Back Bay friend finds a name for new park

Deepa Bharath

The Back Bay is almost like a childhood friend to Gary McEachen.

The first time he looked at its breathtaking beauty, he was only

10. Little Gary explored every nook and cranny of the Back Bay in his

10-foot skiff, powered with a five-horsepower engine. At 14, he

acquired a ski boat and skied in the Back Bay, where traffic was

sparse 47 years ago. When he was 21, McEachen was captain of the

Orange Coast crew team. He trained for marathons in the winding

pathways nestled in the Back Bay.

So, needless to say, McEachen was more than thrilled when the

Newport Beach City Council late Tuesday night picked the name Back

Bay View Park for a brand new park still under construction at the

corner of Coast Highway and Jamboree Road.

Plus, the name was his suggestion.

Council members toyed with a few names before voting unanimously

on Back Bay View Park. The Parks and Recreation Commission considered

three other suggestions -- Jamboree Bluff Park, Rim of the Bay Park

and Upper Bay View Park. Commissioners handpicked those names from a

list of 129 names.

Councilman Steve Bromberg said he liked just Jamboree Park because

of the historic Boy Scout National Jamboree, which was held in the

area in 1953. Councilman Steve Rosansky said he would prefer Jamboree

Bay View Park.

Councilman Don Webb convinced the rest of his colleagues on the

dais that Back Bay View Park was the most appropriate name.

“It has historic significance because Back Bay Drive was built to

provide access into Corona del Mar,� he said.

The park’s trails connect to the bike trails on Back Bay Drive.

The park also has a spectacular view of the scenic Back Bay, Webb

said.

McEachen, who lives in Promontory Point, which overlooks the Back

Bay, said he still enjoys the beauty of the area as he drives up

Coast Highway every day.

“Every time I see that view, it’s uplifting for me,� he said.

McEachen saw the Boy Scout Jamboree when he was 10. “It left a

lasting impression,� he said.

McEachen and his wife, Helen McCarthy, have also hosted many

Fourth of July parties in their home. He suggested 60 names, close to

half of the list of suggestions.

“As I started thinking about it, they just poured out,� McEachen

said. Some of his personal favorites among his suggestions are Bay

Bluff Park, Rim of the Bay Park, Jamboree Legacy Park and Spirit of

Newport Celebration Park. Building a park in that area is a great

idea, he said.

“At first I thought I liked it just as it is, raw and natural,�

McEachen said. “But when you enjoy it as a park, that enhances its

beauty.�

* DEEPA BHARATH is the enterprise and general assignment reporter.

She may be reached at (714) 966-4625.