Shoreline Park Safety Improvement Project
The Planning Commission will meet at 1 pm in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street. The public is welcome to attend the hearing and provide comments.
The purpose of the Shoreline Park Safety Improvement Project is to install permanent improvements required as a result of the 2008 landslide and to respond to safety concerns throughout the park and at MacGillivray Point. The project consists of seven components: 1) sidewalk and fencing replacement around the landslide area; 2) fencing replacement and repair in other areas of the park where fencing is in disrepair; 3) new fencing installation to restrict access at MacGillivray Point; 4) bluff-top re-vegetation at the landslide area; 5) relocation of two park benches from MacGillivray Point to locations adjacent to the new sidewalk at the landslide area; 6) replacement of the original park pole lights; and 7) replacement of coastal interpretive signs.
The Parks and Recreation Department completed geology studies and a mapping project to determine the extent of the active landslide and potential for significant bluff erosion at MacGillivray Point prior to developing the proposed project. These studies indicate that the coastal bluff will continue to erode over time and there could be a sudden failure at MacGillivray Point. The bluff around the point has eroded and cracks in the stone wall correspond to where there will be a future landslide. After considering a variety of options, due to the potential safety risk, the City is proposing that MacGillivray Point be fenced to restrict access. The City intends to designate a new area within the park to honor former Mayor MacGillivray.
Due to funding limitations, the Shoreline Park improvements are planned in two phases. The proposed project represents the first phase of the City’s efforts to address safety concerns and enhance park resources. The second phase of the project will consider long-term management needs in relation to ongoing coastal bluff erosion, and the need to relocate/reconstruct important park amenities, including new coastal overlooks, restrooms, pathways and play areas.
The project is funded by the City’s General Fund and a grant from the County of Santa Barbara Coastal Resource Enhancement Fund. With project approval, the Parks and Recreation Department anticipates construction to occur April – May 2012, after the wet weather season is over.