“Spirit of Imperial Beach” Dedicated

Thursday, 19 February 2009

Visitors to Imperial Beach's oceanfront have a new piece of artwork to admire. The Palm Avenue Street End Project was dedicated Jan. 3, 2009.

The centerpiece of the project is the sculpture, "Spirit of Imperial Beach." The 18-foot-tall cast bronze sculpture was the work of late artist A. Wasil. The surfer in the artwork stands seven feet tall and carries a long board. The sculpture was designed to honor Imperial Beach, which many consider to be the birthplace of surfing.

Among those attending the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony were Imperial Beach Mayor Jim Janney, Michael B. Bixler, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners, and the family of the late artist.

The sculpture stands at the newly reconfigured Palm Avenue street end plaza, a $2.8 million public works project sponsored by the Port of San Diego, Imperial Beach and the State Water Resources Control Board. A semi-circular public overlook was created, providing a park-like setting for ocean viewing.

The project features important environmental and safety features, including a storm water pump station with a built-in pollution diversion system to reduce or prevent urban runoff from entering the beach, and the installation of ramps allowing direct beach access for the public.

Reyes Construction was the contractor for the project.

---