Huntington Beach is bringing a new long-term light show to Central Park East. The City Council voted unanimously to direct city staff to work with the Symphony of Flowers operator on the feasibility of an agreement to bring the show to Huntington Beach. Symphony of Flowers was created by Normand Latourelle, co-founder of Cirque De Soleil and creator and director of touring shows Cavalia Odysseo.  

Symphony of Flowers a “light show”, which will be staged in the northeastern portion of Central Park East, features more than 100,000 luminous flowers and more than 500,000 LED lights, choreographed to classical music to create an immersive experience. It starts with the audience in bleacher seating, before the “ticket-holders” are allowed to walk among the flowers.

I am a deeply committed community member who values the ecological balance of Central Park East. As a dedicated environmentalist, I have the responsibility to raise concerns when I see potential actions that may harm our natural environment.

The installation of a “light show” in the northeastern portion of Central Park East is one such act. This light show is likely to disrupt wildlife populations, especially migratory birds and insects, who heavily rely on natural light cycles. 

According to a study published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, light pollution has shown negative impacts on insect abundance and, consequently, on insect-pollinated plants and their pollinators (Retrieved from Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 2018). 

Furthermore, in the case of birds, the American Bird Conservancy states that light pollution can interfere with birds’ navigation and breeding cycles.

This needless disruption to our environment is unacceptable. We must prioritize the well-being of our wildlife and maintain the natural rhythms of our beloved park.

I urge everyone to sign this petition, sending a clear message that we value our environment and community over temporary entertainment. Let's defend our park from actions that could cause irreversible harm to our wildlife. Please, sign this petition.

Petition to Protect Huntington Beach Central Park’s Bird Habitat

To: Huntington Beach City Council & Relevant Decision-Makers

From: Concerned Residents, Environmental Advocates, and Park Visitors

Re: Opposition to the Proposed Light Display in Huntington Beach Central Park

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the planned light display in Huntington Beach Central Park due to its harmful impact on local wildlife, particularly the bird habitat.

Why We Oppose the Light Display:

✔ Disrupts Bird Habitat – Central Park is home to diverse bird species, including migratory and nesting birds. Artificial lighting interferes with their natural behaviors, leading to disorientation, nesting failure, and long-term population decline.

✔ Increases Light Pollution & Environmental Harm – Excessive artificial lighting disturbs nocturnal wildlife, alters ecosystems, and disrupts natural cycles.

✔ Threatens Conservation Efforts – Huntington Beach Central Park is one of the city’s last natural sanctuaries. A large-scale light installation contradicts the goal of preserving green spaces for future generations.

✔ Causes Public Disruption – Increased traffic, noise, and artificial lighting will negatively impact the peaceful enjoyment of the park for residents, nature lovers, and visitors.

The proposed light show will not only disrupt the natural rhythms of local wildlife but will also have a significant impact on the butterflies that migrate to Central Park each year. These butterflies, including the iconic monarchs, rely on the park's eucalyptus trees as a crucial resting point along their journey. The planned light show is set to take place directly in the area where these trees stand, flooding their habitat with artificial light. This excessive illumination can disorient the butterflies, interfere with their navigation, and ultimately affect their survival. Studies have shown that artificial lighting can alter migration patterns, making it harder for butterflies to find suitable resting areas and food sources. By introducing a large-scale light display in this critical section of the park, we risk disrupting the delicate ecological balance and reducing the number of butterflies that successfully complete their migration.

We must consider the environmental consequences of this project and protect the park as a haven for both people and wildlife.

Our Request:

We urge the Huntington Beach City Council to:
➡ Cancel the proposed light display in Huntington Beach Central Park.
➡ Conduct a full environmental impact study before making decisions that could harm local wildlife.Any impact, whether big or small, is unacceptable.  
➡ Consider alternative locations that do not interfere with delicate ecosystems.
➡ Prioritize eco-friendly initiatives that align with Huntington Beach’s values of nature conservation and sustainability.

By signing this petition, we demand that city officials protect one of the last remaining natural sanctuaries in our community.