A controversy is brewing in a wealthy California town over a set of whimsical rabbit statues nestled in a beloved local park.
In Newport Beach, residents find themselves at odds over a collection of 4-foot concrete rabbits, affectionately dubbed “Bunnyhenge.” This playful installation has charmed many, particularly children, but not everyone appreciates its presence.
The future of these quirky sculptures is now uncertain. City officials are considering relocating them to make way for a proposed police headquarters on what they deem an ideal site.
This proposal has ignited a heated debate, pitting local lawmakers against community members. The latter are not only worried about the potential loss of Bunnyhenge but also express concern over the impact on Civic Center Park, a cherished open space.
The proposal has sparked a fierce debate between lawmakers and their constituents who are not only concerned about losing Bunnyhenge, but also a large part of Civic Center Park.
The development, one of four proposals, would require roughly a third of the park’s space including where Bunnyhenge sits.
Local resident Nancy Skinner told a city council meeting: ‘We have to keep [the new station] out of the park. I’m just shocked to think that we, with just a small ad hoc committee, made a decision without any significant input from the residents in the city.’
Former Newport Beach Mayor Don Webb also told the Orange County Register: ‘If you take a third of it, it will totally minimize the feeling we have today. I suggest looking across the street.’
Civic Center Park in Newport Beach California, is home to 14 4ft statues of bunnies known as Bunnyhenge
However, a proposal suggests building a new police headquarters directly where the sculptures sit
Councilmember Sara Weber said in a city council meeting that she supports the police headquarters replacing the area of the statues
‘Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think I would be sitting up here talking about the bunnies, but here we are,’ said Councilmember Sara Weber in a March 10 meeting of the Newport Beach City Council, according to the SF Gate.
‘So from a location perspective, central access is extremely important for police operations, response times, and, in my opinion, maintaining a visible public safety presence in the center of our city.’
Other locations or redeveloping the current police headquarters were also floated as potential options, but Councilmember Erik Weigand said building on the park is the best option.
‘We need to study whether the Civic Center even works, but it is the best option at the moment because we own the land,’ said Weigand.
‘If we can find something in Newport Center that is affordable, I’d be happy to support that. We cannot build on Santa Barbara [the existing police station], nor do I support moving all the way out to the airport.’
The 14 bunny statues were installed in the park in 2014, along with two larger rabbits, after the city purchased them for $221,000.
Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman told the outlet that the outrage over the development plans is unwarranted, given that no decisions have been made.
But Former Newport Beach Mayor Don Webb is against relocating the rabbits over fears it will reduce the size of Civic Center Park where they are located
Newport Beach is about 50 miles from Los Angeles and is one of the Golden State’s few conservative areas
‘I love the bunnies,’ said the mayor. ‘Putting it [police headquarters] at the Civic Center Park doesn’t eliminate the park of the open space. I’m a little confused about how all this narrative has spiraled so far out of control.’
But according to SF Gate, if the headquarters is built on the park, the bunnies are likely to be relocated.
Newport Beach is about 50 miles from Los Angeles and is famous for being one of California’s few conservative enclaves.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman, Newport Beach City Council, and the Newport Beach Police Department for comment.
