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A new San Mateo County park will honor the late supervisor and county sheriff Don Horsley, who died in November 2023.
At its Tuesday, Sept. 24, meeting the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted to name the new county park Don Horsley County Park at Tunitas Creek Beach. The naming will honor Horsley’s 40 years of service to the county, and his contribution to protecting this stretch of land along the San Mateo County Coast.
For many years, the beach was closed to public access as it was framed by towering cliffs and surrounded by private property. The beach and surrounding bluffs also sustained damage due to littering, and multi-night parties that became popular at this beach.
However, Horsley worked to raise county funds to help the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) secure the 58-acre stretch of beach in 2017.
“Don Horsley fought throughout his tenure on the Board of Supervisors to preserve the natural beauty and resources of his district for the benefit of all who live, work and choose to visit this special place,” said Walter Moore, POST’s president. “Thus, it is perfectly fitting that this soon-to-open jewel of the San Mateo coast will be named for the man who sounded the alarm for its protection. … POST applauds the Board’s decision to honor Don’s legacy so publicly and decisively.”
The property was transferred to San Mateo County in 2020 for restoration and the construction of public access.
“Owing to Don’s leadership and tireless efforts, the public will have access to Tunitas Creek Beach’s pristine, one-mile stretch of sandy beach, offering San Mateo County residents and visitors an opportunity to connect with the natural world and to enjoy unparalleled views,” said board President Warren Slocum in a Sept. 24 press release.
Tunitas Creek Beach sits between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero. The area is currently closed to the public for construction, but is slated to open later this fall.
“If you have ever been out to this beach, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the state,” said Supervisor Ray Mueller, who succeeded Horsley in representing District 3, in a statement. “He would have been delighted to have his name associated with this beach he worked so hard to save for the people of San Mateo County, California.”
The work underway includes construction of an ADA-accessible pathway, an area with picnic tables, interpretive panels explaining the natural history of the area, seating overlooking views of the ocean and restroom facilities.
Once open to the public, this will be the 24th park in the San Mateo County Park system, and the county’s first recreational beach.
After serving for 14 years as San Mateo County sheriff, Horsley was elected to the Board of Supervisors and served three terms, from 2010 to 2023.
Construction is underway at Tunitas Creek Beach. Courtesy WRT Design. 
Construction is underway at Tunitas Creek Beach. Courtesy WRT Design. 
Renderings show what the seating area and ADA-accessible path at the Don Horsley County Park at Tunitas Creek Beach will look like once completed. Courtesy WRT Design.
