Seawall/California Trail maintenance occurred late Februrary, 2013

Pacifica Tribune/Paul Slavin, 2/26/13.   "Pacifica seawall gets needed maintenance."   

Sea wall/California Trail protects West Sharp Park

"A work crew from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department spent last weekend doing some much-needed maintenance on the Sharp Park Seawall, the 3,200 ft. earthen embankment that protects the Sharp Park Golf Course and adjacent residential communities. 

The project director, Ana Alvarez, described the work as basically "erosion control," necessary upkeep to ensure the integrity of any structure so exposed to the elements. Heavy earth-moving equipment graded the surface of the seawall, filling depressions and cracks. Some 75 tons of "chert," a crushed rock substance, was used to top-dress the roadway and fill some erosional rills, larger open cracks in the seaward side of the structure. A designated "environmental monitor" preceded the workforce, ensuring the area was clear of protected species. The project may take up to a month to complete, and access may be limited at times.

Sea wall/California Trail at Sharp Park Golf Course

  
Construction of the original seawall began in 1941 and, since then, it has received sporadic maintenance, occasional upgrades, and a few terrific batterings from wild winter storms. Over the years the Sharp Park and Fairway Park areas have grown up within its shelter. Longtime resident Robine Runneals, walking her dogs on the seawall last Sunday, personally thanked every one of the work crew. As a survivor of the 1983 winter storm that flooded her Sharp Park neighborhood, she noted: "This seawall is of the greatest importance to the safety of Pacifica, and I'm happy, and relieved, to see it being maintained."

As part of the California Coastal Trail, the seawall offers magnificent ocean views and bracingly fresh salt air. Today it is probably best known as one of the most popular places in town for leisurely strolls, serious jogging, bike riding or, as noted above, dog-walking."

Note:  Upper photograph taken from Mori Point, by Christine Kelly, Bay Nature.

Posted by Kathy Meeh