Proxy beach environments: Toward relief of recreational pressures on fragile coastlines

Abstract

Abstract Whereas technology has brought problems for coastlines—mass‐produced cars streaming in on superhighways—it can also solve some of the problems thus created. Proxy beach environments, such as Big Surf, Arizona, which replicates aspects of an ocean coast, are but one palliative wrought by advances in hydraulics and landscape design principles. These artificial settings can furnish, within city limits, many of the experiences of more exotic seasides, and by so doing, alleviate recreational pressure on fragile natural counterparts. In exploration of this principle, the Big Surf facility is described and its market examined. It is suggested that the large capital outlay for this type of environment could be defrayed by inviting hotels and restaurants to locate, under concessionaire arrangements, on land closely overlooking the site. This could provide an incentive for the private sector to develop the primary facility, but a public sector role is also to be encouraged, as there is scope for redistributive strategems.