A wealthy California town is embroiled in a dispute over controversial bunny statues located in a popular park. Residents of Newport Beach are split over the collection of more than a dozen 4-foot concrete rabbits, commonly referred to as Bunnyhenge.
While the sculptures are beloved by many, including children, not everyone is a fan of the unusual artwork. Now, their fate is uncertain after city officials determined that the location could be ideal for a new police headquarters. The proposal has ignited a fierce debate between lawmakers and their constituents, who are concerned not only about losing Bunnyhenge but also a significant portion of Civic Center Park.
The development, one of four proposals, would require roughly a third of the park's space, including the area where Bunnyhenge sits. Local resident Nancy Skinner voiced her concerns at a city council meeting, stating, '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.' Councilmember Sara Weber expressed her surprise during a city council meeting, saying, 'Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think I would be sitting up here talking about the bunnies, but here we are.'
Weber supports the police headquarters replacing the area of the statues, emphasizing the importance of central access for police operations, response times, and maintaining a visible public safety presence in the city center. Other locations or redeveloping the current police headquarters were also considered, but Councilmember Erik Weigand argued that 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. '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.' However, according to SF Gate, if the headquarters is built on the park, the bunnies are likely to be relocated.
Newport Beach, located about 50 miles from Los Angeles, is known as one of California's few conservative enclaves. The Daily Mail has reached out to Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman, the Newport Beach City Council, and the Newport Beach Police Department for comment.
