School’s out. The sun’s out. So the timing is right as Galveston unveils a new beach area – Babe’s Beach – which gives visitors much more room to dig their toes in the sand, play volleyball or simply stroll the coastline.
But this 15-block stretch of beach just west of 61st Street, is more than that. It’s a tribute to 89-year-old A.R. “Babe” Schwartz who has dedicated his life to appreciating and preserving Texas beaches.
Former state representative Schwartz, who attended the May 25 dedication with his family and friends, was born on the island in 1926. Here he developed a respect for the coast. He lifeguarded and he surfed.
Even after law school and his life in the political arena, Schwartz continued to keep the beach close to his heart. He helped create legislation that guarantees the free public access to Gulf of Mexico beaches that we all enjoy.
Babe’s Beach stands as a testament to all of Schwartz’s accomplishments, including the Texas Open Beaches Act he helped create while serving in the Texas House and Senate from 1955-1980. During his tenure as a lawmaker, he served on every major committee of the legislature, and served as the chairman of the Rules, Jurisprudence and Natural Resources Committees.
Schwartz also has passed on his love and knowledge of the coast, having taught Legislation and Coastal Zone Management Law at the University of Houston Law Center, and Coastal and Ocean Law at the University of Texas School of Law.
So, enjoy the sun and the sand, but remember Schwartz is the real beach “Babe”.
Find out more about Babe’s Beach, as well as Galveston’s Stewart Beach, East Beach and Seawolf Park by visiting www.galvestonbeachinfo.com.
