contract to Psomas to create an action plan for revitalizing the west bluffs of Fairview Park. The project aims to address slope stability and erosion issues that have raised concerns about public safety and environmental impacts over the years. Psomas was selected due to its strong understanding of the site's environmental complexity, which includes protected habitats, sensitive cultural resources, and special-status wildlife species.

Why it matters

Fairview Park is a critical open space resource for Costa Mesa, providing passive recreation and habitat for endangered species. However, the bluffs have been degrading due to erosion, posing risks to trails, park safety, and other resources. This project is an important step in preserving the park's natural features and ensuring long-term sustainability.

The details

The west bluffs revitalization project will involve design, environmental planning, and cultural resource management. Possible solutions may include adding plants with deep root systems to stabilize the slope or installing retaining walls, though the latter option could require voter approval due to local measure Measure AA. The entire project is estimated to cost around $2 million, with over $530,000 dedicated to the planning and outreach phase.

  • In 2019, an emergency berm project was completed to partially slow the degradation of the bluffs' slope.
  • On Tuesday, April 8, 2026, the Costa Mesa City Council awarded the contract to Psomas.

The players

Psomas

The company that won the bid to create an action plan for restoring the Fairview Park bluffs. Psomas has a 30-year record of taking on similar projects and was selected due to its strong understanding of the site's environmental complexity.

Arlis Reynolds

A Costa Mesa City Councilwoman who expressed concern about the risk of bluff collapses and the need to address the issue.

Andrea Marr

A Costa Mesa City Councilmember who emphasized the priority for simple and cost-effective options for the bluffs restoration project.

Dave Min

The former California State Senator who allocated $10 million in the 2022-23 state budget for Costa Mesa park improvements, including funding for the Fairview Park bluffs project.

Cynthia McDonald

A Costa Mesa resident who expressed urgency in addressing the degradation of trails and habitats at the Fairview Park bluffs.

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What they’re saying

“There is significant concern that parts of this bluff could collapse, and that could result in restricting access to these areas. Thankfully this isn't happening and hopefully doesn't happen where homes are, but we've seen bluffs collapsing in Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar and further down the beaches.”

— Arlis Reynolds, Costa Mesa City Councilwoman

“We want simple. We want sustainable. We want to keep the existing infrastructure in the park. That being said, if it cannot be done [simply] I want to know now. I want to know how much we need to budget in the future… the sooner we can get that point, the better for the community. But I do not want to hold this up.”

— Andrea Marr, Costa Mesa City Councilmember

“I urge you to get started on this thing. Good Lord, this has been many years.”

— Cynthia McDonald, Costa Mesa Resident

What’s next

The Psomas team will now begin the design, environmental planning, and cultural resource management work for the Fairview Park west bluffs restoration project. The city expects to have a more detailed cost estimate and timeline for the construction phase in the coming months.

The takeaway

This project represents an important investment in preserving the natural features and ecological integrity of Fairview Park, a beloved community resource in Costa Mesa. By carefully balancing environmental protection, cultural sensitivity, and cost-effective solutions, the city aims to revitalize the bluffs and ensure the park's long-term sustainability.