Four years following an announcement by San Mateo County and Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to protect Tunitas Creek Beach and create a new beach park, a milestone was celebrated on December 15 at the groundbreaking ceremony for visitor facilities.
San Mateo County Parks, POST, and the Coastal Conservancy have been working with design consultants to develop visitor services, including parking, restrooms, accessible trails to upper and mid-bluff areas, and safe access to the beach.
The 58-acre beach property had been privately owned. Because it was unoccupied for many years, it became a prime coastal site for large parties. The unmanaged use often resulted in huge amounts of trash and degradation to the natural resources. In 2017, POST purchased the property for $5 million and later transferred ownership to the County.
During the groundbreaking event, Supervisor Don Horsley praised the work of local groups that voluntarily cleared debris from the creek and cared for the beach. “They raised awareness of the harmful activity that was occurring. Thanks to them and to our partners here today, what was once a hidden jewel along the San Mateo County Coast will be preserved benefitting the environment while also making this spectacular beach available to all.”
More than $7 million are allocated for construction costs. In addition to project funding from POST and San Mateo County, a Coastal Conservancy grant has been secured. Construction will begin next summer and take five to six months to complete.
Learn more about the Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project
