A new temporary lifeguard tower has been constructed at one of San Diego’s busiest beaches, and it’s caught the eye of residents, particularly because it came with a price tag of around $2.5 million.
This tower, which looks somewhat like an industrial platform on Mission Beach, debuted in May just in time for the summer crowds. Crews have been busy working on it while also addressing the issues with an older, crumbling lifeguard station nearby.
The design features traditional white lifeguard pods that seem to almost cling to a massive multi-level framework of steel scaffolding and open staircases, all right next to a bustling sidewalk.
Critics have expressed their discontent, viewing the project as a costly example of misallocation of funds, especially since initial reports claimed that taxpayers were on the hook for a $4 million expense for what seemed like just a temporary structure.
However, city officials have countered this narrative, saying the situation is more nuanced. They clarified that the actual construction expenses for the observation tower and a nearby office trailer were about $2.5 million. An additional $500,000 was allotted for design and permits, with the remaining funds directed towards stabilizing the site, connecting utilities, maintaining structural integrity, prepping the area, and addressing safety concerns for the aging permanent station.
This temporary facility is strategically positioned just north of the old Mission Beach Lifeguard Station near Belmont Park, a spot that’s quite popular. Far from just a seasonal installation, it will be staffed throughout the year, becoming one of nine permanent lifeguard stations along San Diego’s coastline.
The previous station had deteriorated significantly, leading inspectors to designate it as unsafe, with observable cracks and a rusted metal frame around the roofline.
Officials noted that they had to construct affordable prefabricated huts for the beach, rather than simply purchasing materials from local hardware stores. The building process demanded rigorous engineering and solid foundation anchoring, particularly as it was erected on the ever-shifting sands of a challenging coastal landscape.
