Community Invited to Weigh In On Plans For Capo Beach

OC Parks is inviting members of the public to share their ideas and help determine the future of Capistrano Beach Park. The First Master Plan Public Workshop is planned for Tuesday, October 22nd, from 6 to 8 PM at the OC Sailing and Events Center adjacent to Baby Beach (34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, 92629).

Capo Beach Park has certainly had its ups and downs in the past year or so. First, prolonged coastal erosion, the lack of natural sand replenishment, and several years of wave uprush from high surf seriously damaged the sea wall, boardwalk, basketball court, parking lot and sidewalks.

OC Parks quickly got to work on emergency repairs -- removing damaged or endangered infrastructure, installing rip rap boulders and large sand cubes, restoring beach areas and putting popular fire pits back in place. Large k-rails have been used effectively to keep cobble and sand on the beach side of the parking lot, but about 60 parking spots have been lost to erosion. The goal of the first phase was to create an interim enhancement plan by summer 2019 -- a safe place that could be opened to the public. Although not exactly "pretty", the beach was made safe and reopened to public access by Memorial Day.

With short term work completed, Parks management began looking at a long term Master Plan. The goal of this phase is to create a long term vision of Capistrano Beach, with resiliency, safety and accessibility in mind. Community advocates, environmental groups, historical interests and City and County agency representatives have been interviewed by planning consultants. Next, the first public workshop will be held to discuss the master plan process and hear public input on design and possible enhancements. The planning area includes the beach and path areas outlined in the solid and dashed red lines in the aerial map shown above. OC Parks management is eager to hear ideas from the general public to enhance this popular little beach park. Meanwhile, keep visiting Capo Beach Park . Dogs on leash are welcome, too!