Coastal Trail Nears Completion as Half Moon Bay Parks Commission Takes Stock of a Big Year

Half Moon Bay's Parks and Recreation Commission used its Jan. 27 meeting to look back at a packed 2025 — new parks, new programs, a landmark permit — and to look ahead at an ambitious 2026 that could bring a community pool, a feature film and deeper ties with the local school district. The wide-ranging session doubled as a launchpad for the commission's upcoming priority-setting, with staff painting a picture of a small recreation department punching well above its weight despite losing two-thirds of its full-time workforce.

• WaveCrest coastal trail is finished — beach stairs, signage and restrooms still to come in 2026
• Smithfield gets its first coastal development permit in 50 years, unlocking long-awaited improvements
• Pickleball community brokers its own deal with the school district for expanded court access
• Country line dancing draws 50+ a session, one of six new programs that stuck out of 12 launched
• Community pool conversations gain momentum as state rep and school district signal openness
• Feature film headed to Half Moon Bay in February, potentially bringing 80 crew members and economic boost
• New city attorney and communications manager hired; anti-blight ordinance advances for Main Street

Why it matters: The WaveCrest coastal access project fills the last major gap in Half Moon Bay's coastal trail — connecting the area south of Seymour Ditch all the way to Redondo Beach Road — and will add parking, beach stairs and a permanent restroom to a stretch of coastline that has lacked formal public access.