Council hears Fairview Park master‑plan overview; consultants, tribal group and public flag restoration, habitat and use conflicts

Costa Mesa's Parks and Community Services Department presented a high‑level overview of the Fairview Park Master Plan update at the City Council's Jan. 28 special meeting, framing the park as a biologically and culturally unique urban open space and launching a second public study session set for Feb. 11.

The project team — Parks Director Brian Gruner and consultants Jenny Zell (MIG), Travis Brooks (restoration ecologist, Land IQ) and Rob Hamilton (biologist) — told council the city's 208‑acre Fairview Park contains rare habitat types, a vernal‑pool complex that supports federally listed fairy shrimp, regionally significant coastal sage scrub, multiple migratory and resident bird species and two nationally registered archaeological sites. The consultants described long‑running volunteer restoration efforts, tribal advisory consultations and federal, state and local regulatory constraints that will shape future restoration and management actions.

The master‑plan update is structured as a two‑part study session. Part 1 (the Jan. 28 presentation) reviewed park history and existing conditions, community outreach and the plan's goals: protect passive open space, preserve cultural resources, clarify trails and public access, expand education and enable future restoration and grant‑funded work. Consultants said the plan is intended to align past voter protections (identified in the staff presentation as a 2016 Measure A) and earlier master plans with current ecological science and community expectations.

Key findings and data presented: consultants described the park's distinct landscape positions — the Mesa, bluffs and lower alluvial plain — and a historical record showing how channelization of the Santa Ana River and past fill altered hydrology. The consultants said the largest vernal pool on the mesa is among the largest of its type west of the Mississippi and supports two federally protected fairy shrimp species. They also showed vegetation mapping and iNaturalist records documenting high public engagement in citizen science.

Public response: the meeting drew extensive public comment and a sustained debate over competing park uses. Volunteer restoration groups and the Orange County Model Engineers (OCME) urged adoption of the master plan and emphasized the clubs' role in stewardship, education and community outreach; OCME said it gives tens of thousands of free train rides annually and helps remove trash and vandalism. Dozens of speakers, young and old, described family and educational programs tied to the railroad and called it a longtime community asset.

At the same time, members of Fairview Park Alliance, Fairview Park steering committee representatives and other restoration advocates raised concerns about the Harbor Soaring Society (HSS) glider field, arguing that past grading and maintenance associated with the field has damaged vernal‑pool hydrology and native plant communities. Speakers said some restoration areas were uprooted or disturbed and urged the council to prioritize protection of imperiled species and archaeological resources. The Alliance presented photos and field observations and asked that the council and consultants evaluate compatibility of uses.

Council questions and staff responses: Council members asked for more detail on methodology, timing and the regulatory consequences of plan alternatives. Staff and consultants said Part 2 (planned for Feb. 11) will present technical findings, draft recommendations and be followed…