City of Homer

Planning & Zoning           Telephone        (907) 235-3106

491 East Pioneer Avenue                      Fax                  (907) 235-3118

Homer, Alaska 99603-7645                E-mail             Planning@ci.homer.ak.us

                                                            Web Site          www.ci.homer.ak.us

MEMORANDUM 06-146

 

TO:                  City of Homer City Council

FROM:            Homer Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

DATE:                        August 10, 2006

RE:                  Motorized beach use

 

The Parks and Recreation Commission have been reviewing the recent beach use conflicts. The Commission conducted a park walkthrough of Mariner Park on July 8th, and then discussed the beach issues at their July 20th regular meeting. The main points of the discussion they would like to convey to Council are:

 

1.      The adopted Beach Policy specifies where signage, logs and boulders should be placed.  The recent beach conflicts may partially be addressed through the current policy. Signage, boulder and log placement outlined in the plan should be completed, or replaced if missing.

2.      Mud Bay parking areas have signage. Signs need to be placed at Mariner Park and the Airport Access as stated in the Beach Policy and include ordinance numbers if applicable.

3.      The Commission recommends the Administration broadcast public service announcements on the radio before Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day to remind people of the rules and common courtesy on the beach.

4.      Pamphlets or flyers regarding beach etiquette should be available for campers.  The pamphlets should designate user areas.  They could be stocked at the Chamber of Commerce, the camp fee office on the Spit, Mariner Park Kiosk and the fee takers could also carry them.

5.      Maps are available to the public at the camp fee office, showing which beach areas are open to vehicles. This map should be posted at Mariner Park.

6.      Enforcement is needed to ensure safety on the beach for all users. Drivers acting recklessly near pedestrians, etc, is not acceptable behavior.