SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Ocean Beach Pier has been closed since October of last year. The 58-year-old iconic structure has been pounded by high surf and damaged to the point that it can’t be rehabilitated. But the creation of a new replacement has many people excited about its future.
” I am really looking forward to it opening back up so people can enjoy and appreciate the ocean,” said Danielle Haulsee, chief science officer at HUBBS SeaWorld Research Institute.
Haulsee has attended all five of the community workshops. The goal is to get public input on what the new pier should look like and what it should offer.
“Our new pier is featuring a lot more open space for the public to be able to use the pier, will be about as long as the existing pier the same length and general shape,” she said.
Elizabeth Schroth-Nichols is a senior civil engineer who says this is what the public wants: a higher platform to protect the pier from rough surf and new features like an elevated walkway, retail shops, meeting space for the public to gather and also shaded areas for people to sit and enjoy the ocean and amazing San Diego sunsets.