Then and now: Public beach access threatened

In the 1950s this was known at Bijou Pier. Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Connolly Beach always has been a prime attraction on the South Shore for locals and tourists. Notice the water level.

After incorporating in 1965, the city of South Lake Tahoe has retained maintenance, access and free public use of this beach fronting what we knew since the 1970s as the Timber Cove Lodge. (It was recently sold and renamed Beach Retreat & Spa).

Timber Cove Pier is private. Photo/Bill Kingman

Extending from public Connolly Beach is a 700-foot long private pier — the longest pier on Lake Tahoe today. It is still commonly referred to by locals as the Timber Cove Pier. Note how low the water level is today.

While the pier is private, the beach is public — despite what the hotel tells people. All the posted signage indicating “Connolly Beach” and “public” have recently disappeared. The new convention building project by “Beach Retreat” on Bal Bijou Road has closed the public driveway. One must “trespass” now via their Highway 50 private entry.

The public access issue was brought up at the Sept.9  City Council meeting and staff said they are working with the owners to ensure public access is maintained.

— Bill Kingman