Ask the Director
What is the latest news about fixing the bike path at Surfers Point?
After years of frustration, we are finally beginning to see progress to fix the Surfers Point bike path and erosion problem. There is now an agreement between the various project stakeholders on how to fix the problem and funds to begin this effort have been received.
A bit of history helps put things in perspective. Not long after the project was built and dedicated, winter storm waves and tides began to seriously erode the beach and dune areas. Portions of the bike path collapsed into the ocean. Emergency measures were implemented in 1992, including the construction of a small rock barrier. These measures were temporary in nature until a more lasting solution could be adopted.
Since the bike path and parking lot are owned by State agencies, the City has limited control over what happens. However, in 1995 the City helped form a multi-agency working group, comprised of local and State entities and the Surfrider Foundation to recommend a plan of action.
There are many diverse interests that complicate solving
the problem. Seaside Park is concerned about losing property and parking
needed for the fairgrounds, State Parks is concerned about keeping their
bike path protected and wants to relocate it further inland, and the State
Coastal Commission and Surfriders Association are concerned about placing
any rock revetment or seawalls that could cause beach loss.
The Working Group has conceptually agreed on a solution. It would:
- Relocate the bike path adjacent to Shoreline Drive and public parking lots further inland.
- Continue to provide public access to Surfer's Point and the Ventura River mouth area via Shoreline Drive.
- Restore the area located seaward of Shoreline Drive to a natural beach habitat and nourish the beach with natural cobble to stabilize erosion.
This plan happens to be very expensive ($6 to $7 million).
Over the last few years the City has successfully received almost $1 million
from several State and Federal sources. This has allowed us to make significant
progress. We are moving forward with a full environmental impact analysis
to satisfy the concerns of all the State regulators and project stakeholders.
In the meantime, the City is working with the Ventura County Flood District
to secure cobble and sandy material from a bridge clearing project that
they will begin this summer. If this material can be placed at Surfers
Point, it will not only allow us to monitor its effectiveness, but will
help to replenish some of the more eroded areas along the beach. For more
information about the Surfers Point Bike Path project, please contact
Rick Raives, City Engineer,
at 654-7870.
"Ask the Director" Questions:
- Some areas of Ventura's beaches are cleaned more frequently. Why?
- Where are the City beaches and how often are they cleaned?
- Are there volunteer groups which help out with beach maintenance?
- How can we prevent ocean water pollution?
- What is the latest news about fixing the bike path at Surfers Point?
- How does the City figure out when to trim trees and how do I contact the City to have this done?
- The City used to spray olive trees to prevent fruit from developing. What happened to this program?
- What is the neighborhood replanting program and how can I get involved?
- Do I need a permit to use a park?
- Reclaimed water - the other water source?
- My street has potholes and cracks. When will the City fix it?