Proposal to restore sand, build headlands, selected
Artificial reef to benefit Oceanside beaches
A plan to build headlands and an artificial reef has been selected from three proposals by international design firms for a pilot project to restore and retain sand on Oceanside’s eroded beaches.
The Australian firm International Coastal Management submitted the concept, and the headlands would be small, rounded extensions of the beach to be built at the ends of Tyson and Wisconsin streets.
The raised headlands would be protected from the waves by rock barriers, similar to the area of the beach that supports the lifeguard headquarters building beneath the Oceanside pier. Instead of a building, the raised sandy surfaces would be topped by pedestrian paths, shade structures, fencing and native dune plants.
Also part of the ICM plan is an artificial underwater reef built of rocks, cobble and sand in fabric containers just beyond the waves between the two headlands, to slow erosive forces and protect the beach. The recommended plan is scheduled to go to the Oceanside City Council for approval Jan. 31.
“Our design concept has focused on delivering a sustainable nature-based approach … using design elements that mimic those that occur naturally in the region,” the ICM proposal states.
Three teams competing for the Re:beach contract made their final pitch Dec. 13 to a jury of 10 community leaders, regional representatives and coastal scientists selected by city administrators. The city announced the jury’s recommendation last week.
If approved by the City Council, ICM will receive an award of at least $100,000 and will continue to work on a final design to be shovel-ready by the fall of 2025.
“The project team will develop final engineering plans and pursue environmental compliance for the winning design alternative,” according to a Jan. 4 city news release. “The planning and environmental review process is anticipated to take one to two years, and construction could begin as early as 2026.”
Construction costs are estimated at $31.4 million, and so far no funding source has been identified. Generally such projects are paid for primarily with federal and state grants.