Renovation Underway at San Buenaventura Beach

Visitors to San Buenaventura State Beach can expect to run into major construction and closed parking areas because of a $1.5-million renovation project that is underway.

The renovation, which is funded with state money and includes about half the park, began last week and should be completed by spring, said California parks spokesman Wes Chapin.

The first phase includes installation of signs redirecting bicyclists and pedestrians from the bike path to another paved walkway through the park.

Improvements will include an enhanced entrance on San Pedro Street, parking lots closer to recreational areas, new restrooms and concession promenade and removal of structures from dune habitats.

Designated areas of the park will remain open, but parking spaces in the main day-use area will be reduced significantly, Chapin said.

Planners hope to make better use of a large and underutilized parking lot by converting it into a picnic area, Chapin said. “We’ll definitely see an increase in the amount of picnic sites and open space areas,” Chapin said.

The parking area adjacent to the Ventura Pier and the public parking structure next to the Holiday Inn will remain open during the renovation. Limited additional parking is also available on San Pedro Street.

State parks officials said they timed the construction to begin after the end of the busy summer season.

Project design was by San Luis Obispo-based RRM Design Group with input from park users through a series of community meetings.