Newport Beach Residents File Petition to Force Public Vote on Wave Park Project

City Council to consider next steps at tonight's meeting, including whether to reverse prior approval or put referendum on upcoming ballot.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Residents of Newport Beach, California have filed a petition with enough valid signatures to force a public vote on a proposed wave park project that would replace part of the city's golf course. The City Council will consider tonight whether to reverse its prior approval of the project or put the referendum on an upcoming ballot, either the June 2 primary or the November 3 general election.

Why it matters

The wave park project has been a contentious issue in Newport Beach, with opponents arguing that the city should not lose any of its affordable public golf course land. The public vote will give residents a direct say in whether the project moves forward or not, and could have implications for the future of the golf course and development in the area.

The details

The proposed Snug Harbor Surf Park would replace three holes of the Newport Beach Golf Course, as well as the driving range, restaurant, bar and pro shop. The 15-acre site is part of three parcels that make up the full golf course. While the county-owned northern portion of the course would remain unchanged, the southern portion with holes 3-8 would be connected by a golf cart path. The wave pool facility would include a three-story, 50-foot-tall building for a surf academy, shop and restaurant, as well as a second 40-foot, 2-story building with short-term accommodations. Parking would offer 351 spots, with 95 reserved for the remaining 15-hole golf course.

  • On October 2025, the Newport Beach City Council approved the Snug Harbor Surf Park project.
  • In January 2026, residents filed a referendum petition with enough valid signatures to force a public vote on the project's general plan amendment.

The players

Newport Beach City Council

The local governing body that initially approved the wave park project in October 2025, and will now consider next steps at their January 27, 2026 meeting.

Newport Beach Residents

A group of local residents who oppose the loss of golf course land and have filed a referendum petition to force a public vote on the project.

Snug Harbor Surf Park

The proposed wave park project that would replace part of the Newport Beach Golf Course.

Newport Beach Golf Course

A public golf course that has been a staple in the city for decades, with opponents arguing it should not lose any of its land to the wave park project.

Steven Vickers

A Newport Beach resident who filed the referendum petition challenging the general plan amendment that allowed the wave park project to move forward.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Newport Beach City Council will decide at their January 27, 2026 meeting whether to reverse the prior approval of the wave park project or put the referendum on an upcoming ballot, either the June 2 primary or the November 3 general election.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions in Newport Beach over development and the preservation of public green spaces like the golf course. The public vote will give residents a direct say in the future of the wave park project and could set a precedent for how the city handles similar development proposals in the future.