For Immediate Release: 8/30/2016
Get Involved in Planning the Future of Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Contact:
(530) 525-9523
KINGS BEACH, Calif. — The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) and the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) are collaborating to plan for the future of the Kings Beach State Recreation Area (Kings Beach SRA). The agencies seek public input on alternative elements for the redevelopment of the state recreation area during preparation of a general plan revision and pier rebuild project.
Kings Beach SRA is located along the north shore of Lake Tahoe within the community of Kings Beach, between Deer Street and Coon Street. The general plan boundary encompasses about 14 acres and over 1,000 feet of the Lake Tahoe shoreline. In December 2015, State Parks in partnership with the Conservancy initiated a revision to the Kings Beach SRA General Plan and proposed a pier reconstruction project at the site.
Below are the alternative elements for Kings Beach SRA:
Eastern Pier Alternative
Minimizes conflicts between different activities by aligning the promenade along State Route 28 around picnic areas and creating a single boat access location. This alternative would:
- Maximize beach and swim areas by locating pier at the edge of the park
- Separate bicycle traffic from beach use by providing a promenade closer to the road
- Provide a large central playground, event space, and lawn with easy beach access
- Remove the motorized boat ramp
- Increase the number of parking spaces and focus more parking on the eastern side of the park
Central Pier Alternative
Emphasizes the central location of the pier and includes an entry plaza that connects the pier and beach to downtown Kings Beach. This alternative would:
- Focus visitor uses near the central pier and the eastern side of the park
- Provide an entry plaza that invites pedestrians to move among the beach, pier, and downtown
- Create a promenade near the edge of the beach that follows existing pathways
- Reconfigure the boat ramp to provide only non-motorized boat access
- Increase the number of parking spaces available in the park
Western Pier Alternative
Spreads visitor use throughout the entire park by locating amenities in areas that receive less use. This alternative would:
- Create a more active area near the North Tahoe Event Center with a new pier and plaza
- Create a park-like experience along a promenade at the edge of the beach
- Maximize beach and swim areas by locating the pier and boat ramp at the edges of the park
- Maintain motorized boat access and slightly extend the boat ramp
- Reduce the number of parking spaces available in the park
Two public workshops on the project to receive input on the alternatives will be held next month. The first will be hosted by State Parks and the Conservancy. The second workshop will be hosted by the Latino Leadership Committee.
September 1
Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 North Lake Boulevard, Kings Beach, CA 96143
September 7
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Community House, 265 Bear Street, Kings Beach, CA 96143
Written materials will be available in English and Spanish. The workshops will consist of an open house with information stations, along with an opportunity for the public to review and comment on alternative elements being considered. Comments, suggestions and additional ideas related to features of the alternatives will help the planning team craft the preferred alternative, which will be presented at a third public workshop this fall.
Below are other ways to participate:
- Get on the mailing list by sending a note to plan.general@parks.ca.gov.
- Visit State Park’s website at www.parks.ca.gov/plankbsra. Detailed interactive maps of the alternatives are available online, as well as online and downloadable surveys.
- Submit your comments on the alternatives by Sept. 12, 2016.
Making decisions about how to best provide high-quality recreation, while preserving the park for future generations, is a big responsibility. The planning process first involves scientists, technical experts land managers, and the public in documenting and understanding the park’s important natural, cultural and recreational resources, existing uses and visitor needs. After considering that information, plan alternatives are developed that include resource preservation and land-use strategies that will best serve California in the long term. An analysis of the potential environmental impacts of plan implementationwill be conducted as required by the California Environmental Quality Act. Finally, the preferred plan will be presented to the California Park and Recreation Commissionfor review and adoption. This process is expected to be completed by winter of 2017.
More information about the plan, the public workshops and the schedule is available at www.parks.ca.gov/plankbsra.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.