One of our most popular areas in town is The Beach.
It has a lighted walking path that goes around its peaceful waters, boat ramps, picnic tables, BBQ grills, volleyball, basketball, tennis, racquetball, and pickleball courts, a swimming area, the water park, miniature golf, an 18-hole golf course, a splash pad, numerous playgrounds, and lots of green space next to the water. It’s a true paradise in the desert. Our community hosts many events at the Beach Bandshell, and on any given weekend you can see many families making use of space within the park to hold birthday parties, family get-togethers, and much more.
The beach space was donated to the City by Howard & Cesarine Kerr in April 1923. We’ve had public use of this space for 100 years now, and it has certainly changed and adapted over time. Up until the early 1990s there were amusement rides at President’s Park and a large slide on the island. In April of 1963, the cost of the children’s amusement rides increased from 10 cents to 20 cents, then went back down to 10 cents the following year. 1975 brought the city approval to build the Beach Bandshell, which is used regularly for many activities.
Archives show that in 1949 a mini golf course was built by the City in one of the beach park traffic circles. Finished in the spring of 2023, we now have a miniature golf course situated right next to the Municipal Golf Course. If you have spent any time along any portion of the river, you will notice a variety of waterfowl. Some are passing through during migration season, and others are residents. It was noted that on November 1, 1950, eleven ducks took up permanent residence at the beach; we now have several flocks of permanent ducks, geese, and coots.
The island for the beach was created in 1929 and underwent major renovations in 2007. Over the past three years, many additions and improvements have been made to the beach area. Pickleball courts were completed in 2021, and the City is currently expanding those courts to accommodate its popularity. New shade structures have been put in place on the island by the tennis courts and in other areas around Lake Carlsbad. Cornhole boards are in place for use and there is a gazebo by the water park which hosts Saturday evening concerts during the summer. The water park opens each year for the summer on Memorial Day weekend and is a welcome respite from the hot summer sun.
The River Hut is located at Port Jefferson and offers snacks and water recreation rentals. A new walking bridge was installed this spring, connecting the island to the other side of the river which has both golf courses and the Pecos River Village Conference Center. The walking bridge has spots for fishing, space to sit and enjoy the water, and a kayak launch. At one point in time, we even had a pirate ship from the Pirates of the Pecos, The Flying Fiddler, which cruised the river providing theatrical pirate entertainment for its passengers and all who watched it cruise by.
Residents have many fond memories of The Beach. For some it is the most beautiful part of the city and helps them feel like they are not in the middle of the desert, for others it is the memory of going to President’s Park with the amusement rides, the train ride, and time spent with family.
If you have not had the opportunity to visit the beach area in a while, or have never been, now is a great time to go discover it for yourself. With storyboards and exercise equipment along the walking paths, it is a great activity to enjoy with the kids or a walking buddy. Take some time to drop a line in the water, go for a swim, rent a pedal boat and explore the open waters, or enjoy one of the many land activities available for use all year round. Carlsbad residents and visitors are fortunate to have the Pecos River easily accessible for exploring and relaxing in our local paradise.
