Don Horsley County Park at Tunitas Creek Beach, a 58-acre property south of Half Moon Bay with a history of illicit gatherings, is set to open as a free public park on August 17. The transformation marks the first major addition to the San Mateo County parks system in almost six decades.
The 58-acre property, which features oceanfront access, soft sand, and 100-foot-tall cliffs, was purchased in 1998 for $3.1 million by a company linked to musician Chris Isaak. In the years following the purchase, the undeveloped beach became notorious for large parties, all-night raves, and bonfires, with visitors leaving behind significant amounts of trash.
While the beach was technically public, access was often gained through unofficial trails, including those traversing Isaak's property, and there were no official public access points. The property's water system frequently failed during winter storms, adding to its liabilities.
A significant incident occurred in 2016 when a San Jose man drowned at Tunitas Creek Beach after being caught by a rogue wave. This event, coupled with ongoing trespassing and liability concerns, contributed to the property's sale.
In 2017, Isaak's trust sold the property to the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) for $5 million. POST, an environmental organization, then sold the land to San Mateo County in 2020 for a discounted price of $3.2 million.
Scott Lombardi, San Mateo County Parks superintendent, described the past issues as "unbelievable" raves and people living on the beach, noting that this era has now concluded. The revitalization project, which began in 2023, aimed to convert the site into a safe and accessible public space. The $19.6 million project was funded by a mix of private donations, county funds, and state grants.
The improvements include the construction of restrooms, a ranger station, a small amphitheater, accessible pathways, and an 80-space parking lot. The park, named in honor of former County Supervisor Don Horsley, who championed its creation and passed away in November 2023, will be open seven days a week.
Visitors are reminded that alcohol, drugs, and camping are prohibited at the new park. There will be no lifeguards on duty, and beachgoers are urged to exercise caution due to dangerous rip currents.
The park's opening was initially slated for the previous year but was delayed due to landslides caused by heavy winter rains. San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, whose district includes the park, stated that the new park is a "jewel" that will protect coastal resources while allowing people to connect with nature.