The old and the new side by side. Photo courtesy of California State Parks
The first section of long awaited improvements to the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk at Hearst San Simeon State Park is complete.
The state funded Moonstone Boardwalk Accessibility Improvements project includes several ADA-related upgrades, such as flatter re-routes, ADA parking spaces, and more compliant boardwalk surfaces and ramps.
It involves demolishing part of the 2,243-foot long boardwalk and installing new sections, including three bridges. The new pathway will be relocated away from retreating bluffs and provide emergent wetland and native plant protection and re-routes.
“The boardwalk needed replacement due to deteriorated condition and proximity to the retreating coastal bluff,” California State Parks San Luis Obispo Coast District Superintendent Dan Falat told EBN. “The project will move the boardwalk away from the coastal bluff and include ADA improvements including parking and flatter routes of travel.”
The $1.6 million project is funded by State Parks’ Accessibility Program.
The original Boardwalk that traverses between the beach bluff-tops and Moonstone Beach Dr. in Cambria is about 20 years old.
“It is one of our most popular and most used trails in the District,” Falat said. “The boardwalk allows State Park visitors of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the coastal environment and view local wildlife.”
Rather than closing the Boardwalk for the expected five to six month project, work will be completed in a series of sections to minimize impacts to public use. There will be some temporary road closures in areas of construction during that time.
Grover Beach based Quincon Inc. will complete the repairs and upgrades. Weather conditions as well as material and supply availability could create delays.
In addition to amazing views of crashing waves and fantastic sunsets, boardwalk walkers can spot dolphins, surfers, seals, seabirds and whales. CaliforniaBeaches.com calls the beach and boardwalk “Instagram worthy” and declares it one of the most searched beaches in the state. Folks visiting the area should note that the small white stones found in the beach area are, a form of quartz not moonstone.
