Photo Contest: Show Us the Beauty of Gateway Park

If you’ve near Cardiff State Beach, you’ve undoubtedly seen it: that stunning, sweeping view of San Elijo Lagoon.

This natural beauty is a reminder of just how lucky we are to have it in our back yard, and why it’s worth saving for the next generation. And locals who have lived here long enough know there was a more than 20-year battle to protect it development—which was finally when the bought the land, thanks to some private lenders. The group is now working to make sure it can continue to protect the land with its Campaign for Gateway Park, a fundraising effort to pay back those private lenders and secure permanent ownership.

In celebration of this community gem and all the locals who love it, Encinitas Patch and San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy are teaming up for a photo contest. We want you to snap a picture of the best views from Gateway Park. This can be anything from some of the plants and animals you spot along the trails—to a classic Southern California sunset, as seen from Gateway Park. And if your photo wins, you’ll win a $50 gift card to .

We’ll be taking photo submissions now through Sept. 1. After that, a panel of judges from Patch and San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy will select 10 finalists—and then readers will vote online for the winner.

Here are few more details about the contest:

• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
• To enter, simply upload a photo. Please title your photo, and feel free to be creative!
• All entries must be received by 5 p.m., Sept. 1, 2012 Eastern Time.
• Please only enter one photo per person.

OK guys, we asked for it: Hit us with your best shot! So, get out there, tell your friends and neighbors about it, and get creative—we can’t wait to see what sort of beauty you capture of the expansive views, people and wildlife of Gateway Park!

The Campaign for Gateway Park’s goal is to raise $3.75 million by December, and the community's support is still very much needed. For more information about the project and how you can help, visit San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy's website.

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