The picturesque beaches of Oceanside are set to witness a significant transformation. An Australian company, International Coastal Management (ICM), has been selected for a $31.4 million pilot project aimed at restoring and retaining sand on Oceanside’s eroded beaches. This decision marks a pivotal step in the city’s efforts to combat coastal erosion.
The ICM’s proposal, chosen from three competing international design firms, includes the construction of headlands and an artificial reef, according to a report in The San Diego Union-Tribune. The headlands, planned for the ends of Tyson and Wisconsin streets, will be small, rounded beach extensions protected by rock barriers. This design mirrors the protective structure around the lifeguard headquarters beneath the Oceanside pier. However, instead of a building, these elevated sandy areas will feature pedestrian paths, shade structures, fencing, and native dune plants.
The project also envisages an underwater artificial reef, constructed from rocks, cobble, and sand in fabric containers. Positioned just beyond the waves between the two headlands, this reef aims to slow erosive forces and shield the beach.
“Our design concept has focused on delivering a sustainable nature-based approach … using design elements that mimic those that occur naturally in the region,” stated ICM in its proposal. The Re:Beach project, which saw its final pitch on December 13, involved a jury of community leaders, regional representatives, and coastal scientists, all selected by city administrators. The city announced the jury’s recommendation last week, setting a promising tone for the project’s future.
If approved by the Oceanside City Council on January 31, ICM will receive a minimum of $100,000 to continue developing a final design, expected to be shovel-ready by fall 2025. “The project team will develop final engineering plans and ensure environmental compliance,” a city news release from January 4 stated. With construction potentially starting as early as 2026, the estimated cost stands at $31.4 million, though funding sources remain unidentified.
Completion hinges on approvals from various agencies, including the California Coastal Commission, which has historically opposed hardened beach structures. However, recent trends suggest a shift in their stance, with the commission’s executive director expressing openness to innovative solutions.
Oceanside’s proactive approach, initiated in August 2021, contrasts with earlier plans involving beach groins, which faced opposition from neighboring cities. Mayor Esther Sanchez emphasized the project’s minimal impact and broad community support, marking a departure from previous, more contentious proposals.
Other cities, notably Carlsbad, are closely monitoring the project, awaiting further studies to understand potential regional impacts. “We are continuing to monitor its progress and stay in touch with the project team in Oceanside,” Kyle Lancaster, Carlsbad’s parks and recreation director, was quoted in the report.
The two other finalist teams presented distinct concepts: Deltares/MVRDV proposed a peninsula supporting biodiversity and recreational activities, while SCAPE, ESA, and the Dredge Research Collaborative suggested a sand dune park with a layered beach.
As Oceanside prepares to potentially embark on this innovative coastal restoration project, it hopes to build on the city’s initiatives focused on sustainable, community-focused solutions in the face of environmental challenges. The decision by the City Council later this month could be a defining moment for the future of Oceanside’s cherished beaches.
