Sand Castle Trail on South Padre Island
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Via KRGV
There’s something new at South Padre Island. Visitors and residents can travel the island and discover about 30 different sand castles on display.
Some of them are very big and others are not so big. They’re all different and easy to find along the sand castle trail.
“The sand castle trail gives people visiting the island the opportunity to see our brand of local art,” South Padre Island City Manager Bill Dilibero said.
The sand castles can be found in front of various businesses, and a map is available to show the exact locations of the art.
Lucinda Wierenga is a world class master sand sculptor. Everyone knows her by her nickname Sandy Feet.
She has been building sand sculptures on the beach for over 30 years. “It was a team effort between the city and private businesses,” she said. “This was a fantasy that I’ve long had, building sand sculptures all over South Padre Island. So everybody that comes to the island, no matter what time of year it is, will be able to see amazing sand sculptures.”
Part of the fun of exploring the trail is looking for those hidden details in the sculptures.
“The one at the Paragraphs bookstore has scenes from seven or eight different books,” Wierenga said.
Some of the sand sculptures were damaged, during the never ending rains of May and June. However, they will be touched up. After all, this is a job where they get to play in the sand all day.
“Most recently, I did a big project in Kuwait for six weeks with about 70 other sculptors. I’ll be going to the American championship in Fort Myers Beach in November. And of course, we have sand castle days coming up here in October,” Wierenga said.
“The thing is to take the time to look at them and enjoy the unique art that we have on the island,” Dilibero said.
There is a free app people can download to check out the sand castle trail. Maps for the trail are available at the visitor’s center or most businesses.
“Oh man, I could not have asked for a better life. I feel so fortunate,” Wierenga said. “You know the sand here on South Padre Island is so good for sand castle building. We are truly blessed.”