The National Park Service is inviting the public to share their thoughts on a proposed plan to improve the Stinson Beach parking areas this month.
The park service hopes to prevent flooding, create resilient visitor amenities and improve traffic congestion in the park with their Stinson Beach Parking Area Rehabilitation Project plans, NPS said in a press release.
Before an Environmental Assessment can be drafted, the park service wants to hear residents’ concerns, values and potential solutions to expanding parking services without compromising “natural and cultural resources,” NPS wrote in a news release.
During the summer and holidays, Stinson Beach can host over 10,000 visitors, but its parking areas can only hold 840 vehicles.
The parking lots’ deteriorated pavement and poor soil conditions also means they are prone to flooding from Easkroot Creek and storm surges, the park service said.
“The project is needed because deteriorated pavement and poor subgrade conditions are making it increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain safe driving and pedestrian conditions in the parking areas,” NPS said. “Normal wear-and-tear over time, the flooding of Easkoot Creek, and coastal storm surges have damaged pavement and stormwater drainage facilities.”
The 30-day public comment period will close on Dec. 10. Residents can share their sentiments at the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website, or attend a virtual webinar on Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m.