Encinitas Breaks Ground on Moonlight Beach Improvements

Friday afternoon the community, Encinitas City Council, and city staff members—many of them appropriately dressed in beach attire— gathered at to celebrate the start of a major renovation project.

The project calls for new bathrooms and a new concession stand, which will be housed inside a 600-square-foot building at the bottom of the parking lot. The existing bathrooms and concession stand will be removed to create a bigger sandy beachfront. A multipurpose 950-square-foot building will also go up at the C Street cul-de-sac. It will have a garage for lifeguard trucks and rescue equipment—and the rooftop will offer the public a scenic overlook.

In his speech to the community Encinitas Mayor Jerome Stocks said the project carried special sentimental value because “Moonlight Beach is so close to all of our hearts.”

“For three generations it’s looked like this. Many of us have wonderful childhood memories of coming here, or bringing our kids here, or our grandkids here,” he said, adding that for some, the drastic change may be difficult. “But I hope that people realize we are creating a better place for new memories for the next 50 years.”

Councilman James Bond, who has served for 20 years, echoed that, stating that “we didn’t use to have this playground—but little by little, we are making a more special place.”

Councilwoman Teresa Barth also thanked the Parks and Recreation department for its hard work on the project. With a large group of junior lifeguards in attendance, she also thanked Marine Safety for all of its positive work with youth at that beach.

“This is a fun and safe place to be, and it’s only going to get better,” she told them.

The designs of these new structures at Moonlight are ocean-inspired and incorporate many eco-friendly elements. To get an idea of what the buildings will look like, view the images attached to this story.

The renovation will cost $4.8 million—with the state kicking in $1.9 million grant and the remainder being financed.  

The beach will be closed during construction, which starts after Labor Day and should be finished by late May.

For more information about the project, visit the city’s website.

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