The California coast took a beating this past winter.
Lots of weather, and lots of waves, led to lots of damage. From beachfront property, to beloved surf spot parking lots (San-O), to cliffs eroding on surf spots, and beyond.
Of course, surfers loved the barrage of swell; everyone else, not so much.
One such coastal community that was hit especially hard by the El Niño-fueled season of overactive atmospheric and oceanic conditions was San Diego’s Ocean Beach. The pier, iconic for fishermen on top and surfers below, was damaged beyond repair.
Footage from swells back in December of last year showed waves toppling over the pier, pylons being hammered, and railings on the top being washed away.
But now, city organizers are planning to rebuild.
Related: VIDEO: Gigantic Waves Destroy Iconic California Pier
Multiple new design concepts for the pier are pouring in, with feedback from the community, and plans to restore the elevated ocean platform are underway.
“The Ocean Beach Pier is one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks,” a local ABC affiliate reported. “But before it can reopen, before these gates can get these chains off of them, it needs a lot of work.”
A handful of design concepts have been put forth for the new pier remodel. And while some keep the original concept still intact, some are drastically different. It could be curved, rather than angled; it might have stadium-style seating areas; there might even be multiple levels.
It’s still a long way out before any construction on the new pier begins, but, for many, the real question is…
How will it affect the waves?
Stay tuned.
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