Aptos community cleans up Seacliff State Beach ahead of pier demolition

APTOS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The weekend beach cleanup in Aptos had a different vibe compared to others as State Parks prepares to demolish the pier at Seacliff State Beach.

Dozens of people came to help out, many unable to prevent themselves from taking photos and sharing memories they had of the iconic pier and cement ship associated with it.

"We used to be able to walk out there but then it cracked so we had to move back. There's a way to still do it but slowly we've been moving back as the pier destroyed itself," said Jim who grew up in Aptos.

One of the more dramatic images of the pier and damage it sustained in early January was a small lifeguard tower or hut sitting slightly tipped over on top of the pier.

It appeared to be barely holding on as the wood beneath it dips closer to the sand below.

"The pier has been kind of a landmark," said Susan Cabral. "Tourists from all over the place have gone out as far as they could to see what was left of the Palo Alto."

Although the cleanup serves as a final farewell there's some hope the pier can be built from the ground up in the future.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta shared those exact thoughts as he worked to move some wood from the walkway onto the beach.

"What you hear from the community that lives around here that visits here that's had a tradition of this beach being a part of their families that's something we should look at that we get one rebuilt so it continues to be a part of our lives," Panetta says.

Warnings are posted under the pier for anyone walking along the beach reminding people that the pier isn't structurally sound.

State Parks says demolition of the pier could begin as early as next week.

Meanwhile the campground is also closed.

Seacliff State Beach to demolish pier after storm damages

APTOS, Calif. (KION-TV)- Seacliff State Beach said that the winter storms did extensive damage to the beach, and beginning Friday efforts to eliminate public safety concerns will start.

That includes demolishing the pier. The most extensive damage was done to the pier, campground and seawall.

The pier was deemed to be in a state of imminent collapse and should be removed immediately, said the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

There will be a cleanup Saturday for the beach and community members will be able to say goodbye to the pier.

Hazardous debris in the campground area will be removed this month

As California State Parks, we recognize Seacliff State Beach has been beloved for generations and look forward to working with the community, scientists, and environmental stewards to build resilience to sea-level rise and extreme event impacts so generations to come can continue to fall in love with Seacliff State Beach.

Seacliff State Beach

To keep up with cleanup efforts, click here. You can also donate to help cleanup efforts here.