Beach Renovation for Bolsa Chica

For the first time in its 35-year history, Bolsa Chica State Beach will be getting a major face-lift to improve its aging facilities.

The two-mile stretch of beach, which attracts 1 million to 1.5 million visitors annually, could receive $7.5 million worth of improvements to existing restrooms, concession stands, storage facilities and lifeguard headquarters, according to state parks superintendent Don Ito.

Ito said some of the 14 restrooms are old and not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Lifeguard headquarters do not have a first aid or visitors’ center or locker rooms for female employees.

The state may also replace some of the old concession stands to make them more appealing and replace two cargo containers used as storage bins with a permanent facility, he said.

“I think it is a great opportunity for our department,” said Ito. “We are looking forward to a new facility that will last 30 to 50 years.”

State parks officials plan to meet tonight at 7 p.m. in the Huntington State Beach lifeguard headquarters to discuss plans to improve the Bolsa Chica beach. Environmental organizations and the public have been invited to comment.

Marilyn Bohle, a member of the Amigos de Bolsa Chica, said the state should also consider improving picnic tables and widening a bike path the organization uses for its fund-raising run.

Ito said a major overhaul of the beach has not occurred before because of a lack of funding. In previous years, the state has repaired a sewer system that caused numerous closures at the beach and installed electrical outlets for recreational vehicles.

Huntington State Beach lifeguard headquarters is at 21601 Pacific Coast Highway. For more information, call (714) 848-1566.