Riverbank council keeps seasonal River Cove closure, cites safety and resident support

The Riverbank City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to continue an annual seasonal closure of the River Cove access area during the high season, citing resident safety and recurring trash and health concerns.

Staff told the council that residents of the River Cove neighborhood had asked for the closure after repeated incidents of outsiders accessing the beach area when river levels were low. A staff member described the closure as a way to reduce ‘‘significant safety issues’’ and health concerns caused by barbecues, trash and large gatherings, and said residents had expressed support for staff’s recommendation.

One council member asked whether a permanent closure was under consideration; staff said the option could be considered in the future but emphasized tonight’s action was to continue seasonal closures during high-use months. The motion to approve item 9.5 passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote.

The council’s action preserves the practice of restricting public access at certain times to address the local safety and nuisance issues staff and residents described. Staff said the closure does not affect Jacob Myers Park access from the park side and that the measure targets a separate riverbank beach area where problems had occurred.

Councilors who raised questions sought confirmation that affected residents had been consulted and asked staff to monitor environmental impacts. Staff said they had been in contact with River Cove representatives and that the closures had coincided with improvements in the natural environment.

The council did not adopt a permanent closure tonight and indicated any such step would return as a separate, noticed item should staff recommend it.