By Jim Shilander
The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission voted Tuesday to prioritize safety and refurbishment projects, along with additional funding for the Ole Hanson Beach Club rehabilitation project, as part of the city’s larger capital improvement plan priorities.
In addition to the approximately $1.2 million needed to fully fund the current rehabilitation priorities (above the $2.5 million originally budgeted), the committee preferred to fund ongoing projects, such as the rehabilitation of restrooms at the base of San Clemente Pier, as well as new lifeguard towers, some of which will have to be redesigned to compensate for sand erosion at the beach. Other high priority items included rebuilding the steps at the El Portal beach access, as well as the replacement of playground equipment.
All city capital improvement projects must still go before the city council to be placed on the city’s larger priority list. Although it was low priority for the coming year, committee members expressed an interest in re-sodding the currently vacant utility field adjacent to Vista Hermosa Sports Park to allow it to be used for recreational activities. Carnival Colossal was held at the location last year.
