Step Into the Planner's Role

You've reviewed the six beach access options, explored the constraints, and shared your input across all stations. Now it's time to step into the position of an Access Program Planner and experience the decision-making process firsthand.

As you already know, coastal access programs involve balancing multiple factors: budget parameters, environmental sensitivities, infrastructure requirements, and diverse community perspectives. Planners consider all of these elements when developing implementation strategies.

Your task: Complete two activities that simulate planning decisions:

  • Exercise 1: Prioritize access by beach (each has different access constraints and resources sensitivities)

  • Exercise 2: Select which program access option that makes the most sense (each has different costs and timelines)

Of course, the actual planning process involves several months and even years of analysis, engagement, and technical review—we can't replicate that in two exercises. But these activities will help inform potential action options and implementation approaches.

Ready to begin? Scroll down to get started. Staff are available to answer questions.

Exercise 1: Public Beach Access Constraints

Image showing the overall beach access constraints at Hollister Ranch

This diagram shows the access and resource sensitivity constraints that affect the feasibility of providing public access to the Hollister Ranch beaches.

Shape the Future of Coastal Access

Welcome, Access Program Planner! You’ve been tasked with leading one of California’s most anticipated coastal access programs. Six beaches are available for public access, each offering unique recreational opportunities—from world-class surfing to marine education.

However, opening some beaches is more costly than others due to challenging road access, sensitive habitats, and infrastructure needs.

Your Budget: 20 points

Each beach provides information across the following three categories:

Pros

  • ⛱️ Recreational Opportunities - range of supported beach activities

Cons

  • 🚧Beach Access Constraints - physical or logistical barriers limiting public beach access
  • 🌿 Resource Sensitivity - level of vulnerable biological and cultural resources requiring protection from visitor impacts

Your Task: Decide which beaches to prioritize within your budget, balancing costs with access opportunities and environmental sensitivities.

Exercise 2: Access Methods

Overview of the 6 access methods developed as part of the planning process

This table provides an overview of the six potentially feasible access methods at Hollister Ranch and the relative costs and timeframes for each.

Evaluate Access Options for Coastal Beaches

Welcome back, Access Program Planner! You've selected which beaches to open—now comes the bigger question: How will people actually get there?

Six access methods are being considered, each with different implementation costs, operational expenses, and timelines.

Your Resource Budget: 18 Points

Each access method requires resources in three categories:

  • đź’˛ Implementation Costs - Upfront infrastructure investment
  • đź’˛ Operational Costs - Ongoing expenses to run the program
  • ⏳ Timeframe - How long it takes to implement

Your Task: With limited resources, you’ll need to make strategic choices. Some methods require fewer points, while others need significant investment. Select the access methods you feel should move forward—the choices you make will shape the future of this program.