Beach Directory

Overview

Beach Directory is a data-driven research and outreach program that evaluates and compares public beaches across counties within a targeted geographic area. The program assesses beach access, amenities, environmental quality, usage, and community impact to help residents, visitors, planners, and policymakers better understand and improve public waterfront resources.

Goals

• Inventory and compare public beaches across counties in a consistent, accessible format.

• Identify disparities or gaps in access and infrastructure.

• Promote equitable access to high-quality public shorelines.

• Inform planning, funding, and stewardship decisions at the local and regional levels.

Program Components

• Beach Inventory: Comprehensive mapping of all publicly accessible parks and beaches by county, including GPS locations, beach size, and access type (walk-in, parking, boat).

• Comparative Criteria: Evaluation across standardized categories such as:

  • Water quality (based on public health data)

  • Available amenities (restrooms, lifeguards, ADA access, picnic areas)

  • Environmental condition (natural habitat, erosion, water clarity)

  • Accessibility (transport options, proximity to population centers)

  • Usage trends (visitor numbers, peak times, seasonal use)

• Community Feedback: Collection of resident and visitor feedback through surveys or interviews on user experience and perceived quality.

• Scoring & Visualization: Interactive dashboard or printed report comparing county-by-county data using charts, maps, and beach quality scores.

• Policy Recommendations: Insights and strategies for improving park and beach access, maintenance, and equity.