ENCINITAS — On May 21, the Encinitas City Council approved the Parks and Recreation Commission’s work plan for 2025-26. The plan now includes a stronger focus on surfing, skateboarding, and beach volleyball. These activities were previously seen as underrepresented in city planning.
David Norgard, Parks Operations Manager and chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, presented the plan. It outlines goals for administration, community outreach, special projects, and recreation services for the next fiscal year.
“This year, commissioners will hike local trails and create content for the OuterSpatial app,” Norgard said. “They will also explore future uses for city land at the northeast corner of Highway 101 and La Costa Avenue—formerly known as Surfer’s Point—and consider a pollinator garden at Pacific View Arts Center.”
The new focus was proposed by Councilmember Jim O’Hara. It calls for the commission to study the needs of surfing, skateboarding, and volleyball communities in Encinitas. The council specifically mentioned the “Moonlight Bowl” skate feature, a project supported by skateboarding advocates in previous public meetings.
“I feel like a large part of our community is missing from this report,” O’Hara said. “I want to see our residents who skateboard, surf, and play volleyball included in this plan.”
Councilmember Luke Shaffer agreed and added that the city should also look into safer bike routes to help young people reach parks more easily.
“We want visitors and locals to safely get to parks, boat houses, and other sites,” Shaffer said. “Creating safe routes off main roads will help keep everyone safer.”
The council approved the updated work plan. They also asked staff to review the process for updating bylaws and to combine similar outreach goals to make the plan clearer.
“I’m advocating for our skateboarders, surfers, and volleyball players,” O’Hara said. “Encinitas is known as the surf, skate, and volleyball capital of the United States.”