Refugio State Beach Park reopened on August 1, but something is missing.

“We’re a little disappointed that they cut down some of the Canary Island palms. I think a lot of people are a little disappointed about that,” said camper Scherri Hayley.

“I was really shocked,” said beach visitor Victoria Becica about the missing palm trees.

“You know, they were part of the history of this beach,” added camper Sherri Boushay.

Sixteen of the historic palm trees that lined Refugio State Beach for the past century are now gone, according to California State Parks, after winter storms damaged the park and shoreline and closed the park entirely since February.

“We were supposed to be here last month, but it was closed, so we had to make other arrangements for our camping,” said camper Don Boushay.

The Boushays and their dog Levi camp here every year and say they wish the state would do more to protect the coast.

“If they would maybe make some kind of rock fortification or something,” Sherri said.

Other repairs at the park included replacing a broken culvert, repairing a sinkhole at the park entrance and clearing debris from day-use areas and the campground. California State Parks says it is working to improve the park’s resiliency with its 2023 General Plan project and began the public feedback process in May.