GARDEN CITY BEACH Beach access points are a source of pride in Garden City Beach.

And residents and county officials are doing what they can to spruce them up.

Bruce Schaefer, who lives at the Admirals Quarters near Atlantic Avenue, helps keep beach access No. 5 clean. Since it’s right outside his front door, it’s not a taxing endeavor for him.

He and others in the living quarters have trimmed bushes within the beach access and picked up litter. Last summer, after Hurricane Irene made its presence known along the Grand Strand, they shoveled sand back onto the beach after it was pushed onto the access.

So, why does Schaefer take the time to keep the beach access looking good?

“Pride. Just nothing but pride,” he said.

Beach access No. 5 is one of four that were upgrade in 2011, said Horry County Councilman Paul Price, who represents the area. Those changes include additional paving, reflective signs listing the access number, signs indicating golf cart parking and portable toilets made for handicapped residents.

Three more of Garden City Beach’s 16 beach access points are scheduled for upgrades this year, Price said. Funding comes from federal grants and revenue generated through the community’s pay-to-park lot.

After the upgrades are finished, Price wants to make sure they remain pristine. He’s instituting an Adopt-A-Beach-Access program, allowing those who are interested to pick up trash in their designated access point and calling the county if signs are stolen.

“Kind of take pride in your community,” Price said.

The program is open to individuals, homeowners associations or businesses. Those participating will have a marker erected at their designated beach access, bearing the name of the person or group who’s keeping it clean

Anyone interested in the Adopt-A-Beach-Access program can contact Price at (843) 742-9692.

Contact BRAD DICKERSON at 626-0301.