Shelter Cove Committee Weighs Diverting Sports Grant to Urgent Community Center Repairs

Whitethorn Construction in Talks to Donate Picnic Benches

During its September 25 meeting, the Shelter Cove Resort Improvement District (RID) Parks & Recreation Committee discussed several key projects, including potential improvements to local parks and the future of the Community Center.

A committee member announced they had approached Whitethorn Construction about the possibility of donating new redwood picnic benches. The company is reportedly looking into the request and may be able to provide the benches at cost. These durable redwood benches, similar to those outside the local hardware store, could replace aging ones at sites like Seal Rock or be installed in new locations. The committee also discussed the possibility of donated planters, such as oak barrels or custom planting boxes, to be filled with native plants and succulents in partnership with Friends of the Lost Coast.

Holiday Meeting Schedule Adjusted

The committee voted to adjust its upcoming meeting schedule to accommodate the holiday season. The November meeting has been moved to Friday, November 21, 2025. Following a discussion about the challenges of scheduling during the holidays, the committee voted unanimously to cancel its December meeting. The committee is required by resolution to meet once a month, but it was suggested that the board would likely understand skipping the holiday month.

Sports Court Grant vs. Community Center Repairs

The most significant discussion centered on the potential modification of a sports court grant to fund urgent repairs at the Community Center. The committee had previously tabled the item pending information on whether the center was a "grandfathered structure" under FAA regulations due to its proximity to the airport.

It was confirmed that the building is indeed grandfathered, meaning interior remodels can proceed without triggering major regulatory issues, although vertical expansion is not permitted. A recent walkthrough with Atlas Engineering determined the building is structurally sound and “definitely worth saving,” contrary to previous concerns that it might be a teardown. However, the facility has significant issues with leaks in the roof and the south wall, leading to mold that requires abatement.

"It's not nearly as bad as everyone has kind of thought," a committee member reported. "It's really like the things that we already know...we need to make it watertight."

The committee is now weighing whether to recommend reallocating the approximately $300,000 sports court grant to address these pressing needs. Bids for the sports court project are currently out, with a deadline of October 30th.

Discussion also touched on the Community Center's occupancy limits. While original plans from the late 1990s capped occupancy at 65, the current rental agreement allows for 89 people during daytime events with tables and 110 at night. The committee is considering requesting a variance from the county to allow for higher occupancy, especially during evening hours when there are no flights.

Subcommittee Reports and Future Plans

The committee reviewed reports from its subcommittees, which had been temporarily combined due to a shortage of members. With new members now on board, the subcommittees—which include Parks and Trails, Golf Course, Fourth of July, Community Center, Fundraising, and Arts and Ecotourism—will be re-established at the next meeting.

Ideas for future projects and events were also discussed, including a potential "Mushroom and Seaweed Festival" during the tourist off-season to attract visitors. The committee also debated the role of the RID in managing recreational facilities versus partnering with local nonprofits, which may have more flexibility in fundraising and volunteer coordination.