Coastal Center is Open but the Boardwalk to the Beach Remains Closed Because of Damage

Updated on Monday, October 10, 2016 – The Coastal Center is open and visitors can enjoy the grounds, the garden, the observation tower overlooking the marsh, and the observation deck near the parking lot but an incident overnight Friday has caused us to close boardwalk leading to the beach until we can make repairs and return it to a safe condition.

A car that gained access to the boardwalk from Smiths Point Road on Friday night was destroyed in a fire, severely damaging the boardwalk. As of Saturday afternoon, yellow police tape was blocking access, and we’ve posted a sign saying the boardwalk is closed. A body was found in the car and police are investigating.

Unfortunately there is no other access to the beach from the Coastal Center. We will be working as hard as possible to restore access but as of now the boardwalk is closed.