SAN DIEGO, Calif. – 2012-12-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — Loews Coronado Bay Resort is pleased to announce that it has fundraised over $1 million for the Silver Strand State Beach through an innovative multi-year effort established to maintain and enhance the park’s natural and cultural resources.
The project began in 2008 when Loews Coronado Bay initiated an optional one percent tax to guestroom rates in order to generate financial support to protect, preserve and enhance the nearby beach. One-hundred percent of all funds collected are allocated to the California State Parks Foundation and made available to California State Parks.
“At Loews Hotels we believe in being a good neighbor and feel an obligation not only to provide the very best the destination has to offer to our guests, but also to invest in our surrounding community,” said Brian Johnson, General Manager. “Preserving the Silver Strand State Beach and enhancing the community resources available to everyone is not necessarily above and beyond our duty—it’s inherent in who we are and what we do.”
Together, California State Parks and Loews Coronado Bay have been able to provide additional educational programming, including kayak tours of San Diego Bay, walking tours of the shoreline, volunteer opportunities and a Junior Ranger program for kids. The activities are open to the public and led by a dedicated Park Interpreter, who over the course of the 4-year partnership has served over 3,600 people through over 495 tours and activities.
“Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s visionary effort to raise funds with guest contributions for Silver Strand State Beach had been remarkably successful,” said California State Parks Foundation President Elizabeth Goldstein. “By reaching this milestone, Loews serves as an excellent example of how businesses can assist local state parks while also receiving tangible benefits. Their efforts not only make the hotel guest experience that much more rich, but they help all Californians.”
The funds raised have also enhanced beach amenities, including several new instructive panels highlighting the ecology of the beach. Future projects include a sand dune restoration and creation of a boardwalk and beachfront walk project to create a pedestrian walkway along the length of the beach.
“State Parks are a valuable resource for visitors and the businesses that cater to them,” said Clay Phillips, District Superintendent for California State Park. “We see this partnership as an absolute win-win and enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with Loews to enhance Silver Strand’s facilities and create additional educational opportunities for hotel guests and Californians alike.”
About Silver Strand State Beach
Named after the tiny, silver seashells that line its white sands, the Silver Strand’s world-class ecosystem is home to a unique plant and animal population and provides an important environment for wildlife and wildlife watching. This coastal habitat once comprised millions of acres in Southern California; however, only 10 percent of the State’s coastal wetlands remain. The beach ecology includes an undisturbed natural kelp “breach wrack” that is home to the Western Snowy Plover, a tiny bird native to the area. Recreation opportunities include camping, fishing, surfing, swimming, sailing, kite-boarding and picnicking. Shade structures, fire rings and restrooms are also available.
About Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Situated on a private 15-acre peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Coronado Bay, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is located minutes from downtown Coronado, a charming resort village, and a short drive to San Diego’s world-famous attractions. Resort amenities include direct access to the Silver Strand State Beach, three tennis courts, a private 80-slip marina, three acclaimed restaurants, 440 sea-inspired guest rooms and suites, and panoramic views of the San Diego-Coronado Bay. For more information, please call 619-424-4000, 800-81-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com/coronadobay.
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Contact:
Jennifer Duffy
Director of Public Relations – California
323-491-1083 office
323-253-4437 cell
jduffy@loewshotels.com