Due to the recent storms, the east end of Goleta Beach closed on Feb. 20, and areas of the park were closed Feb. 13 to 20 for site preparation. The work will occur every day, excluding Sundays, and there is no end date set for the storm response.
According to the County of Santa Barbara Parks website, the east side, including the east parking lot and the pier, was closed starting Feb. 20.
The purpose of the beach closure is to remove excess sediment from the Goleta Slough flood channel. The addition of the sediment to Goleta Beach will increase the usable beach space. The current location of the sediment in the flood channels could pose a danger. If the sediment is allowed to remain in the flood channel, it could cause flooding during the next storm.
The Santa Barbara Airport, Old Town Goleta, and Eastern Goleta Valley flood channels have also accumulated sediment that is planned to be moved to Goleta Beach at a later date.
On Wed. Feb. 14, a crane from T&T Truck and Crane in Bakersfield was dredging the Goleta Slough at the end of Ward Drive. The sediment is being deposited on the Obern Trail in preparation for transport to Goleta Beach.
