Hybrid Stabilization of Eroding Bluff Parks on Corpus Christi Bay

Project Description

Public access and infrastructure at public parks along southern Corpus Christi Bay are threatened by ongoing erosion of the unconsolidated bluffs. This erosion was exacerbated by high water and focused waves along the bayfront during the 2020 Hurricane Season. Erosion at these parks has exposed new unconsolidated sediment and other materials that is more erodible. Continued erosion exposes hazardous discarded construction materials (e.g., concrete rubble and metal) which limits public access to the natural beaches and bay waters. Evidence of bluff erosion includes slumping and scarp, as well as mass failure. Historical erosion has reduced the footprint of upper parks and reduced both park safety and safe access to the beach. Because these parks are limited in width by the proximity of Ocean Dr. and due to their high elevation, it would not be cost effective to reclaim park acreage through placement of fill material. Therefore, the ongoing erosion is permanently reducing usable public park space. The three parks proposed for stabilization provide bay access to both the community and visitors. They are the only three parks that have characteristics that make them appropriate for enhancement of the waterfront access to small pocket beaches. These parks not only provide bayfront viewing and beach/water access but also function as more traditional neighborhood parks easily accessible by active modes of transportation (e.g., walking, bikes, scooters) from lower socio-economic areas. These bayfront parks are much closer to nearby neighborhoods than Gulf beaches making them a lower cost option for waterfront activities. This two phase project produced the project design and conducted construction that will stabilize the three parks in Corpus Christi Bay.