As a result of your generous donations, the Coastside State Parks Association can fund dozens of projects every year to assist our local State Parks. Many involve supporting the docent programs, maintaining interpretive signage, beautifying entry stations, improving access to the parks and funding many other day-to-day operations. These are crucial and help to keep our parks running.
But we are particularly proud to have also been able to fund several large, long-term projects which will have a huge impact on the quality of our parks for years to come. These include:
Refurbishing the Pigeon Point Fresnel Lens Pedestal
As you know, the Pigeon Point Light Station restoration project is in full swing and much progress has been made this year. The primary goal is to stabilize the historic structure after weather and time have compromised the structural integrity. This process is going well. It has also been a goal from the start to return the first-order lens to its proper location on the top of the lighthouse, but this was not guaranteed. However, with help from the California State Parks Foundation, CSPA was able to approve funding for a crucial step to return the lens: restoration of the lens pedestal and chariot. This complicated and unique mechanism supports the massive lens and allows it to rotate in the lantern room. It has been in disrepair, and, if the lens is to return, this is foundational work that needs to be done first. In May of 2025, this work was given the go ahead.
Repairing the Pigeon Point Lantern Deck
From the beginning of the PPLS restoration project, it was assumed there would be unforeseen issues that would be discovered as reconstruction continued. One major issue found was an abundance of rust and corrosion on the lantern deck. This is the uppermost deck of the lighthouse that holds up the extremely heavy lens and the extremely heavy lens, pedestal and chariot. While it sometimes feels like two steps forward and one step back, we are committed to making sure this project is done in the most sustaining way possible. The restoration is not only for current visitors, but for the next several generations of visitors. The entire project is by far the largest that CSPA has been involved in, and we know how important this is to our donors.
Bringing Solar to Año Nuevo State Park
Part of the beauty of Año Nuevo is its remote and wild. But this also means that it is susceptible to frequent and long-term power outages. As one of the most visited and cherished parks in California, we felt a responsibility to help keep the lights on for both visitor services and safety reasons. One option was the installation of commercial, diesel backup generators, but we felt this was not consistent with our goals of environmental stewardship. Instead, CSPA funded a complete solar and battery solution to make sure that, regardless of the weather, Año Nuevo could function independently from the power grid. This budget request was brought to the board in the beginning of the year. We are happy to report that the system is now fully installed and operational.
Upgrading the Docent ‘Roost’
The Año Nuevo docent program is one of the most important aspects of ANSP. Hundreds of dedicated and inspiring volunteers spend hours in the park in some of the most challenging weather imaginable. In moments between tours, the docents can rest and warm up in a small portable building near the staging area. But this unit was in desperate need of an upgrade. Thanks to a significant donation, CSPA was able to approve funding to improve both the interior and exterior including painting, skirt and ramp repairs, a new sink, stove, cabinets and functional furniture. It was a long overdue project and will ensure that our incredibly valuable docents can continue to do their fantastic work.
New Camera at Año Nuevo Island
The Año Nuevo Island is an incredible place teeming with history and wildlife. When the house on the island was built it was lived in by lighthouse keepers, but now the only residents are seals and sea birds! Except for researchers, no one is allowed on the island, which is why a camera is needed to view this amazing place. Over the years, the weather had taken a toll on the webcam. State Parks asked us if we could help with funding a new camera that would provide much better images. We were able to say yes. Now if you want to study this interesting part of our coast, you can do so with just a click! Take a peek here!
With your help, CSPA has funded these and many other efforts this year. In a perfect world, our local state parks would have all the funding they need to keep the parks maintained and thriving, but until then, they have us … and you! Thank you!