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Council approves Symphony of Flowers license; opponents cite wildlife and park concerns
Summary
After extended public comment citing bird habitat and park impacts, the council approved a license agreement with Flowers of the Sky Entertainment for a temporary light and water show at Huntington Central Park East and adopted a CEQA addendum; the vote was 7‑0.
The Huntington Beach City Council voted 7‑0 to authorize a license agreement with Flowers of the Sky Entertainment to stage the Symphony of Flowers at Huntington Central Park East and adopted an addendum to the park’s Final Master Environmental Impact Report.
The council’s action authorizes a license and revenue‑sharing arrangement and accepts the city staff environmental review that found the proposed installation and operating plan would not cause new or substantially increased significant environmental impacts beyond those evaluated in the certified master plan EIR.
Why it matters: The agreement aims to bring a multi‑night light and water installation to the city as a revenue‑generating cultural event. Opponents said the installation risks wildlife disturbance, park damage and reduced public access; supporters said the event could produce significant non‑tax revenue for a city facing structural budget shortfalls.
Key terms presented by staff include a one‑time license fee, an annual minimum guaranteed payment to the city, a park restoration fund and a parking revenue share. Staff reported a one‑time license fee of $15,000, an annual guaranteed minimum city revenue of $150,000, and a $50,000 annual park restoration fee; the city would receive 60% of parking revenue and a portion of concession and sponsorship proceeds, per the staff presentation. Staff also said the project would run as a temporary installation with on‑site mitigation measures and monitoring and that an addendum concluded no new significant effects under CEQA.
Public comment was lengthy and heavily critical. Clark Snodgrass, describing Huntington Central Park as a key regional birding area, said the park “is really the crown jewel park for birds” and argued the proposed location abuts critical bird habitat used during migration. Sea and Sage Audubon’s Orange County chapter, represented by Vic Leipzig, submitted opposition on behalf of the chapter citing bird impacts. Several residents pressed for more detailed on‑site wildlife monitoring and for the council to prioritize the park’s volunteers in oversight.
Council members and staff said they had negotiated protections into the contract and reserved unilateral cancellation rights if the event does not meet performance or mitigation standards. Several councilmembers described the agreement as a one‑year trial with contractual provisions to terminate after the first season and said revenues from the event (including parking and sponsorship shares) would help address near‑term budget shortfalls.
Outcome and next steps: The council approved the license agreement and CEQA addendum 7‑0. Staff will finalize the license, coordinate installation details and perform the monitoring and mitigation steps listed in the agreement; the council also instructed staff to keep volunteer park groups informed and to provide a point of contact for immediate remediation if damage is observed.
Ending: The council’s approval clears the way for the first season if necessary permits and operational details are completed; staff said the city will continue to report on environmental monitoring and park condition.
