Commission explores paddleboard and kayak launch sites; Main & Beach and 41 Main among options

Tiburon — Commissioners said on March 17 that the town is exploring several potential locations for a year-round paddleboard and kayak launch, and that some sites will require coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and Caltrans.

Potential locations discussed included Main & Beach Road (near a small bridge and existing riprap), 41 Main Street (a required public access adjacent to private property), San Rafael and Tiburon Boulevard (Bramble Beach area), and sites in Belvedere. Commissioners and staff noted that Bramble Beach may be subject to seasonal closures and lacks parking, while Main & Beach and 41 Main offer more protection and nearby parking.

David (staff) told the commission that the small bridge at Main & Beach is on Caltrans’ bridge system and so Caltrans will perform inspections and may contribute substantial grant funding for replacement (staff estimated typical Caltrans contributions around 88 percent of replacement cost). Staff said a replacement for a bridge of that size could be roughly $1 million and that the near-term work planned for the bridge is a temporary rehabilitation to keep it functional for five or more years while a replacement is programmed.

Commissioners said a launch at 41 Main would require discussion with the private property owner, and that any Shoreline Park access would face tidal and current constraints. Several commissioners said they would pursue discussions with Belvedere and other agencies and return with feasibility analyses.

Next steps: staff and the paddleboard subcommittee will continue outreach to property owners and Belvedere officials and assess grant and design options tied to the Caltrans bridge replacement schedule.