Carpinteria approves Rincon Bluffs Preserve design contract

CARPINTERIA, Calif. — The Carpinteria Rincon Bluffs Preserve cleared an important hurdle this week.

The city council voted to approve the design services contract for the project. The preserve will spread across 21.6 acres at the east end of Carpinteria Avenue overlooking Rincon Point.

The preserve is located on the bluffs overlooking the beach on the eastern edge of Carpinteria. This week the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County transferred the Rincon Bluffs Preserve to the city of Carpinteria. The city council also authorized a contract to come up with design plans.

Meredith Hendrick is the executive director for The Land Trust For Santa Barbara County. She said, "Not only purchasing the property, but endowing its operation and maintenance which is going to go a long way in helping the city of Carpinteria make a larger park system that is already going to be cared for and paid for."

Carrie Mullen, who is The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County’s development and communications director said, the project will include construction for an unpaved parking lot. Expansion for passive recreation including 3,500 feet of trail improvements. And also adding 2.5 acres of native plants.

Scott Van Der Kar is the board chair for The Land Trust For Santa Barbara County. He added, "I know the community is very anxious to see progress and that's why I emphasize that it is open and available now for visiting. And it will be getting better and better as we can move forward with those improvements."

Locals like Carolyn Chandler and her dog Charlie are excited the land will remain undeveloped.

"We could be standing right here on a hotel site," said Chandler. "So we're really really thankful that this is all going to the public. And it's all going to be enjoyed by our community."

Mullen said The Land Trust expects a design in the spring or summer of 2021.

The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.