Cut Back Hills
The project is inspired by two sources, driftwood flowing with the current of river paths and the maneuvering techniques that surfers utilize when riding on the wave, including cutback, snap, and floaters.
The primary function of the proposal is to provide a safe access from the special events parking area at Old Pacific Highway 101 to Trestles. Technically, to provide a minimized impact to the wetland, the main wood deck circulation spine follows the existing hard pack path, only elevated so its structure is anchored to the hard path below. The new circulation curls around the bluff anchoring the structure to non-wetland surface. When gradually approaching over the active railroad track the circulation cuts back its direction, turning from south to north. The circulation eventually descends to Trestles providing multiple access entrances to the beach, either by accessing one of the two provided stairs or ending its path down the ADA compliant circulation ramp.
By providing longer traveling distance than the existing hard pack circulation, this implementation allows visitors to opportunistically engage and contemplate Trestles natural environment from multiple vantage points. Longer distance allows for subtle and comfortable slope inclination percentage in compliance with accessibility standards.
At the main entry of the new circulation deck, four wheelchair accessible and one van accessible parking spaces are provided. Separate men's and women's bathrooms with drinking fountains at each entryway are installed for convenient visitor’s access. Adjacent to the bathroom facility is one of the first observation decks providing a view of the wetlands and beach facing northwest direction. Behind the observation deck and along the circulation path, are bike racks for visitors who wish to travel the deck by foot.
The circulation route curls around the bluff and opens up to a vast view of the entire Trestles as visitors continue to descend. Visitors either continue their circulation down to the beach or ascend up the Bleachers Hill, leading to the second observation deck at the crest of the site nearby the lifeguard tower. Here, visitors experience and contemplate the enhanced panoramic view of the overall Trestles.
Continuing its descend, the open-air circulation deck transforms into a tunnel-like form, acting as a sound barrier to the bypassing trains as Cutback Tunnel is located right above the train track. Along the final stretch, visitors are provided with two direct stairways to the beach and a third observation deck facing east, where they have a closer contact with the wetland ecosystem. Fourth observation deck nearby the exit of the ramp provides casual benches and bike racks for the convenience of visiting surfers.
