'Safe Trestles:' Coalition Launches Two-Stage Design Competition To Create Low-Impact Access To Trestles

www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/trestles

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Access to Trestles, one of North America's most celebrated waves, is under threat due to safety and environmental concerns. Currently, over 100,000 people each year follow informal trails through marshlands and over active train tracks to gain access to the surf breaks at Trestles. These impromptu manmade paths present a safety hazard with passing trains and threaten the fragile ecosystem of Trestles.

In response, a coalition of concerned groups organized by the volunteer non-profit organization Architecture for Humanity, are launching "Safe Trestles," an open-to-all, two-stage design competition to create a safe pathway to serve surfers, the local coastal community and day visitors to San Onofre State Beach. This coalition is looking for cohesive designs that eliminate the danger of crossing active train tracks, help to restore marshlands that have been damaged by the present path, preserve and improve vistas, and offer education about the history of the site and the beach marsh environment. The new path should ensure continued access to the resources by all members of our community and adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Steve Long, senior adviser to the San Onofre Foundation -- a coalition partner -- and retired state park superintendent stated: "The San Onofre Foundation exists to provide the community of park supporters with a direct voice in developing a vision for the future of San Onofre and Trestles. We encourage the public to participate in this conceptual design process, offering their ideas for appropriate low-impact trail improvements and at-grade or sub-grade rail-crossing designs that will assure safe coastal access to Trestles for the generations to come. 

We salute Architecture for Humanity for recognizing the need and for creating this forum which will no doubt lead to inspired solutions."